Later-stages of Alzheimer’s will reveal an inability to socialize and exercise proper judgement.
By Chris Berry
During the later-stages of Alzheimer’s, the disease shifts to the frontal lobes of the brain. Once this area is damaged, the individual no longer retains the ability to properly interact. As a result, it becomes very difficult for the caregiver to care for the individual suffering from Alzheimer’s, causing many to put the person in a nursing home.
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Loss of judgement, reasoning, and social skills are typical during the last state of Alzheimer’s. An individual’s behavior will frequently be inappropriate and at times, angry. Also common to people during late-stages of Alzheimer’s is violence, apathy or immobility. Each person may behave differently, most of the brain functions of the frontal lobes are involved by the late-stage.
It is common to be bedridden by the late-stage of Alzheimer’s. However, even if they are not confined to a bed, it is very unlikely that he or she will be socially active. Those with late-stage Alzheimer’s tend to remove themselves from social interaction, and sleep more. This often is a result of their displaced sense of identity.
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Lacking social etiquette and proper judgement, their actions frequently embarrass or result in their ridicule when forced into an unfamiliar situation. It is better to avoid social activities like birthdays or parties or family gatherings where a lot of people are involved.
An individual suffering from late-stage Alzheimer’s or Dementia is unable to show sound judgement or reasoning. Also, he or she will lose the ability to act in their own best-interest. Their wishes must be carried out by way of documents that were prepared during earlier stages of Alzheimer’s. These documents include Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney and a Living Will, which must be signed before this stage is reached. Caregivers are left with the responsibility of making most major decisions.
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Before this stage is reached it’s imperative to know about their housing, finances, insurance and other financial matters.
Read more: http://free-alzheimers-support.com/wordpress/2011/03/6-things-to-know-about-late-stage-alzheimers/
Christopher J. Berry is a Michigan Alzheimer’s Planning planning lawyer and Medicaid planning attorney dedicated to helping seniors, veterans and their families navigate the long-term care maze. To learn more visit http://www.theeldercarefirm.com/ or call 248.481.4000
