Alzheimer's disease

WEB EXCLUSIVE / SEPTEMBER 2005
POSTGRADUATE MEDICINE
Update of a handout originally published in October 1999

Download this Patient Note in PDF format

Chances are you know someone with Alzheimer's disease. You may even have lapses of memory that cause you to wonder if you are facing the illness yourself. How do you know if you or a loved one has Alzheimer's disease? Can it be treated?

What is Alzheimer's disease?
Dementia is a deterioration of your ability to think, learn, and remember as clearly and as quickly as you once did. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, which in its middle and late stages also includes behavioral symptoms and personality changes. Most cases of Alzheimer's disease are caused by a complex combination of genetic factors and increasing age. Lower education levels and serious head injuries may also be risk factors.

Although Alzheimer's disease is one of the medical conditions most feared by older adults, it occurs in only about 3% of people between the ages of 65 and 74. The incidence then goes up until nearly half of those over age 85 may be affected.

What are the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease?
Although some memory loss may be normal as you age, a defining characteristic of Alzheimer's disease is significant, progressive loss of memory, judgment, and other mental skills. Eventually this can limit your ability to handle everyday activities. Behavioral symptoms may include anxiety, irritability, restlessness, aggression, and wandering and tend to vary widely from patient to patient. Impaired judgment is often a serious concern.

What should I do if I notice symptoms?
Never assume that poor judgment, difficulty concentrating, disorientation, or memory loss is normal. Be sure to tell your doctor about any symptoms you notice. Some causes of these problems are reversible, such as anemia or drug interactions. In other patients, symptoms may be a result of treatable conditions, such as depression, thyroid problems, certain vitamin deficiencies, and Parkinson's disease.

Can Alzheimer's disease be treated?
A great deal of research is going on in the field of Alzheimer's disease, and some encouraging treatments are being investigated. This is sure to be a major area of study as the US population ages, so feel free to ask your doctor about new advances.

Right now, there is no way to cure Alzheimer's disease or to stop its course. However, certain medications may temporarily slow its progression in some patients in early or middle stages of the disease. Medications are available to treat the behavioral problems of Alzheimer's disease, too, although changing the patient's surroundings to suit his or her needs is often a more effective strategy.

If you are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease, you can do a great deal to minimize the patient's stresses and hazards. A calm environment and structured daily routine seem to work best. However, keep in mind that these patients should be gently encouraged to help themselves as much as possible in order to keep their brain active and functioning.

Can Alzheimer's disease be prevented?
Scientists are searching for ways to prevent Alzheimer's disease, but to date, no treatments, drugs, or other measures have proven to be effective. Nevertheless, many experts agree that a "brain healthy" lifestyle may help:

• Engage in intellectually stimulating activities.
• Stay socially active.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Exercise regularly.
• Avoid tobacco totally, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
• Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Control diabetes.

Taking care of the caregiver
If someone in your family has Alzheimer's disease, you may feel overwhelmed. These tips might help you:

• Talk with others who understand. Join a support group or ask for support from family and friends. You might also want to find a support group for the Alzheimer's patient.
• Keep your loved one involved. Social activities are important, and many patients can stay involved in normal family life. Scheduling regular outings is helpful for some patients.
• Simplify tasks. Lower your expectations when needed to match your loved one's abilities. If managing a checkbook becomes too complex, change the focus to something that is more manageable.
• Hang on to your personal interests and hobbies. Stay involved in the hobbies or activities that refresh you and add to your physical and mental strength.
• Take a break. Check out respite care, adult day care, or other community services that can free you from your responsibilities occasionally.

For more information Many resources are available to help both patients and caregivers who are living with Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's Association 225 N Michigan Ave, 17th Floor Chicago, IL 60601 800-272-3900 http://www.alz.org Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center PO Box 8250 Silver Spring, MD 20907 800-438-4380 http://www.alzheimers.org Alzheimer's Foundation of America 322 8th Ave, 6th Floor New York, NY 10001 866-232-8484 http://alzfdn.org National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke PO Box 5801 Bethesda, MD 20824 800-352-9424 http://www.ninds.nih.gov

This information is not a substitute for medical treatment.

Please send technical questions related to the Web site to Ann Harste