1. Demystifying Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an often-misunderstood illness. It is not just about losing your memory, Alzheimer's disease slowly overtakes your brain and its functions. Sufferers gradually lose their ability to learn, reason, make decisions, communicate and perform daily activities. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia and as of today, there is no known cure. Examining brain tissue after death is the only definite way to verify Alzheimer's disease, although doctors can make a diagnosis with 90 percent accuracy.
2. Not Just the Elderly
Most people think of Alzheimer's as an "old person's" disease, but individuals in their 40s and 50s can also be afflicted with AD. There are two types of AD, early and late onset. Late onset is the more common type. It affects individuals 60 years and older, and is less likely to be genetic. Persons with early onset AD develop symptoms before age 60. While early onset AD accounts for only five to 10 percent of all instances, progression is faster and seems to occur within families.
3. Normal Aging vs. Alzheimer's Disease
Not remembering where you put your car keys is most likely a sign of old age. Forgetting what to do with those car keys can be more serious. Memory lapses are a typical part of aging. Alzheimer's sufferers, however, experience more bouts of forgetfulness than normal people over 60 years of age. They also have difficulty retaining new information and recalling the names of familiar objects. The decline in cognitive ability associated with AD progresses in seven stages, and often is difficult to detect. Contact your local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association or visit their homepage for specific information about each stage.
4. Everyday Tasks are Easier Said Than Done
Brushing teeth. Combing hair. Getting dressed. Most of us perform these simple tasks without thinking about it. For an Alzheimer's patient, however, these activities can be very difficult. Look for signs that the individual is having trouble handling regular tasks. Their judgment may be impaired, causing them to dress inappropriately for the weather and/or the situation. They also may lose their orientation within familiar surroundings and wander off.
5. Explore Other Possibilities
Contact your physician or health care provider if you suspect your loved one is suffering from AD. They will take a health history, perform physical and mental status examinations and conduct diagnostic tests. Any treatable conditions that may be responsible for the dementia, such as thyroid disease, depression, over or conflicting medication, brain tumors and vitamin deficiencies, can be detected through a CT (computed tomography), an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or a simple blood test. Early stages of AD can produce a normal brain scan so the doctor might recommend a follow-up exam. These scans cannot confirm Alzheimer's disease, but can eliminate other causes of dementia, such as stroke.
