Alzheimer's disease causes memory loss and behavioral changes due to the destruction of brain cells. As many as 5.3 million Americans suffer from this progressive brain disease, according to the Alzheimer's Association. Early symptoms are often subtle and may be overlooked initially or confused with the usual memory problems that occur as people age.
Identification
Changes to the brain begin approximately 10 to 20 years before problems become obvious, according to the National Institute on Aging. Tangles and plaque, a fatty substance, form in the cortex of the brain, disrupting normal brain function. The cortex is the part of the brain responsible for thought, memory and language. The cortex also begins to shrink as Alzheimer's disease worsens.
Early Symptoms
The most noticeable symptom of early Alzheimer's disease is mild memory loss. In the earliest stage of the disease, you might forget common words or misplace your keys. Because this type of memory lapse also occurs occasionally in people who don't have Alzheimer's disease, it can be difficult to determine if you have the disease at this point.
Eventually memory problems worsen, and friends or family members begin to notice the trouble you are having with your memory. Alzheimer's disease may begin to affect your ability to do your job or might have an impact on your relationships with other people, particularly if you begin to experience mood swings or other behavioral changes. Planning your work day and accomplishing simple tasks, such as balancing your checkbook, may become unusually difficult. If you enjoy reading, you may find yourself becoming frustrated because you can't remember a paragraph you just read.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis is usually not made until your memory loss becomes severe enough to affect your daily activities. If your doctor suspects that you may have Alzheimer's disease, he may give you a mini-mental state examination (MMSE). During this examination, you will be asked to do such things as state the year and date, count backward, remember and repeat the names of objects, copy a picture or follow a multi-part instruction. Your doctor will check your balance, coordination and muscle strength to rule out other disorders that could be causing your problems. Blood and urine samples will be collected and can also be used to help rule out other conditions, such as malnutrition, alcoholism, diabetes, side effects from medication, thyroid disorders or liver or kidney disease. Computed tomography (CAT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or positron emission tomography (PET) scans of your brain may provide information about brain structure and brain cell activity.
Treatment
Medication can slow mental decline, but there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease as of late 2009. Cholinesterase inhibitors, such as Exelon, Razadyne and Aricept, can be helpful in mild or moderate Alzheimer's disease. These drugs work by keeping acetylcholine from breaking down in the brain. Acetylcholine is a chemical messenger needed for learning and memory. Mood disturbances can be treated with antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication or anti-psychotic medication.
Coping
There are several modifications you can make at home to combat your memory problem and make your life easier. The Alzheimer's Association recommends posting a daily schedule with times listed for every daily activity. Writing down telephone numbers and names, your address and phone number in a notebook can help if you forget an important detail. Posting notes to yourself to turn off appliances and lights and lock doors can help you feel safer in your home.
