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Alzheimer’s Disease
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Alzheimer's disease (AD)? Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia (a brain disorder that seriously affects a person's ability to carry out daily activities) among older people. It is progressively degenerative and involves the parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language. Every day scientists learn more, but right now the causes of AD are still unknown, and there is no cure. What are the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease? As AD progresses, people generally experience different symptoms. At first, the only symptom may be mild forgetfulness. Later in the disease, symptoms may include forgetting how to do simple tasks and problems recognizing familiar people or places. Difficulties with speaking, thinking clearly, reading, and writing are also common. People with advanced AD may become anxious or aggressive and are often unable to care for themselves. How many people suffer from Alzheimer's disease? It is estimated that up to 4 million people currently suffer from Alzheimer's disease in the United States. The proportion of people with the disease doubles every 5 years beyond the age of 65. How long can a person live with AD? AD is a slow disease, starting with mild memory problems and ending with severe brain damage. The course the disease takes and how fast changes occur vary from person to person. On average, AD patients live from 8 to 10 years after they are diagnosed, though the disease can last for as many as 20 years. Do men or women have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease? More women than men have Alzheimer's disease, although their higher lifetime risk may only reflect the effects of age. Women have longer life spans than men. Does educational level affect the development of Alzheimer's disease? Research suggests that the more years of formal education a person has, the less likely he or she is to develop Alzheimer's disease later in life. Some studies suggest that keeping an active mind by engaging in activities such as crossword puzzles may help to maintain function. How accurate are tests for Alzheimer's disease? Doctors in specialized Alzheimer's disease treatment centers can now diagnose Alzheimer's disease with up to 90 percent accuracy in a living person. 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. Is there a genetic link associated with AD? Recent research has shown links between some genes and AD, but in about 90% of cases, there is no clear genetic link. |
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For more information contact Health Professions Press toll free at 888-337-8808 or visit us online at www.healthpropress.com
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