Alzheimer's disease also called Senile Dementia of the Alzheimer Type (SDAT) is the most common form of dementia. Generally it is diagnosed in people over the age of 65, although the less-prevalent early-onset Alzheimer's can occur much earlier. An estimated 26.6 million people worldwide had Alzheimer's in 2006; this number may quadruple by 2050.

Although each sufferer experiences Alzheimer's in a unique way, there are many common symptoms. The earliest observable symptoms are often mistakenly thought to be 'age-related' concerns, or manifestations of stress, in the early stages, the most commonly recognized symptom is memory loss, such as difficulty in remembering recently learned facts. As the disease advances, symptoms include confusion, irritability and aggression, mood swings, language breakdown, long-term memory loss, and the general withdrawal of the sufferer as their senses decline. Although causes are unknown chemical deficiencies, genetics, viruses, and weak immune systems are among the leading theories.

There are various ways a Devoted Caregiver can support seniors with Alzheimer’s disease. This would include such measures as maintaining a safe and familiar environment, establishing routines, and providing ongoing support with their daily activities.

Behavioral Patterns Found in Alzheimer's Disease

Behavior	Description	How to Handle the Behavior
Recurring Behaviors	Recurring behavior is doing the same act over and over ( e.g. folding a towel).	allow the individual to continue the repetitive behavior take individual for walk
Abnormal Sexual Behavior	Sexual behavior may involve the wrong person, at the wrong time, in the wrong place. Or, it may involve an inappropriate action (e.g. exposing themselves or masturbating in front of others).	encourage affection with individual’s sexual partner when masturbating, lead individual to a private area
Screaming	Screaming occurs in an attempt to communicate.  It can involve screaming a name, a word or simply making yelling sounds.	provide a calm & quiet environment determine if there are vision or hearing problems
Aggression	Aggression & combativeness often occur because of restlessness or agitation (e.g.  hitting, punching, biting).	do not argue with the individual remain calm & collected protect yourself
Agitation	An agitated individual may walk back & forth,  hit or yell.	determine why the individual is agitated (e.g. Hungry? In pain? Insufficient sleep?) maintain a calm & quiet environment
Disastrous Responses	Disastrous responses are extreme responses, with the individual reacting as if a major disaster has occurred.	avoid having too many stimuli present at one time (e.g .asking questions when the TV is on) maintain a calm & quiet environment
Delusions	Delusions area false beliefs, even when facts say differently. (e.g. An individual may think he/she is going to be murdered.)	reassure individuals that you will protect them & they are safe use touch to cam them distract the individual with some type of activity
Hallucinations	A hallucination is hearing, seeing smelling or feeling things that are not there. (e.g. Individuals may think snakes are in bed with them.)	reassure individuals that you will protect them from harm don't argue with them, as they do not understand what you are saying
Wandering	Since Alzheimer's Disease causes the individual to be disoriented in respect to person, place or time, they may become lost or use poor judgment, which compromises their safety.	ensure individuals are not able to wander off  by securing safety locks at tops or bottoms of doors & windows keep their environment free from hazards.
Site Wikipedia Ref. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alzheimer%27s_disease