Some Basic's
Alzheimer's is a disease of the brain that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. It is not a normal part of aging.
Alzheimer's gets worst over time. Although symptoms can vary widely, the first problem many people notice is forgetfulness severe enough to affect their ability to function at home or at work, or to enjoy lifelong hobbies.
Other symptoms include confusion, getting lost in familiar places, misplacing things and trouble with speaking or writing.
It can be so easy to explain unusual behavior, especially for someone who seems physically healthy. Instead, seek a diagnosis as early as possible.
There's no clear line that separates normal changes from warning signs. It's always a good idea to check with a doctor if a person's abilities seem to be declining.
Dementia is a general term for the loss of memory and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia.
Because 70 percent of those with Alzheimer's live at home, the impact of the illness extends to millions of family members, friends, and caregivers.
People with memory loss or other possible warning signs of Alzheimer's may find it hard to recognize they have a problem and may resist following up on their symptoms. Signs of dementia may be more obvious to family members or friends.
Six out of ten people with Alzheimer's will wander and become lost.
Alzheimer's gets worst over time. Although symptoms can vary widely, the first problem many people notice is forgetfulness severe enough to affect their ability to function at home or at work, or to enjoy lifelong hobbies.
Other symptoms include confusion, getting lost in familiar places, misplacing things and trouble with speaking or writing.
It can be so easy to explain unusual behavior, especially for someone who seems physically healthy. Instead, seek a diagnosis as early as possible.
There's no clear line that separates normal changes from warning signs. It's always a good idea to check with a doctor if a person's abilities seem to be declining.
Dementia is a general term for the loss of memory and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia.
Because 70 percent of those with Alzheimer's live at home, the impact of the illness extends to millions of family members, friends, and caregivers.
People with memory loss or other possible warning signs of Alzheimer's may find it hard to recognize they have a problem and may resist following up on their symptoms. Signs of dementia may be more obvious to family members or friends.
Six out of ten people with Alzheimer's will wander and become lost.
What's normal with aging?
Forgetting part of an experience.
Often able to remember later. Usually able to follow written/spoken directions. Usually able to use notes as reminders. Usually able to care for oneself. |
What's not normal with aging?
Forgetting the whole experience.
Rarely able to remember later. Gradually unable to follow written/spoken directions. Gradually unable to use notes as reminders. Gradually unable to care for oneself. |
The 10 Warning Signs.
1. Memory Loss
2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks
3. Problems with language
4. Disorientation to time and place
5. Poor or decreased judgment
6. Problems with abstract thinking
7. Misplacing things
8.Changes in mood or behavior
9. Changes in personality
10. Loss of initiative
2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks
3. Problems with language
4. Disorientation to time and place
5. Poor or decreased judgment
6. Problems with abstract thinking
7. Misplacing things
8.Changes in mood or behavior
9. Changes in personality
10. Loss of initiative
- There is no single type of doctor that specializes in diagnosing and treating memory symptoms or Alzheimer's disease. In many cases, the doctor may refer the patient to a specialist, such as:
Neurologist
Psychiatrist
Psychologist
Stages of Alzheimer's disease.
Stage 1- No Impairment (normal function)
Stage 2- Very Mild Decline (could be age related or Alzheimer's)
Stage 3- Mild Cognitive Decline (beginning to notice difficulties)
Stage 4- Moderate Cognitive Decline (mild/early Alzheimer's)
Stage 5- Moderately severe cognitive decline (moderate/mid Alz.)
Stage 6- Severe Cognitive Decline (moderately severe/mid Alz.)
Stage 7- Very Severe Cognitive Decline (severe/late Alzheimer's)
Stage 2- Very Mild Decline (could be age related or Alzheimer's)
Stage 3- Mild Cognitive Decline (beginning to notice difficulties)
Stage 4- Moderate Cognitive Decline (mild/early Alzheimer's)
Stage 5- Moderately severe cognitive decline (moderate/mid Alz.)
Stage 6- Severe Cognitive Decline (moderately severe/mid Alz.)
Stage 7- Very Severe Cognitive Decline (severe/late Alzheimer's)
FDA approved treatments.
Donepezil (Aricept)- treats mild to moderate Alz.
Rivastigmine (Exelon)- mild to moderate Alz.
Galantamine (Razadyne)- mild to moderate Alz.
Memantine (Namenda)- moderate to severe Alz.
Rivastigmine (Exelon)- mild to moderate Alz.
Galantamine (Razadyne)- mild to moderate Alz.
Memantine (Namenda)- moderate to severe Alz.
Fun Facts!
During the 1960's and 1970's, aluminum emerged as a possible suspect in causing Alzheimer's disease. This suspicion led to concerns about everyday exposure to aluminum through sources such as cooking pots, foil, beverage cans, antacids and antiperspirants. Since then, studies have failed to confirm any role for aluminum in causing Alzheimer's. Almost all scientists today focus on other areas of research, and few experts believe that everyday sources of aluminum pose any threat.
Because African-Americans and Latinos in the United States have higher rates of vascular disease, they may also be at a greater risk for developing Alzheimer's. According to a growing body of evidence, risk factors for vascular disease- including diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol- may also be risk factors for Alzheimer's and stroke-related dementia.
Because African-Americans and Latinos in the United States have higher rates of vascular disease, they may also be at a greater risk for developing Alzheimer's. According to a growing body of evidence, risk factors for vascular disease- including diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol- may also be risk factors for Alzheimer's and stroke-related dementia.
info from "basic's of alzheimer's disease" booklet. Contact the Alzheimer's Association if interested in one: 1-800-272-3900.