Alzheimer's Disease Awareness

Did You Know? 1 in 3 seniors dies with some form of dementia

More Than 5 Million Americans are Living with Alzheimer’s Disease  

Alzheimer’s Disease is the Most Common Form of Dementia

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│Cause

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 to 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 or maintaining a conversation
• Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps to find them

03│Diagnosis

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

• Question the patient and family members 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 currently no cure for Alzheimer’s Disease, 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 the caregivers. 

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

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References

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

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers 

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-happens-brain-alzheimers-disease