ALZHEIMER’S
DISEASE
The occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is not a normal
development in the aging process. Alzheimer’s disease is characterized
by a gradual loss of memory, decline in the ability to perform routine tasks,
disorientation, difficulty in learning, loss of language skills, impaired judgment
and ability to plan, and personality changes. Over time, these changes
become so severe that they interfere with an individual’s daily functioning,
resulting eventually in death. While the disease can last from 3 to 20
years after the onset of symptoms, the average duration is 8 years. Alzheimer’s disease affects as many as 4 million Americans.
Most people diagnosed with AD are older than 65. However, it is possible
for the disease to occur in people in their 40’s and 50’s. Recent research has
shown links between some genes and AD, but in about 90% of cases, there is no
clear genetic link. As the disease advances, the symptoms become serious enough
to cause people with AD or their family members to recognize that things are
not right and that help is needed. As the disease progresses further,
people with AD eventually forget how to do simple tasks like brushing their
teeth, or combing their hair. They begin to have problems speaking, understanding,
reading or writing. Later on, people with AD may become anxious or aggressive
and may wander away from home. Eventually, patients may need total care. There is no single test to identify AD. A comprehensive
exam should be conducted by your physician including a complete health history
and physical exam, neurological and mental status assessments, as well as other
lab tests (like chest x-rays and blood tests). These will help rule out
any other diseases which may look like Alzheimer’s but are not. Physicians
are now able to accurately diagnose 80 – 90% of people who show symptoms of
AD. A definitive diagnosis is possible, however, only through the examination
of brain tissue at autopsy. While there is no known cure for AD, scientists have found
a few medications which may help control some of the symptoms. People
with AD must work closely with their doctor to determine which drugs and activities
are best for them because reaction to medications varies for each person.
As researchers continue to learn more about the disease, new possibilities arise.
Information about cutting-edge treatments and new scientific discoveries is
available from physicians and the sources listed below. Research has also created promising new approaches for working
with persons who have Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. Experience has
taught families and caregivers new behavioral approaches that encourage greater
independence and reduce disturbing behavior. Through the work of the 15
state grantees in the Alzheimer’s Disease Demonstration Grant program now funded
by the Administration on Aging (AoA), new dementia-specific approaches to early
identification, treatment, and community-based care have been developed.
These projects have been especially successful in working with low-income, ethnic
minority and rural families. For more information about Alzheimer’s Disease, services
and resources contact: National Alzheimer’s Association National Institute on Aging
Symptoms
Alzheimer’s disease manifests itself slowly and subtly, with the first symptoms
often appearing to be mild forgetfulness. From time to time, we all forget where
we have put our keys, but people with early stage AD may notice that they tend
to forget things more often. They may have trouble remembering recent events,
names of familiar people or things. While these symptoms are bothersome, they
are usually not serious enough to cause alarm.
Diagnosis
Early and careful evaluation is important, because many conditions, including
some that are treatable or reversible, may cause dementia-like symptoms.
Examples of such treatable medical conditions are depression, nutritional deficiencies,
adverse drug interactions, and metabolic changes.
Treatment & Care
Family Caregivers
Additional Information & Resources
24-hour Toll-Free Nationwide Hotline: 1-800-272-3900
Web Site: http://www.alz.org
Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center
Phone: 1-800-438-4380 Web Site: http://www.alzheimers.org
Working in close partnership with its sister agencies in the Department of Health and Human Services, the Administration on Aging provides leadership, technical assistance, and support to the national aging network of 57 State Units on Aging, 655 Area Agencies on Aging, 225 Tribal and native organizations representing 300 American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal organizations and 2 organizations serving Native Hawaiians, plus thousands of service providers, adult care centers, caregivers, and volunteers.
For more information about the Administration on Aging, please contact:
| Administration on
Aging U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Washington, DC 20201 |
Phone: (202)
619-0724 Fax: (202) 401-7620 E-mail: aoainfo@aoa.gov Website: http://www.aoa.dhhs.gov |
| Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET | |