Alzheimer's Disease

Causes, Symptoms, Treatments
By: Juan L. Joy, M.D.

"10% of people age 65 and 47% of
those age 85 or older are affected"

What is Alzheimer's Disease?
Alzheimer's Disease is a brain disease that affects a person's ability to remember and reason. Memory for recent events is usually more affected than distant memories. Alzheimer's Disease is not a normal part of aging. The disease is named after Alois Alzheimer, a German doctor who first described it in 1906.

Who gets Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer's Disease most often affects people over 65. Men and women are equally affected. Sadly, this is a very common disease. Approximately 10% of people age 65 and 47% of those age 85 or older are affected.

What causes Alzheimer's Disease?

At this time, we simply do not know for sure. In Alzheimer's Disease there is progressive loss of brain cells, but the exact cause of this is unknown. However, there is intense research being done in the U.S. and abroad to find an answer. In the great majority of cases, Alzheimer's Disease is not an inherited condition.

What are the symptoms?

In the early stages the symptoms are often quite subtle and the family frequently brushes them off as being due to "old age". These include forgetfulness, change in personality, lack of interest in previously liked activities, difficulty with math and complex thinking, (balancing the checkbook). As the condition progresses, the memory loss gets more severe as well as personality and mood changes.

An important point is that the person afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease rarely seems to realize that there is anything wrong with their memory and resents family members for trying to limit what they want to do ("What do you mean I can't pay my bills by myself; there's nothing wrong with my memory!").

How is the disease diagnosed?

Alzheimer's Disease is often suspected in elderly persons

with the above symptoms, since it is the most common cause of memory loss in people over 65. At present, there is no specific blood or X-ray test that can confirm the disease. However, patients suspected of having Alzheimer's disease need to be evaluated for other causes of memory loss that can be treated (vitamin deficiencies, thyroid dysfunction, liver or kidney failure, brain tumor - to name a few). When no other cause is apparent, then Alzheimer's Disease is the most likely diagnosis.

What treatment is available?

Unfortunately, at this time we do not have a cure or a way to slow down the disease. Alzheimer's Disease is a progressive disease, meaning the symptoms get worse with time (usually over years). There are several medications available that can improve the condition to a modest degree in some patients, but unfortunately, they do not slow down the disease. They are most effective in the early stages of the disease. More medications are likely to be available in the next few years. There are also medications to treat restlessness, aggressiveness or sleeping difficulty that frequently occurs in Alzheimer's Disease patients.

What about the caregiver?

Caregivers of Alzheimer's Disease are known as the "second victim". Alzheimer's Disease not only affects the person that has the disease, but the whole family unit. Caring for someone with this disease can be quite taxing and challenging. It is important that the caregiver stays both physically and mentally healthy to better help the patient. It is important for other family members to share in the care of the patient, so that the usual caregiver does not get overwhelmed. Centers that take care of patients for several hours a day are beneficial for both the patient and the caregiver.

Alzheimer's Association

Tampa Bay Chapter, 9365 US Highway 19 North, Suite B

Pinellas Park, FL 33782, (800) 772-8672, Fax: (727) 578-2286

www.alz.tbc.org

Satellite offices in Polk County are located as follows:

Winter Haven, 1131 First Street, S. 33880, (863) 292-9210

Lakeland, 1507 Kennedy Blvd. 33810, (863) 816-9766

The Association provides disease-related information, literature, coordination of group meetings in support of the family and/or caregiver of the Alzheimer's patient and respite care. *