|
|
 |
Alzheimer's Disease
Definition •
Symptoms/Warning Signs • Disease
Facts
Caregiver Tips • Risk
Reducing Routine • Research Links
Disease Definition
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative, irreversible,
neurological disease of the brain that impairs memory, thinking,
and behavior, and ultimately, leads to death. Individuals slowly
lose the ability to remember, to communicate and to care for
themselves. Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of
aging.
Disease
Symptoms/Warning Signs
The Alzheimer’s Association has developed
a checklist of common symptoms relative to Alzheimer’s
disease and other dementing illnesses. If several symptoms apply,
the individual with these symptoms should see a physician for
a complete examination.
- Recent memory loss that affects job skills.
It’s normal to occasionally forget assignments, colleague’s
names, or a telephone number, then remember later. Those with
a dementia may forget things more often and not remember them
at all.
- Difficulty performing routine tasks. Busy
people are easily distracted, occasionally leaving carrots
on the stove, only to remember to serve them at the end of
the meal. People with Alzheimer’s disease can prepare
a meal, forget to serve it, and forget they made it.
- Problems with language. Everyone has trouble
finding the right word sometimes, but a person with Alzheimer’s
disease may forget basic words or substitute inappropriate
words, making his/her sentences incomprehensible.
- Disorientation of time and place. It’s
normal to forget the day of the week or your destination for
a moment. However, those with Alzheimer’s disease can
become lost on their own street, not knowing where they are,
how they got there or how to get back home.
- Poor or decreased judgment. People can
become so immersed in an activity, they temporarily forget
about the child they’re watching. People with Alzheimer’s
disease can completely forget about the child under their
care. These individuals may also dress inappropriately, wearing
several shirts or blouses at the same time.
- Problems with abstract thinking. Balancing
a checkbook can be disconcerting if the task is more complicated
than usual. However, an individual with Alzheimer’s
disease can totally forget what numbers are and how they are
to be used.
- Misplacing things. Everyone temporarily
misplaces a wallet or car keys. A person with Alzheimer’s
disease may place items inappropriately – such as an
iron in the freezer, a wristwatch in the sugar bowl.
- Changes in mood or behavior. Everyone becomes
sad and moody sometimes. An individual with Alzheimer’s
disease can exhibit rapid mood swings – from calm to
tears to anger – for no apparent reason.
- Changes in personality. Our personality
ordinarily changes somewhat as we age. But an individual with
Alzheimer’s disease can change drastically, becoming
extremely confused, suspicious or fearful.
- Loss of initiative. Although it’s
normal to tire of house or yard work, business activities,
and social obligations, most people regain their initiative.
The person with Alzheimer’s disease may become very
passive, requiring cues and prompting to become involved.
Disease Facts
- An estimated 5.1 million Americans have Alzheimer’s
disease in 2007. This number includes 4.9 million people age
65 and older.
- It also includes at least 200,000 individuals younger than
65 with early-onset Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s
Association estimates there are approximately 500,000 Americans
younger than 65 with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
- In 2000, there were an estimated 411,000 new cases of Alzheimer’s
disease. That number is expected to increase to 454,000 new
cases a year by 2010, 615,000 new cases a year by 2030 and
959,000 new cases a year by 2050.
- The number of people age 65 and over with Alzheimer’s
disease is estimated to be 7.7 million in 2030, a greater
than 50 percent increase over the number currently affected.
- According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of July 1, 2005,
there were an estimated 78.2 million American baby boomers
(those born between 1946 and 1964). In 2006, baby boomers
began turning 60 at a rate of about 330 every hour. In 2011,
baby boomers begin turning 65, reaching the age of greatest
risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
- By 2050, the number of individuals age 65 and over with
Alzheimer’s could range from 11 million to 16 million
unless science finds a way to prevent or effectively treat
the disease. By that date, more than 60 percent of people
with Alzheimer’s disease will be age 85+.
Caregiver
Tips
As a caregiver, there are things you can do to help you better
manage the devastating effects of this disease. For additional
information and to learn about our Caregiver Series educational
programs, call 1-800-272-3900.
- Get a diagnosis as early as possible.
- Secure legal and financial planning advice.
- Educate yourself about this disease.
- Learn about available resources in your area.
- Ask your family and friends for help.
- Take care of yourself.
- Learn to manage your stress level.
- Learn to turn caregiving over to others.
- Be realistic.
- Give yourself credit for a job well done.
Risk-Reducing
Routine
Current promising research indicates the following hypothetical
preventive regimen may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s
disease. Always check with your physician before beginning any
new health routine.
- Multivitamin that includes folic acid, B vitamin that lowers
blood levels of the protein building block homocysteine. Elevated
homocysteine raises the risk of heart disease and may also
increase Alzheimer’s disease risk.
- Antioxidants like vitamin E.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs, such an ibuprofen.
- Low-fat, low-cholesterol diet that includes salmon, mackerel,
or other fish high in omega-3 fatty acids.
- Regular mental and physical activity.
- Aggressive and early treatment of hypertension, high cholesterol
and other cardiovascular conditions.
“What’s good for your heart is good for your brain.”
Bill Thies, vice president, Medical & Scientific Affairs,
National Alzheimer’s Association
Reasearch
Links
Alzheimer’s research is advancing at an accelerating
pace. Recent studies support the belief we may soon be able
to delay onset of the disease and enable those with Alzheimer’s
disease to function independently for longer periods. The Alzheimer's
Association, a major supporter of research, has awarded more
than $150 million in research grants since 1982. The federal
government spent approximately $640 million in 2003 for Alzheimer’s
disease research. To learn more about treatment options
and new drug therapies, check out:
- Rush-Presbyterian – St. Luke’s Medical Center,
Chicago, IL
Southern Illinois University, Alzheimer’s Research Center,
Springfield, IL, http://www.siumed.edu/neuro
- Indiana University School of Medicine Alzheimer’s
Research Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
. |
 |
|
