Impact of Alzheimer's on Individual's Physical Well-being
Living with Alzheimer's: Understanding and Managing the Physical Challenges
Alzheimer's disease is more than just memory loss. It affects various aspects of physical health, leading to a range of symptoms that worsen as the disease progresses.
Mobility Issues
Individuals with Alzheimer's may experience mobility problems, such as toileting difficulties and a disrupted bathroom schedule[1]. Controlling bowel and bladder movements can become affected, potentially leading to accidents. Uncontrollable twitches or jerks in various parts of the body are also common[1]. As the disease advances, balance issues, weakened muscles, and altered gait increase the risk of falls, which can result in injuries ranging from minor bruises to more severe fractures[1][3][5]. To minimize the chances of accidents, caregivers should encourage proper footwear and use assistive devices like walking aids if necessary.
Swallowing Difficulties
Alzheimer's can impact the ability to swallow, leading to complications such as choking or pneumonia[4]. Caregivers may need to adapt meal plans or consider alternative forms of nutrition.
Sleep Disruptions
Sleep disturbances are prominent in Alzheimer's patients, including shorter or fragmented sleep, disrupted circadian rhythms, and reduced deep and REM sleep[3]. These disruptions further affect overall health and exacerbate symptoms like restlessness and confusion. Establishing a calming bedtime routine, minimizing caffeine intake, and creating a comfortable sleep environment can contribute to better sleep quality.
Managing the Impact of Alzheimer's on Physical Health
Regular physical activity can positively influence the disease's effects on physical health by improving brain health and possibly slowing cognitive decline. Exercise promotes the production of neurotrophic factors, such as BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), that support neuronal health, reduces neuroinflammation, and encourages beneficial immune responses in the brain[2][4]. However, Alzheimer’s patients often experience reduced physical activity due to their symptoms, which may accelerate physical decline.
Safety Measures at Home
Understanding and addressing these physical challenges is crucial for caregivers to provide better support, enhance quality of life, and promote a safer environment for those living with Alzheimer's disease. Safety measures at home, such as removing tripping hazards and installing handrails, become essential to reduce the likelihood of falls.
[1] Alzheimer's Society. (2021). What is dementia? [online] Available at: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/what-is-dementia
[2] Alzheimer's Research UK. (2021). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). [online] Available at: https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/info/research-into-alzheimers-disease/brain-chemicals/brain-derived-neurotrophic-factor-bdnf
[3] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Sleep disorders in Alzheimer's disease. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/sleep-disorders/art-20047553
[4] Alzheimer's Association. (2021). Exercise and Alzheimer's. [online] Available at: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/care-support/caregiving-resources/health-wellness/exercise-and-alzheimers
- Alzheimer's disease not only causes memory loss but also disrupts sleep patterns, such as shorter or fragmented sleep, disrupted circadian rhythms, and reduced deep and REM sleep, which further affect overall health and exacerbate symptoms like restlessness and confusion.
- Managing Alzheimer's disease involves understanding the impact of the condition on various aspects of physical health, including dementia, neurological disorders, and health-and-wellness, with many patients experiencing mobility issues, swallowing difficulties, and sleep disruptions.
- Science has shown that regular physical activity is beneficial for Alzheimer's patients, promoting the production of neurotrophic factors like brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which support neuronal health, reduce neuroinflammation, and encourage beneficial immune responses in the brain.
- To maintain the health and safety of individuals living with Alzheimer's disease, it's essential for caregivers to address these physical challenges by implementing safety measures at home, such as removing tripping hazards, installing handrails, and using assistive devices, to minimize the risk of falls and accidents.
