The Impact Of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is “a debilitating neurological illness characterised by significant impairment of cognition, especially in new learning and executive functions” (Simm, Jamieson, Ong, Garner & Kinsella, 2015, pg. 501). Its impact is not only felt by the individual, but also by family and friends who care for the diagnosed. It causes a change in the way many older adults age, adding more complications and a level of fear for their future, which has ultimately changed the way society views and handles aging. Social workers can play an immense role in helping ease this transition for those suffering, providing support, education, and resources for the individual and their family. Alzheimer’s can be extremely frightening for families dealing with the disease, however, with the help of a social worker, there is a higher chance of it becoming a simpler transition that will work out best for everyone. …show more content…
Mostly, all ideas are theorized and there is no definitive right or wrong reason as to why Alzheimer’s happens. The symptoms are quite clear, though: memory loss, difficulty problem solving, inability to complete tasks that were once easy to do, confusion about whereabouts and the time, trouble speaking or obtaining words, withdrawal, and a change in mood or personality (Alzheimer’s Association, 2017). Not only do these biological changes confuse and change the life for the sufferers, but it also puts them at risk of injury to themselves or others. Such has created the need for memory care units in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and even has created a different conversation for aging in place, a growing occurrence in many