INTRODUCTION
Disease and illness are a source of great fear for many young and old. There are any numbers of diseases that can limit one’s mobility, ability to function, and even strip them of their five senses. However, there are no conditions more frightening to many in the public as those that affect and compromise one’s mind. As we age it is not uncommon for people to forget things here and there, but when it goes beyond minor forgetfulness, but strips a person memories and ability to recognize even their closest loved-ones, it becomes incredibly frightening. Wives and husbands will not recognize their own spouse or do not recognize their grown children, because they only remember them as infants. It can cause a regression in patients; the patient may believe that they are living in a bygone era 50 or 60 years ago. This is what Alzheimer’s disease does to all of its victims. In the most basic explanation Alzheimer’s disease is an extreme and progressively severe form of dementia. More so, it can cause one to forget who they are and how to function or communicate in any meaningful ways (Hensiak 54). It is harsh disease that can, without question, destroys the sufferer’s life, but it is equally as difficult for family and friends, especially when the family is involved in care giving for the sufferer (National Institute on Aging 1). The family suffers the loss, the confusion, and sometimes even violence from the patients who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. The families and friends of Alzheimer’s sufferers are all too often overlooked and the area is worth more in-depth and continuing research.
HISTORY
Alois Alzheimer was a German psychiatrist and neuropathologist. In the early years of the 20th century, He became obsessed with the short-term memory loss and other symptoms being suffered by a number of committed, mental patients. He was able to determine the damaged areas of the brain and by 1911; the medical community began called the conditions Alzheimer’s Disease (Alzheimer's Association 1). Alzheimer’s, again, is the severest form of dementia, which specifically affects the parts of the brain that influence thoughts, memory, and language use. Of course, this is why the symptoms of Alzheimer’s damage the ability of the sufferer to remember day-to-day tasks, choose effective words, and recall names of people and places. While research has and continues to bring about greater understanding of Alzheimer’s, as yet, no singular identifiable cause has been pinpointed, however, some feel it may be a reaction to aging, that there are genetic components, and potentially an unhealthy lifestyle, cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption could all contribute (Alzheimer's Association 1). The prevalence of Alzheimer’s continue to climb, In 2013 there were, approximately, 5 million people suffering with Alzheimer’s in the United States alone; however, that number is expected, at this rate, to reach over 14 million by the year 2050. Alzheimer’s disease can affect the young but by and large it is condition effecting people over the age of 60. The onset of Alzheimer’s disease can be rather subtle and may be overlooked. Minor forgetfulness, getting lost in a familiar area, misplacing of common objects, and may repeat questions in a short period of time, and may suffer great confusion in handling money and paying bills. There are a number of medicinal, therapeutic, and psychological innovations that can aid patients with the condition, that does not change the stress, depression, and confusion suffered by the family and friends as their loved struggles though the ever-increasing severity of Alzheimer’s Disease (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1).
DISCUSSION
Friends of Alzheimer’s sufferers may sincerely want to help their friends, however it is unlikely that they will find themselves involved heavily with their care, but the presence of friends are very important to the progression and well-being of the conditions. Many Alzheimer’s patients become isolated as their memories are fading. That said friends may feel a level guilt when they cease to want to be around their once good friends. When the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is given it can be very traumatic for some people and the fears that the disease inspires. There is an adjustment period that occurs not just for the sufferer to come to terms with the diagnosis, but, also, for the families and friends, who can have a hard time accepting what, for many, is a devastating diagnosis. That said the experience of the family and friends can extend into many areas, not just the diagnosis aspect, but a number of other issues and considerations that develop. Some of these issues include, the emotional impacts, financial issues, legal problems, family conflicts, and, very often, caregiver stress.
Emotional Impacts: While the diagnosis of what this progressive condition will do to their loved is not the only emotional impact that evolves from an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The earliest stages of the disease, again, can be subtle, however when it becomes more sever, the sufferers may have mood swings, changes in their personalities that did not exist before, and eventually will result in the sufferer not even recognizing the family and friends around them. This can be incredibly hurtful to the family and friend, even though the issue is not intentional but the patient (Brinkley 1).
Financial Impacts: Alzheimer’s is a treatable, but incurable condition, but it is not the cost of therapy that can be the most problematic. It may become necessary for family to take-over control of the sufferers finances, because they are known to make poor decisions with money, including hiding it around their home, This not only can cause the sufferer to deplete their own income, but force the family to take responsibility, which can be rather stressful (Brinkley 1).
Legal Impacts: As mentioned above, it can become necessary for family to become the financial overseer to the sufferer’s funds, making all monetary decisions, like making certain all of the utilities are paid. However, when a sufferer has reached a certain point, where they can no longer safely care for themselves, where family may have to make the ultimate decision, and legally strip the sufferer’s personal autonomy and option of self choice and relinquish them to professional care settings. This can cause a rift between the sufferer and the family members and lead to great guilt and depression (Brinkley 1).
