Medical Complications In Alzheimer’s Disease

Dealing with the progression of Alzheimer’s disease can be quite a challenge for sufferers as well as care-givers. Apart from physiological and behavioural changes, there are a number of medical complications that are part of Alzheimer’s disease. Understanding these complications will aid care-givers greatly in dealing with the different stages of this condition.

Alzheimer’s Disease – Common Medical Complications

Aspiration Pneumonia – This is one of the most common medical complications that arise with Alzheimer’s disease. As the disease progresses, sufferers lose the ability to swallow right. This can in turn cause food to go down the trachea and cause respiratory damage or blockage. Chemical pneumonitis can also occur as a result of lung inflammation due to the presence of a foreign body.

Infections – In time, sufferers of this disease tend to lose bladder control and a urinary catheter might become necessary. Since they are at high risk for infections, sufferers of Alzheimer’s disease might develop UTI (urinary tract infection).

Insomnia – This is a common complication that arises due to this disease. With degeneration of thought-processes as well as physical capabilities, there could be major changes in sleeping habits. Sufferers might either over-sleep or suffer from insomnia for a prolonged period of time.

Depression – Depression due to Alzheimer’s disease has been recognized as a medical complication that accompanies this condition. Most sufferers suffer from severe depression during the initial phase of the disease, as they realize that they are losing the physical and mental capabilities. Recognizing depression in a sufferer of Alzheimer’s disease is rather difficult since the symptoms can be somewhat obscured by the symptoms of the disease itself.