Alzheimer's Health Problems
How might other health problems affect people with Alzheimer's?
Another reason for using medications in people who have Alzheimer's disease
is to reduce what is sometimes called "excess disability," which refers
to the increase in Alzheimer's-like symptoms that are actually due to other
illnesses. These co-occurring conditions may worsen the behavioral and cognitive
symptoms of Alzheimer's and should not be overlooked or minimized.
For example, if someone with Alzheimer's also has depression, he or she may
be less socially involved. A person suffering from arthritis pain may be more
likely to scream out or wander without apparent explanation. Urinary tract infections
may increase wandering and night disturbances due to the increased need to urinate.
People with Alzheimer's may not be able to communicate such health problems
to others, so their reactions may be interpreted as part of the Alzheimer's
disease process. With proper treatment of the underlying cause, such behaviors
may improve or resolve.
In addition, there are a number of other health conditions that can affect
cognition and therefore may compound the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
These conditions need to be identified and treated. Click
here for more information on this topic.
What should be done if other health problems are present?
People with Alzheimer's should receive ongoing medical care to identify and,
if necessary, receive treatment for specific health problems. For example, the
depressed may benefit from antidepressants; those with arthritis might
need to take anti-inflammatory drugs for pain relief; and frequent urinary
tract infections might require treatment with antibiotics to address
the underlying infection. Correcting these disorders often greatly improves
mental function.
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