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    • Dementia and Alzheimer's
    • Guide
    • Overview
      • What Is Dementia?
      • What Is Alzheimer's Disease?
      • Other Dementias
    • Diagnosis & Stages
    • Causes & Risks
      • Causes of Alzheimer's Disease
      • Race As a Risk Factor
    • Treatment
      • Drug Treatment
      • Complementary & Alternative Treatment
      • Research and Potential Treatments
      • Symptom Management
    • Living With
      • Day-to-Day Living With Alzheimer's
      • Diet & Exercise
      • Safety Issues
    • Symptoms & Related Conditions
      • When Alzheimer's Affects More than Memory
      • Physical Problems
      • Sleep Problems
      • Behavioral & Cognitive Problems
      • Gastrointestinal Problems
      • Psychosis
    • Caregiving
      • Caregiving
      • Caregiver Stress & Self-Care
      • Legal & Financial Matters
    • Support & Resources
      • Where to Find Support for Alzheimer’s
      • Care Facilities
    • View Full Guide

    Symptoms & Related Conditions

    1. When Alzheimer's Affects More than Memory

      1. When Alzheimer's Affects More than Memory

        Alzheimer's disease often begins with memory loss. Over time, it can lead to other mental, emotional, and physical problems.

    2. Physical Problems

      1. How Alzheimer's Affects Your Body

        Most people know Alzheimer's disease affects the memory. But the symptoms can be physical as well as mental.

      2. Breathing Problems and Alzheimer’s

        When your loved one with Alzheimer's has breathing problems, they feel like they have to work harder than usual to get air.

      3. Voice Problems and Alzheimer’s

        Voice and speaking problems are common in people who have Alzheimer’s disease.

      4. Itchy Skin and Alzheimer’s

        People with Alzheimer’s disease might itch and scratch or pick at their skin for many reasons.

      5. Fever and Alzheimer’s

        When a person with Alzheimer’s disease has a fever, you may notice a change in their behavior.

      6. Dental Problems and Alzheimer’s

        People with Alzheimer’s may forget to brush their teeth, or they might not remember how to use the toothbrush and toothpaste. 

    3. Sleep Problems

      1. Alzheimer's and Sleep Problems

        People with Alzheimer’s disease go through many changes, and sleep problems are often some of the most noticeable.

      2. How to Manage Sundowning

        You may notice changes in how people with Alzheimer's act in the late afternoon or early evening. Doctors call it sundowning.

    4. Behavioral & Cognitive Problems

      1. Recognizing Alzheimer’s Personality Changes

        Alzheimer’s sometimes brings on personality changes that can make your loved one hard to recognize.

      2. Understanding Alzheimer’s Behaviors

        Knowing how to understand, interpret, and respond to common Alzheimer’s behaviors can make interacting a bit easier.

      3. Alzheimer’s and Anxiety

        As many as 3 in 4 people with Alzheimer’s disease may have some level of anxiety.

      4. Alzheimer’s and Hoarding and Hiding

        Many people with Alzheimer’s disease collect or hide things. To collect a large number of things is called hoarding. 

      5. How to Prevent Wandering

        One of the biggest concerns of caregivers who help people with Alzheimer's is how to prevent wandering.

      6. Alzheimer’s Aggression

        Aggression may be a symptom of Alzheimer’s disease itself. No one knows for sure why it happens.

      7. Sexual Behavior and Alzheimer’s

        Often, people with Alzheimer’s still have a sex drive. But brain changes can make them act in ways that are new or different.

      8. Caring for Cognitive Problems

        Taking care of someone who suffers from Alzheimer's requires different expectations and a special set of caregiving skills.

      9. Alzheimer’s and Delirium

        It’s normal for people with Alzheimer’s to feel more confused as time passes. But sometimes this confusion gets worse quickly.

      10. Alzheimer’s and Hallucinations and Delusions

        Hallucinations and delusions are common in older people with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.

      11. Alzheimer’s and Refusing Care

        Your loved one may not want to take a bath or get dressed, or they may refuse to take medicine or just not cooperate.

      12. Alzheimer’s and Refusing Eat or Drink

        It’s common for people with Alzheimer’s disease to stop eating or drinking in the later stages.

    5. Gastrointestinal Problems

      1. Chewing and Swallowing Problems

        Nearly half the people with Alzheimer's who are in a nursing home have a problem chewing or swallowing. 

      2. Constipation and Alzheimer’s

        Does your loved one with Alzheimer’s also have trouble with bowel movements when they go to the bathroom?

      3. Diarrhea and Alzheimer’s

        Diarrhea often affects older people and those with Alzheimer’s disease.

      4. Bowel Incontinence and Alzheimer’s

        Bowel incontinence is when someone leaks stool or has a bowel movement by accident. It’s common in people with Alzheimer’s.

      5. Blood in the Urine and Alzheimer’s

        There can be many common causes of blood in the urine among older people, including those with Alzheimer’s disease.

    6. Psychosis

      1. Complications of Dementia-Related Psychosis

        Complications of dementia-related psychosis can happen more often and become more severe as time goes on.

      2. When Dementia-Related Psychosis Isn't Treated

        Dementia-related psychosis is more than just upsetting. It can lead to all kinds of problems if it's left untreated. 

      3. Treatment for Dementia-Related Psychosis

        There are things you can do to help you manage dementia-related psychosis safely for yourself or someone you care about.

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    Quiz: Alzheimer’s Myths & Facts

    Can drinking red wine reverse the disease?

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