Final answer:
The late stages of Alzheimer's require individuals to receive assistance with daily activities and personal care. Cognitive rehabilitation and understanding environmental and psychosocial factors can alleviate some symptoms and improve quality of life. The societal challenges for the elderly also include resistance to help and poverty.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the late stages of Alzheimer's, individuals need assistance with daily activities and personal care. Alzheimer's is a disease with a genetic basis and is characterized by plaques in the brain, which lead to cell death. This in turn can cause severe forgetfulness, where an affected person may forget how to perform even basic functions such as walking, talking, and eating. While Alzheimer's disease has no cure, environmental and nutritional factors can help mitigate risk, and cognitive rehabilitation like virtual reality technology has been suggested as a way to aid those with mild cognitive impairment.
Psychosocial development theories highlight the importance of social connectedness, activities, and purpose in life for healthy aging. However, as the independence of individuals may decline in old age, there is a need for assistance, and cultural misconceptions can lead to challenges. Some elderly may exhibit resistance to seeking help due to fear of shame or embarrassment, as was seen with U.S. seniors and the COVID-19 vaccination scenario.
Furthermore, the challenges faced by the elderly include poverty, ridicule, and stereotypes.