Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Care
Alzheimer’s (AHLZ-high-merz) disease is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys a person’s memory and ability to learn, reason, make judgments, communicate and carry out daily activities. As Alzheimer’s progresses,individuals may also experience changes in personality and behavior, such as anxiety, suspiciousness or agitation, as well as delusions or hallucinations.
Although there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, new treatments are on the horizon as a result of accelerating insight into the biology of the disease. Research has also shown that effective care and support can improve quality of life for individuals and their caregiver. Here are a few frequently questions on Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Care that you may find helpful:
What is Alzheimer's Disease?
What is Dementia?
How many people suffer from Alzheimer's?
What is the most common age of Alzheimer's onset?
What are the stages of Alzheimer's?
What are the causes of Alzheimer's?
Are there any preventative steps that can be taken for Alzheimer's?
Who has a higher risk of Alzheimer's? Men or Women?
Is an early detection important for Alzheimer's?
How is Alzheimer's diagnosed?
How is Alzheimer's treated?
How accurate are the tests done for Alzheimer's?
Is physical activity helpful in the prevention of Alzheimer's?
Where can I learn about Alzheimer's research?
If a family member has Alzheimer's, am I at risk?
Who should I go to if I suspect I may have Alzheimer's?
How long does Alzheimer's disease last?
What are some signs and/or symptoms of Alzheimer's?
Is memory loss normal?
What are considered mild symptoms of Alzheimer's disease?
What are considered moderate symptoms of Alzheimer's disease?
What are considered severe symptoms of Alzheimer's disease?
Does less engagement with other people affect the disease?
Does it cost anything to participate in a research study?
How can I become part of a study?
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What is Alzheimer's Disease?
(A) Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia among older people. It involves parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language. Alzheimer's damages a person's ability to reason, remember, speak, perform simple calculations, and carry out routine tasks.
What is Dementia?
(A) Dementia is a brain disorder that seriously affects a person's memory, thinking, and reasoning skills.
How many people suffer from Alzheimer's?
(A) It is estimated that up to 4.5 million people.
What is the most common age of Alzheimer's onset?
(A) Symptoms first appear after age 65. About 3 percent of men and women ages 65 to 74 have the disease, but nearly half of those age 85 and older
What are the stages of Alzheimer's?
(A) The symptoms often progress through these stages: mild, moderate, and severe.
What are the causes of Alzheimer's?
(A) Although scientists do not yet fully understand the cause of Alzheimer's, age is the most known risk factor.
Are there any preventative steps that can be taken for Alzheimer's?
(A) There is no medical consumption that can prevent Alzheimer's. There are a few steps that people can use such as: lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, a healthy diet, exercising, and stimulating the mind.
Who has a higher risk of Alzheimer's? Men or Women?
(A) Associating age with Alzheimer's, women have a longer lifespan than men, therefore making the lifetime risk, higher in women.
Is an early detection important for Alzheimer's?
(A) Yes. The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the better chance you have in managing the symptoms, and allowing people to continue day to day life.
How is Alzheimer's diagnosed?
(A) Alzheimer's is diagnosed by many different tools. These tools include a complete medical history and tests that measure the memory. The ability to problem solve, count, speak, and possibly medical tests that include, urine, spinal fluid, and blood samples.
How is Alzheimer's treated?
(A) There is no cure for Alzheimer's. However, there are medications that can help prevent some symptoms from becoming worse.
How accurate are the tests done for Alzheimer's?
(A) Doctors can now diagnose Alzheimer's with 90% accuracy.
Is physical activity helpful in the prevention of Alzheimer's?
(A) Although there is no proven evidence of physical activity helping Alzheimer's, physical therapy may improve mental functions of the brain.
Where can I learn about Alzheimer's research?
(A) You can simply log onto www.brainmattersresearch.com or call The Brain Matters Research Center at (561) 374-8461.
If a family member has Alzheimer's, am I at risk?
(A) There are two types of Alzheimer's disease: Early-onset familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD), and late-onset Alzheimer's disease. FAD occurs between the ages of 30 and 60.
Who should I go to if I suspect I may have Alzheimer's?
(A) Your first step should be to see your family physician. Your physician will then run some tests to determine the continuation of an evaluation process.
How long does Alzheimer's disease last?
(A) Patients who are diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease live for 8 to 10 years following diagnosis.
What are some signs and/or symptoms of Alzheimer's?
(A) There are many signs of Alzheimer's. A few signs may include misplacing your keys, problems with judgment, daily problems with thinking or memory, trouble remembering appointments, or repeating the same things over and over.
Is memory loss normal?
(A) Memory loss can be a normal part of aging. Any other memory loss that is more serious can be a sign of: Mild cognitive impairment, Dementia, or Alzheimer's.
What are considered mild symptoms of Alzheimer's disease?
(A) Mild symptoms include: Forgetfulness, difficulty solving problems, getting lost in familiar places, problems with concentration, and/or frequently repeating questions.
What are considered moderate symptoms of Alzheimer's disease?
(A) Moderate symptoms include: Inappropriate behavior, the loss of some communication skills, and/or difficulty performing everyday tasks.
What are considered severe symptoms of Alzheimer's disease?
(A) Severe symptoms include: Little or no memory, incontinence, becoming bedridden, and/or diminished ability to think or reason.
Does less engagement with other people affect the disease?
(A) Yes. It could result in earlier onset of symptoms.
Does it cost anything to participate in a research study?
(A) No. Research is free. Joining a study gives you the opportunity to try a new drug that is not yet available to the public at no cost to you.
How can I become part of a study?
(A) Becoming part of a study can be very easy and beneficial to you. You can visit www.brainmattersresearch.com and fill out the on-line New Patient Form to be contacted. You can also call the office directly at (561) 374-8461 to inquire. You will then be scheduled for a "screening" visit, which is the first step.
