Understanding Alzheimer’s

According to (DSM-IV-TR) (APA, 2000) Alzheimer’s is referred to on Axis I as “Dementia for Alzheimer’s type”. Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disorder that is very progressive and is fatal. 

Studies demonstrate that people with this disease could pass away approximately seven years after the on-set of memory loss and as early as three years. 

Alzheimer’s is the most common cause for the cognitive disorder dementia. Alzheimer’s can only be fully diagnosed after one’s death with an autopsy to examine the brain abnormalities. 

To diagnose Alzheimer’s while an individual is living, all other possible reasons that a person has gotten dementia have first need to be ruled out. This is done by obtaining a family history, obtaining laboratory testing, and by being examined by a physician.

The on-set of Alzheimer’s usually does not occur until the age of about 45 or after. It is correlated with a multitude of cognitive dysfunctions as mental functioning declines. Usually if an individual has Alzheimer’s, their cognitive deterioration is a very gradual process which usually begins with short term memory loss. 

Other symptoms could be: having poor judgment, being disoriented, starting to lack in taking care of personal hygiene, and not feeling connected to reality. 

Individuals with Alzheimer’s are able to alleviate some of their symptoms with proper guidance. However, once the disease forces loss of certain functions, it is not possible to restore these functions. 

Counselors can help a client with their agitation and aggression that they may often feel. 

Counselors can also help caretakers of these particular patients deal with the distress that they endure (Butcher, Mineka, & Hooley, 2012). 

References

American Psychiatric Association (APA). (2000) Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) 4^th ed., Text revision. Arlington,VA: Author.

Butcher, J. N., Mineka, S., & Hooley, J. M. (2012). Abnormal psychology, 14^th ed. Boston, MA: Pearson.

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 By Diane Davidson 
                               Gammon M.S.
         Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Diane Davidson Gammon MS is clinically supervised by Michael Loftis LCSW as she pursues  LPC-MHSP licensure.

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