Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia in the UK.
Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease which affects multiple brain functions including memory, thinking and reasoning and language.
According to the Alzheimers society, the causes of Alzheimer’s disease are very complex, but one key part is the build-up of two substances inside the brain called amyloid and tau.
When conditions in the brain aren’t right, these clump up and form tiny structures called plaques and tangles. These make it harder for the brain to work properly.
As the condition develops, problems with memory worsen and further symptoms can develop:
- Confusion and disorientation
- Difficulty planning or making decisions
- Speech and language difficulties
- Difficulties moving around without assistance or performing self-care tasks
- personality changes, such as becoming aggressive, demanding and suspicious of others
- Hallucination and delusions
- Low mood or anxiety
Although there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, individuals and their family can still benefit from support and education regarding the disease. Treatment will often involve adaptations to reduce potential stressors and physical difficulties for individuals.
It can also involve medications which may temporarily alleviate or stabilise some symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
Please see the following websites for an extensive list of treatments:
Alzheimer’s disease – Treatment – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Drug treatments for Alzheimer’s disease (alzheimers.org.uk)
Speech and Language Therapists will support individuals with Alzheimer’s with both Dysphagia (Swallowing difficulties) and communication difficulties.
Therapy input for dysphagia will often focus on modification of textures of diet and fluid, modifying the environment and education and support for families and carers of the individual.
Therapy input for communication may involve maintenance of the skills an individual already has or adapting your communication to make conversation more accessible to the individual.
It may also involve reminiscence and life story work which involves gathering photographs and objects throughout an individual’s life which can encourage and support conversation.
Look out for our future blogs on communication tips and tips for mealtimes, coming soon.
If you feel you or someone you know would benefit from our input, please do not hesitate to contact us via our contact form which can be found here:
Speech Matters Speech TherapyContact – Speech Matters Speech Therapy
