Alzheimer’s Disease
What is it?
Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of a
condition called dementia. Dementia is a general decline
in mental ability, such as memory, language skills,
judgment, and concentration. Alzheimer’s is a progressive
disease, which means symptoms occur gradually and become
worse over time. It is named for the German doctor who
first described it, Alois Alzheimer.
Who gets it?
Alzheimer’s disease affects most commonly affects those
over the age of 65, although it has been diagnosed in
people in their 40s and 50s.
What causes it?
The degeneration of parts of the brain, which destroys
brain cells, causes the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. However,
at this time researchers are not sure what causes this
degeneration. Those with a family history of Alzheimer’s
are more likely to develop the disease as they age, so
there is a gene abnormality that causes the disease in
some people. Researchers are looking for links between
Alzheimer’s disease and the environment, lifestyle,
nutrition, and viruses.
What are the symptoms?
Alzheimer’s usually progresses in three stages, with
each lasting anywhere from one to several years. The first
symptom of Alzheimer’s disease is usually mild
forgetfulness. Someone in the early stages may find him or
herself unable to find the right word, recall where
something was placed, or recall someone’s name. It may be
difficult to concentrate. At this point, symptoms are so
general that they do not signal a serious problem or have
a great impact on day-to-day functioning. As the disease
progresses to the second stage, the forgetfulness becomes
worse, making it difficult to function at work, remember
directions, or to even make it through the day without
difficulty. The person may be restless and unable to sleep
at night. His or her personality may change considerably,
with increasing anxiety and decreasing emotions. By the
late stages of Alzheimer’s, patients suffer from extreme
confusion and memory loss. They are unable to recall the
names of close friends and family or recent events, and
cannot function socially or perform basic daily personal
care. Late-stage Alzheimer’s patients may have
hallucinations and delusions.
How is it diagnosed?
Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed by taking a complete
medical history and performing a thorough physical
examination. Alzheimer’s is generally suspected when there
is a gradual deterioration in mental ability. The doctor
will perform tests, such as blood tests and brain scans,
to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. The
doctor will also ask the patient a series of questions to
test his or her mental status. One type of test of mental
status is called neuropsychological testing, which is a
standardized test of memory, concentration, and
visual-spatial skills. Because a definite diagnosis can
only be made by performing an autopsy after death,
patients are diagnosed with “probable” Alzheimer’s. An
autopsy of brain tissue, however, will show areas of
abnormal tissue, called plaques, made up of abnormal
proteins; a loss of nerve cells; and areas of tangles in
the nerve cells that remain in patient’s with Alzheimer’s
disease.
What is the treatment?
At this time, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
Treatment focuses on maintaining the best possible quality
of life for the patient by providing a supportive
environment. Memory aids, such as calendars and other
daily reminders of time and place, can help the patient
feel more secure and reduce confusion. There are some
medications that, when used in the early stages of this
disease, can slow memory loss in some patients for a
limited amount of time. However, these drugs are used with
caution because of potential side effects. Other drugs may
be prescribed to treat anxiety, sleeplessness, depression,
and hallucinations, as necessary. In the early stages of
Alzheimer’s, it is important to help the patient maintain
as much independence as possible. As the disease
progresses, it may be necessary to seek the help of a home
healthcare aid, an adult daycare, or nursing home. While
there is currently no treatment to prevent or stop the
progression of Alzheimer’s, researchers are continuing to
study this disease and test new drugs. There is a
possibility that certain types of nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may slow the progression
of Alzheimer’s.
Self-care tips
A diagnosis of probable Alzheimer’s is devastating for
someone who has been accustomed to living an independent
life. It is important to provide the patient with
emotional and physical support as he or she adjusts to
living with this disease. Keeping the daily routine
consistent and as stress free as possible is helpful.
Because depression is so common in the early stages of
Alzheimer’s, you should be aware of the signs of
depression and seek help for the patient as soon as
possible. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be
demanding and discouraging, especially when the loved one
does not remember who you are. Your doctor or local social
services agency can direct you to support services to help
make this time a little easier. Also seek legal advice so
it is clear who has the power to make medical and
financial decisions once your loved one is no longer able
to do this for him or herself. If you have a family
history of Alzheimer’s disease, see your doctor for
regular checkups. An early diagnosis is important,
especially as the medical community learns more about this
disease and its treatment. While there is no way to
prevent this disease, you can lower your risk and protect
yourself from many illnesses by following a healthy diet
that is high in fiber and antioxidants and low in
saturated fat, and participating in regular physical
exercise. Performing activities that stimulate your brain
on a regular basis, such as crossword puzzles, word
searches, or memory games, may also help maintain mental
ability longer.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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