Alzheimer's Disease - Stealing More Than Memories

Did You Know? Over 5 million Americans are affected by Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s Kills More People Each Year than Breast and Prostate Cancers Combined  

200,000 of Those Affected by Alzheimer’s Disease Are under Age 65

Alzheimer’s Disease is a neurological disease and the most common form of dementia, causing problems with memory, thinking and behavior. It accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases. 

The following information has been prepared to help provide general information and awareness about Alzheimer’s Disease, symptoms and treatment. 

01 | Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease results from progressive atrophy of the brain caused by abnormal deposits of proteins from amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. It is irreversible and causes memory failure, personality changes and problems in carrying out daily activities. 

02 | Symptoms

The initial difference between memory loss associated with normal aging and Alzheimer’s Disease can be difficult to detect. Being alert of the following symptoms is critical to early detection and initiating prompt treatment:

• Poor judgment and decision-making
• Losing track of the date or season
• Difficulty having a conversation
• Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps to find them

03 | Diagnosis

In order to determine the cause of the patient’s dementia, physicians may use a combination of the following procedures:

• Ask the patient and a family member questions about changes in behavior and personality
• Conduct tests involving memory, problem solving, attention, counting and language
• Perform standard medical tests and/or medical imaging to rule out other possible causes for symptoms

04 | Treatment and Management

Although there is presently no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are medications available to help patients maintain mental function, manage behavioral symptoms and delay the progression of the disease. A strong support network and respite care are also important to the successful management of Alzheimer’s Disease, for both the patient and their caretaker(s). 

For 10 early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s, please visit: http://www.alz.org/10-signs-symptoms-alzheimers-dementia.asp   

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References

https://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/publication/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet 

http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_alzheimers.asp 

https://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/publication/part-2-what-happens-brain-ad/hallmarks-ad