Alzheimer’s disease, commonly referred to as senile dementia, is a disease that gradually worsens over time. The time of onset, the rate of deterioration, and symptoms vary from person to person.
However, there are common behaviors along the way from normal cognitive functioning to severe terminal dementia. These are called the seven stages of dementia.
It was developed by Dr. Barry Leesburg of New York University, who is called the father of dementia education. Chosun Ilbo medical reporter Kim Chul-joong explains this.
◇ Stages 1 to 3 are pre-dementia stages
The point at which beta-amyloid protein, which causes dementia, begins to accumulate in the brain 10 to 20 years earlier than the onset of dementia. This time when there is no external problem is called the first stage.
Stage 2 is a very light change. Searching for things in the house becomes frequent, and there is some difficulty in coming up with words. But it’s not to the extent that people around you think it’s strange.
In the third stage, changes gradually come. Promises, money management begins to have difficulties. Causing minor troubles at work or at home.
The family also starts noticing that something is strange. So far, it is not dementia, and this period lasts about 7 years.
From stage 4, you enter the path of dementia. Often forgets familiar words and names. I have difficulty with my usual grocery shopping or cooking.
I can’t remember what I ate for breakfast this morning. Recent memory is diminished. The family takes the patient to the hospital to be diagnosed, and worries about how to treat and recuperate in the future.
From level 5 onwards, you need someone’s help. You ask the same question over and over again, and your personality changes. Nursing is required to eat or use the bathroom.
In stage 6, severe mental decline occurs. I wander, not remembering the route I took every day. They may even take an aggressive attitude.
Stage 7 is the end of dementia. Loss of ability to speak, eat, and swallow. You may not even recognize your child. 24 hour care and nursing is required.
◇Increase cognitive activity step by step
Park Gun-woo, a professor of neurology at Korea University Hospital, said, “If you do a lot of activities that increase cognitive function and help people around you, you can slow down the progress of dementia as much as possible.” present,” he said.
In the early stages, journal writing in the evening is recommended. It is to have a habit of recording what happened during the day, and check tomorrow’s appointments and meetings.
Always put things in the same place, and check where you sit when moving.
It is recommended to walk briskly for an hour or more every day and start a new study or hobby. When talking, don’t say ‘dick’ and try to find and use the correct words.
Hands-on art, singing classes, and math studies are also recommended.
As you progress, it’s good to stimulate memories with photos of yourself or your family and often talk about happy times.
Patients should be asked to do simple cooking, housework, banking, taking medicine, and making phone calls on their own. Let them choose their favorite clothes, food, and music.
If you go to the middle school level, you have to wash your face, brush your teeth, mop, and wash the dishes yourself, and encourage them to do well even if they can’t do it.
It is necessary to tell the name of the body part frequently so that it can accurately describe the symptoms of pain or abnormality.
It is good to check if you are good at locking the door when you go out, and to do memory training such as word search at home every day.
Later, when you ask for something you need, you need to teach and practice so that you can express it with your body or hand movements.