Family Conflicts and Impacts: Again, the loss of mental faculties is a terrifying diagnosis for the sufferer but it can strain or damage other familial relationships as well. As family members are stressed as to how to best meet their loved one’s needs, they may not always agree on what that is. In other words, family have and can go to “war” with each other over the care of a relative suffering from Alzheimer’s (Brinkley 1).
Caregiver Impacts: Very often Alzheimer’s sufferers will be cared for by their own family, very often a spouse or an offspring. For either the experience can be rather taxing and frustrating. Not only must they maintain and monitor the sufferer’s daily needs and activities, they may receive the greatest resistance from the sufferer themselves. Alzheimer’s patients often do not recognize them as their loved ones, and therefore will curse at them and fight them in their attempts to care for them. This can create great depression, resentment, and even disdain for the loved one they are caring for, and then latent guilt for feeling as they do (Varela, Verona and et al 113).
Spouses and adult children may find themselves taking care of their loved one every need, from their meals and medications to their hygiene and personal needs, which is, without question, an incredibly difficult reality to live. It is not just the adult members of the family that are affected by a diagnosis like Alzheimer’s disease. Young children experience great deal of confusion with such a diagnosis and the mental, emotional, and physical changes that may accompany the diagnosis. Grandparents are often affected by Alzheimer’s disease when their grandchildren are young (National Institute on Aging 1). For children it can be incredibly confusing when their afflicted loved one calls them by the wrong name or does not recognize them at all. Parents will, for this reason, eliminate the contact that the children have, to spare their feelings. Sometimes the best place for an Alzheimer’s patient to be is within a safe, secure, and professional facility that can meet all of their needs and protect them from themselves. Many families and friends cannot agree on those decisions and may suffer mentally and emotionally from attempting to provide care themselves. This devastating condition can lead to some very depressing ethical questions that many pray they will never have to experience (Schulz 23).
There is no doubt that Alzheimer’s is one of the most frightening diseases associated with aging in the modern world and a great deal of what spawns that fright is the lack of knowledge in understanding its causes and, therefore, an efficient and effective cure or vaccination. Fortunately, the research continues and new theories and possible approached are studied regularly. However, unfortunately, that has yet to yield any definitive cures or preventative alternatives; but researcher’s offer that the future is bright. In the meantime, however, the devastation of this diagnosis on the sufferer and upon their family and friends continues. However, research continues to be done that may, in the future, limit if not cure, Alzheimer’s and diminish its prevalence from modern society. In the meantime, however, it is, also, important to address not only the patient’s needs, but those of family and friends as well. There needs to be greater outlets and programs focused on improving the understanding, mental stresses, and emotional issues associated with their loved one’s diagnosis. Such programs can also help parents explain the disease to small children, as well. There, additionally, should be a means that teaches exercises and at-home aids that can effectively slow their loved ones condition properly (Alzheimer's Association 1).
CONCLUSION
One of the most devastating things that can happen to a human being is the loss of their identity, freedom, and autonomy. These are the inalienable rights that each and every American has. However, when someone is diagnosed with a disease like Alzheimer’s disease it will literally strip you of your identity; your life, experiences, places, dates, and faces, everything that makes a person uniquely individual. Metaphorically they are like an empty vessel, who they were and what they knew is no longer in existence or is no longer accessible by the sufferer. Family members, children, spouses, and grandchildren may all want to participate in their care others may find a safe, care facility is the best option. Regardless, what is most important is that they are taken proper care of and treated with the utmost respect and love, after all this is not something they have any real control over. It is also important work to diligently and encourages the sufferer to make use of memory techniques and brain exercises to maintain their mental edge as long as they possibly can. The stresses on family and friend are extreme and cannot be forgotten as research continues.
WORK CITED
Brinkley, Marcy. "Effects of Alzheimer's Disease on the Family." LiveStrong. 2 May 2011: 1. Web. 19 Dec. 2014. < http://www.livestrong.com/article/109140-effects-alzheimers-disease-family/>.
Hensiak, Kathryn “Unraveling the Uncertainties of Alzheimer's Disease: Resources for Attorneys and Clients ." Marquette Elder's Advisor. 4.3 (2003): 54-60. Print
Schulz, Richard, and . "Physical and Mental Health Effects of Family Caregiving." American Journal of Nursing. 108.9 (2008): 23-27. Print.
Varela,, Graciela, Leydis Verona, et al. "Alzheimer’s Care at Home: A focus on caregivers strain." Prof Inferm. 64.2 (2011): 113-117. Print.
Alzheimer's Association, . "I Have Alzheimer's Disease." Alzheimer's Association. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Dec 2014. <http://www.alz.org/i-have-alz/helping-friends-and-family.asp>.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, . "Alzheimer's Disease." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014): 1. Web. 19 Dec. 2014. <http://www.cdc.gov/aging/aginginfo/alzheimers.htm>.
National Institute on Aging, . "Alzheimer’s Caregiving Tips: Helping Family and Friends Understand Alzheimer’s Disease." National Institutes of Health. (2014): 1-2. Print. <http://www.nia.nih.gov/sites/default/files/Alzheimers_Caregiving_Tips_Helping_Family_and_Friends_Understand_Alzheimers_Disease.pdf>.
