Watch Alzheimer’s path of destruction
Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, slowly robs a person of everything he or she holds dear: memories, communication, thinking, planning, judgment, independence and bodily functions.
It is widely known that Alzheimer’s slowly attacks the brain, but how the disease progresses is not easily understood.
David Shenk, a writer and director, produced a “pocket” film titled “What is Alzheimer’s Disease?” to help both patients and caregivers better understand what’s happening in the brain. Shenk hopes the short animated video will “reduce stigma and increase patience” when caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s.
Medical experts agree that a better understanding of how the disease works is important.
“Alzheimer’s is not part of the normal aging process,” says Dr. MaryAnhthu Do, a neurologist at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Ill. “It’s an incurable neurodegenerative disease that causes progressive decline in memory and cognition.”
Initially presenting as memory loss, over time Alzheimer’s destroys more and more of the brain function until the person is unable to independently move, swallow or breathe.
“This video explains how Alzheimer’s alters the brain,” says Dr. Do.
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About the Author
Kate Eller was a regional director of public affairs and marketing operations for Advocate Health Care. She enjoys road trips, dogs, minimalism, yoga, hiking, and “urban hiking.”
