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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? People with AD generally experience a progression of 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. It is estimated that 4.5 million people currently suffer from AD in the
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, patients with AD live from 8 to 10 years after diagnosis, though the disease can last for as many as 20 years. Research suggests that the more years of formal education a person has, the less likely he or she is to develop AD later in life. Some studies suggest that keeping an active mind by engaging in activities such as crossword puzzles may help to maintain function. Doctors in specialized AD treatment centers can now diagnose the 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. Family history and genetics are risk factors for AD. Recent research has shown that those who have a parent or sibling with the disease are two to three times more likely to develop the disease than those who do not. However, the vast majority of cases are caused by a complex combination of genetic and nongenetic influences. Sources: Alzheimer's Disease Education & Referral Center, A Service of the National Institute on Aging & National Institute of Health (www.alzheimers.org) and Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) |
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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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