Alzheimer's disease and residence in a nursing home
Alzheimer’s disease occurs in older age and is one of the best-known and most prevalent forms of dementia. It is estimated that in Serbia, after the age of 65, as many as 10% of people suffer from some form of dementia, of which 6-8% are people with Alzheimer’s.
Before delving deeper into explaining the symptoms and ways Alzheimer’s interferes with the daily functioning of elderly people, we will clarify the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Although these two terms are often used interchangeably to describe cognitive impairment and forgetfulness in older adults, they are not entirely the same.
Dementia is a general term used to describe a decline in cognitive functions that affects everyday life. Alzheimer’s disease is a specific type of dementia caused by the progressive death of brain cells, leading to memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving, and speech, ultimately depriving the affected person of the ability to perform simple everyday tasks.
In other words, Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia, but not all cases of dementia are caused by Alzheimer’s disease. There are many other causes of dementia, including Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and others.
Stages and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer’s disease typically progresses in several stages: preclinical, mild or early stage, moderate stage, and severe, sometimes called late stage.
Preclinical stage of Alzheimer's disease
Scientific research suggests that brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease occur as much as 10 or more years before the first symptoms appear. This phase, in which brain changes occur but there are still no signs of dementia, is called preclinical Alzheimer’s disease. However, it is important to note that not everyone with these brain changes will develop dementia.
Signs of Mild Alzheimer's Disease
In mild Alzheimer’s disease, the person may appear healthy on the outside, but increasingly struggles to understand the world around them, something noticed by those in daily contact with them. The realization that something isn’t right often comes gradually, and during this stage, both the affected individual and family members start to notice changes.
Early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease may include:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Gradual loss of reasoning ability
- Loss of spontaneity and sense of initiative
- Losing track of dates, time, and spatial orientation
- Taking longer to complete routine daily tasks
- Repeating questions or forgetting recently learned information
- Problems managing money and paying bills
- Inability to plan future events
- Wandering and getting lost, even in previously familiar surroundings
- Misplacing items
- Changes in mood and personality
- Increased anxiety and/or aggression
Alzheimer’s disease is often diagnosed during this stage.
Signs of Moderate Alzheimer's Disease
During this stage, symptoms become more severe and pronounced, and the affected individual requires more intensive supervision and care. The newly emerging changes and increasing needs of the patient can be challenging for spouses and families.
Symptoms of moderate Alzheimer’s disease may include:
- Increased confusion and memory loss, forgetting personal memories
- Difficulty speaking, and problems with reading, writing, and arithmetic
- Difficulty organizing thoughts and logical thinking
- Shortened attention span
- Inability to learn new things
- Changes in sleep patterns, such as sleeping during the day instead of at night
- Difficulty performing familiar tasks with multiple steps, such as dressing
- Occasional problems recognizing familiar faces, family members, and friends
- Hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia
- Restlessness, anxiety, depression, wandering—especially in the late afternoon or evening
- Repetition of statements or movements, occasional muscle twitches
- Impulsive behaviors, undressing in public or inappropriate places, or using vulgar language
- Withdrawal from social activities
Signs of Severe Alzheimer's Disease
Individuals in the advanced stage of Alzheimer’s disease lose their independence—they are unable to communicate and become completely dependent on others for even the simplest daily activities, such as dressing or eating. Towards the end of life, the individual may spend most or all of their time in bed as their body gradually shuts down.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease in the severe stage often include:
- Inability to communicate
- Loss of memory regarding recent events
- Lack of awareness of surroundings
- Seizures
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Difficulty swallowing
- Deterioration of overall bodily health, including problems with teeth, skin, and feet
- Increased duration spent sleeping
- Loss of bowel and bladder control
A common cause of death among people with Alzheimer’s disease is aspiration pneumonia, an inflammation of the lungs caused by inhaling particles of liquid or food into the lower part of the lungs. This type of pneumonia develops when the individual is unable to swallow properly, causing food or liquid to enter the lungs instead of air.
How does Alzheimer's disease affect daily life?
Alzheimer’s disease is progressive, and affected individuals gradually face increasing challenges in daily life.
In the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, affected individuals generally do not require external care. They may experience mild memory loss, difficulty completing complex tasks, and changes in mood and behavior. Some people at this stage may become disoriented and forget their location, even in familiar places. However, these symptoms are subtle and, in most cases, do not significantly impact daily life.
During the moderate stage, more pronounced symptoms appear along with a decline in the ability to perform daily tasks. Individuals have difficulty recalling past events, recognizing friends and family members, and remembering important dates and scheduled appointments. Independently performing complex actions, such as meal preparation or personal hygiene, becomes challenging. Behavior changes occur, with the affected person becoming agitated, paranoid, and confused. Speech and understanding become difficult, and the individual withdraws socially. In the moderate stage of Alzheimer’s disease, the individual will need assistance with dressing, bathing, and toileting.
The final, late, or severe stage of Alzheimer’s disease requires extensive patient care. At this stage, individuals cannot recall personal information and do not recognize faces or places. They cannot eat, dress, or use the toilet independently. Behavior changes significantly—becoming repetitive, agitated, or even aggressive, while communication deteriorates. Physical decline also occurs—muscles weaken, and mobility decreases, requiring assistance with movement. At this stage, the individual is dependent on caregivers, requiring 24-hour care and supervision, which can be physically and emotionally exhausting for the family.
The role of specialized care in improving the quality of life for Alzheimer's patients
Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s can require significant physical, emotional, and financial resources and can negatively affect other family members.
The decision to place a person with Alzheimer’s disease in a nursing home is complex and personal, often accompanied by discomfort and feelings of betraying the trust of an elderly parent or relative. However, this decision should be made rationally, based on the needs of the affected individual, objective capabilities to provide appropriate care at home, and the availability of financial resources.
Accommodation at the Vila Košuta Lux nursing home is beneficial for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, with some of the most prominent advantages being:
Specialized care: Vila Košuta nursing home has professional and experienced staff trained to care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. They can provide 24-hour supervision and support, something families often cannot offer.
Access to medical care: Individuals with Alzheimer’s often have other health problems requiring assistance. Medical staff at Vila Košuta Lux nursing home closely monitor their health and provide necessary treatments.
Safe and stimulating environment: Individuals with Alzheimer’s may become disoriented and get lost, leading to dangerous situations. Staff at Vila Košuta Lux nursing home ensure residents’ safety at all times.
Social interaction and engagement: Vila Košuta nursing home has programs and activities designed to encourage socialization and engagement among residents. This can help individuals with Alzheimer’s disease feel useful and maintain contact with people of similar age groups.
Family relief: Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be physically and emotionally demanding. Placing an individual in a nursing home, knowing they receive all necessary attention and care, can provide much-needed respite and relief to caregivers, allowing them to care for themselves and manage everyday responsibilities without interruption.
Old age itself is not easy, and when accompanied by declining health and loss of self-care ability, it deprives elderly individuals of dignity and a sense of purpose.
Unfortunately, daily life does not stop, even when facing illnesses among loved ones. You still have work and dozens of other responsibilities, making the situation even more complex.
The decision regarding nursing home placement is not easy, but remember that the affected individual will be in a safe and stimulating environment with all necessary care and social contact, allowing you to continue your life. Choose the best for your elderly—opt for Vila Košuta Lux nursing home.