What does Alzheimer's do to the body?
Alzheimer’s causes the mind’s connections to break down. These disconnections cause loss of memory (the symptom most commonly associated with Alzheimer’s), but can also impact a person’s physical abilities. As the mind’s connections get weaker, the mind has more trouble sending signals to the body for movement, reducing a person’s ability to react quickly and accurately.
For example, a person’s feet may shuffle when he or she walks because the commands from the brain to pick up the feet are weak. This same issue can cause a person to slouch or to have trouble swallowing, the latter of which may lead to choking.
Another thing many people don’t realize is that Alzheimer’s can lead to depression, which can generate physical symptoms including difficulty sleeping and changes in appetite.
These effects can make caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s especially taxing. In-home care professionals, such as those at Right at Home, are trained to address the special physical needs of Alzheimer’s patients. You can learn more about the effects of Alzheimer’s on the Alzheimer’s Association and Alzheimer’s Foundation of America websites.
Studies don’t all agrees, but from what I’ve read, what Alzheimer’s does to the body would include causing overall frailty, such as motor function, grip strength, and slow walking.
Accumulation of the plaques and tangles seen in the brain of Alzheimer's disease patients may interfere with neural systems that handle the planning and monitoring of even simple movements, In advanced stages, swallowing seems to be part of what Alzheimer’s does to the body.
The advancing disease makes the individual feel alone and uncared for. They don't remember the human interaction with you. They don't remember eating or drinking. They don't remember if they spent time with others or not. They feel isolated - even in a crowd. Depression and all of it's physical symptoms are likely to occur.
