Specialized Alzheimer Care

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What is Alzhemers? Alzheimer Care Unit Alzheimer Support Group

What is Alzheimer's disease?
Lady with a cat


Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disease of the brain characterized by gradual loss of memory and the deterioration of other mental functions including the ability to think, reason, function and behave in a socially accepted manner.

The risk of the disease increases with age with the majority of sufferers being older than 65, although it is possible for younger people to be afflicted as well.

The risk of the disease doubles with every decade over the age of 65. The usual symptoms associated with Alzheimer's may have other causes such as normal ageing, Parkinson's disease, stroke, Huntington's disease or Aids.

It is therefore important to remember that only a doctor can give a proper diagnosis.
6 Warning Signs

  • A memory problem which is NOT caused by alcohol abuse or head injury and which worsens with time.
  • Language problems. Difficulty naming objects, finding the right word to use in a sentence and often speaking nonsense.
  • Zips and buttons are difficult to fasten. Alzheimer sufferers find it hard to dress themselves.
  • Hygiene. Those with Alzheimer's may not care about how they look and may not want to bath.
  • Extreme mood swings. A change in mood for no reason - like being calm then suddenly scared or angry and aggressive within minutes.
  • Impaired judgment. Strange behavior - like wearing underclothes over top clothes or taking off clothes in public.

    Many Alzheimer sufferers get lost in familiar places such as their own neighborhood. Even recognition of their own family and friends becomes difficult. They can recall childhood memories at times, but cannot remember anything that has happened the same day.

    They are normally suspicious of other people and may accuse them of stealing or hiding things
    • Alz residents

    Support Groups

    While there is at present no cure for Alzheimer's disease, new medications which help to alleviate the symptoms are available.

    Support groups for sufferers, their families and care givers can also be a great help to those affected by this disease.

    The Helderberg Alzheimer's support group meets every second Tuesday at Helderberg Lodge in Swalle Street, Somerset West.

    If you would like more information on either of these support groups please contact either Sister Sharon Ridler at 8521722.

    Advice from those who know!

    These words of advice come from a group of people in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease

  • Acknowledge my disease
  • Don't pretend that nothing is wrong
  • Keep visiting and stay in touch
  • Don't treat me like a child
  • Learn about this disease
  • Give me time to do things
  • Take me seriously
  • Don't stare at me strangely
  • Give me some space
  • Let me continue to do things that I can still do
  • Understand that when I can no longer do things I used to do, it is not easy to deal with and I may get upset or frustrated


    • And finally, remember I am still me!


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