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Alzheimer ’s Disease

General Information - Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain that results in impaired memory, thinking and behavior.  It is the most common form of dementia, affecting almost 4 million Americans.  It is not a normal part of the aging process and is not limited to elders.  Its course can run from 2 to 20 years.  It is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States .

Alzheimer’s Disease was first described in 1907 by German born Dr. Alois Alzheimer but remained relatively unknown for some time.

Symptoms – Alzheimer’s Disease symptoms include gradual memory loss, decline in one’s ability to perform routine tasks, impairment in judgment, personality changes, disorientation, and loss of the ability to communicate.  The symptoms come on gradually and progress at different rates for different individuals.

Causes – Alzheimer’s Disease causes are not know at this time.  Currently there is much scientific research in progress that will bring us closer to unlocking this mystery and open up to new treatments.

Diagnosis – Alzheimer’s Disease diagnosis is more involved than diagnosis for other illnesses.  There is presently no single test that can be done to diagnose Alzheimer’s.  Other conditions that may cause a dementia process must be ruled out before a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is made.  This is called a “differential diagnosis”.  Reversible dementia processes may be due to brain tumors, vitamin deficiency, thyroid malfunctions, depression, drug toxicity, nutritional deficiencies and stroke.  Through careful testing these conditions can be detected and if diagnosed in a timely manner, can be reversed.  Alzheimer’s can only be confirmed upon examination of brain tissue after death.

Treatment – Alzheimer’s Disease treatments are limited at this time.  Good planning, knowledge of the disease process and developing a good support network can ease the burdens the disease forces on individual and family member.

• Learn all you can about this disease

• Tap into the support network

• Learn Alzheimer' communication and behavior management strategies

• Be flexible

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