Alzheimer's Information

Do you occasionally forget dates or lose items, thats not uncommon, and these events may become more common as we age. But while occasional memory slippage may be a normal consequence of getting older, Alzheimer's disease is not. If someone forgets totally who you are or if they forget how to get back home, it they seem disorented and confused frequently, then it it is good sign to seek help and seek help immediately.

It's important to understand the early warning signs of Alzheimer's and to seek a medical diagnosis if several symptoms are noticed. Often, it is a family member or close associate who first notices a change in the behavior or mood of a loved one; these people are instrumental in helping the person to get medical care.

I'm loosing my memory?

Scientists have made significant progress in understanding the possible causes of Alzheimer's disease, but many questions remain. It is likely that many factors, both inherited and environmental, interact in complex, poorly understood ways to cause the disease.

In addition to investigating what might trigger Alzheimer's in some people, scientists have identified a number of brain changes that are associated with Alzheimer's. These include the characteristic plaques and tangles around and inside nerve cells that were first described by the German physician Alois Alzheimer in 1906.

Could other problems be causing Alzheimer related symptoms?

Memory loss and other problems with cognition or mood could have causes other than Alzheimer's disease. That's why medical evaluation is so important. Other possible causes include side effects of medications; certain illnesses such as small strokes or cerebrovascular disease; thyroid gland problems; depression; fatigue; grief; vision or hearing loss; alcohol use; and potentially even chronic stress. Some of these are treatable or even reversible. One drug is particularly ruthless in causing memory loss, Predisone. If you or someone you know are prescribed predisone be warned one of the main side effects is sort term memory loss. It usually does not return upon stopping predisone use.

What to look for over time?

Alzheimer's disease is progressive, which means that symptoms worsen over time. How fast the disease progresses, and what pattern symptoms might follow, is variable by individual.

Researchers and doctors use a number of scales to measure the progression of symptoms over time, which may define as many as seven distinct stages of the disease. For general purposes, three broad phases are typically recognized: mild, moderate and severe. The symptoms commonly seen in each stage are summarized below, but it's important to realize that there may be some overlap among the stages, and that people may not experience all of these symptoms.

Symptoms by Stage of Disease

Mild Symptoms

• Confusion and memory loss
  
• Disorientation; getting lost in familiar surroundings
  
• Problems with routine tasks
  
• Changes in personality and judgment

  Moderate Symptoms
  

• Difficulty with activities of daily living, such as eating and bathing
  
• Anxiety, suspiciousness, agitation
  
• Sleep disturbances
  
• Wandering, pacing
  
• Difficulty recognizing family and friends

  Severe Symptoms
  

• Loss of speech
  
• Loss of appetite; weight loss
  
• Loss of bladder and bowel control
  
• Total dependence on caregiver
  

How do I know if it's Alzheimer's?

The only way to know for sure is to obtain a medical diagnosis from a well-trained medical professional, who will determine if symptoms might be due to other causes. If Alzheimer's is the diagnosis, treatment should be started as soon as possible so that the person with the disease can be as involved as possible in treatment decisions and planning for the future.

Facing the possibility of an Alzheimer's diagnosis in yourself or a loved one can be traumatic. While it may be a difficult step, taking action to see a doctor right away for a diagnostic evaluation may actually help resolve anxiety. If Alzheimer's is found to be probable, your doctor can help you understand what to expect, how best to maximize quality of life, and how to find the support and resources that you will need. You may also find it helpful to consult a counselor, spiritual advisor (such as a minister or rabbi), or psychiatrist - someone who can help you and your family cope with the emotional and psychological burden of Alzheimer's.

More in Depth Information from
The National Institute of Health(Opens Separate Page)

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