Alzheimer's Respite

What is Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer's Disease is a generative brain disease that usually begins gradually, causing a person to forget recent events or familiar tasks.  How rapidly it advances varies from person to person, but the brain disease eventually causes confusion, personality and behavior changes and impaired judgment.

The Alzheimer's Association has developed a list of warning signs that include common symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease (some also apply to other dimentias).  Individuals who exhibit several of these symptoms should see a physician for a complete examination:

• Memory loss that affects job skills

• Difficulty performing familiar tasks

• Problems with language

• Disorientation to time and place

• Poor or decreased judgment

• Problems with abstract thinking

• Misplacing things

• Changes in mood or behavior

• Changes in personality

• Loss of initiative

Alzheimer's Caregiver Education & Support Program (ACES)

Caring for someone who has Alzheimer's Disease is an incredible commitment and can often be overwhelming.  Increased knowledge of the disease can significantly improve an individual's ability to cope with Alzheimer's, as well as help one prepare for the emotional and economic impacts of the disease as it progresses.

Caregivers must have a strong support network to help them deal with the demands of Alzheimer's Disease.  For this reason, the Alabama Department of Senior Services (ADSS) developed the Alzheimer's Caregiver Education and Support Program (ACES), a pilot program addressing some of the special needs of individuals and families dealing with Alzheimer's Disease.  The ACES program provides statewide training, public education and community-based support services for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.

Department Contact:
Kathy Spears - 256-389-0554