Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease causing cognitive decline and memory loss. It is the most common form of dementia.
The decline of mental capabilities in an Alzheimer’s patient is both chronic and progressive. However, the associated psychological problems tend to fluctuate depending on the patient’s mental & emotional state. As such, doctors emphasise on psychotherapy as key part of the treatment plan.
What are the symptoms?
An Alzheimer’s patient may experience the following:
- Reduced ability to remember new information leading to:
- Repetitive conversations
- Getting lost on familiar route
- Misplacing personal belongings
- Forgetting events of appointments
- Inability to recognise faces or common objects
- Impaired reasoning or difficulty exercising judgement
- Difficulty remembering common words
- Changes in personality or behaviour
What are the risk factors ?
- Age: Alzheimer’s commonly occurs in patients above 65 years old.
- Family history: A person is more likely to get it if he or she has a close family member with the condition.
- Genes: Certain genes have been linked to this disease.
How can psychotherapy help?
Psychotherapy can help the patient deal with anxiety and depression caused by the disease. It may also help with behavioural disorders such as delusions associated with it. A therapist can help the patient come to terms with their diagnosis and improve their overall outlook towards the situation at hand.
