Understanding
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease is a neurological disease of the brain.
Alzheimer's disease is a type of irreversible dementia that is progressive
and degenerative.
Presently, there is no known definitive cause of Alzheimer's disease.
There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease at this time, though medical
research is making progress in finding ways to minimize the disease's
effects. As with other types of progressive dementia, Alzheimer's disease
affects a person's ability to think, reason, remember, and function
physically over time. Currently, Alzheimer's disease affects over five
million Americans. It is estimated that there will be more than three
times as many people suffering from Alzheimer's disease by mid-21st
century.
Initially, a person may experience difficulty handling their checkbook
or doing a previously familiar task, like a cooking recipe. The person
may have difficulty with recalling a word or a name that is very familiar
to them. Sometimes, the person has difficulty expressing oneself or
may use common words incorrectly or may repeatedly ask the same questions.
Increasing forgetfulness, such as, missing appointments or misplacing
personal belongings, may be due to something more than life stress and
lack of concentration. Changes in mood and behavior may be present during
the onset of the disease. When the person's usual personality shows
signs of increased irritability, suspiciousness, or a growing lack of
interest in life events; the potential development of Alzheimer's disease
becomes a real possibility.
Since the onset of Alzheimer's disease is typically a slow and gradual
course, it is not uncommon for the person with Alzheimer's disease to
not be diagnosed for months and even years later. The person may be
able to mask or compensate for these initial mishaps or limitations
and, as a result, be able to avoid being noticed by family or friends
that a problem exists.
Alzheimer's disease is not a part of the normal aging process. It requires
medical assessment and treatment. Family members, who suspect a problem
with a loved one's thinking, memory, or behavior, must take the courageous
step to pursue a comprehensive evaluation of the signs and symptoms
that are seen. Occasionally, a person with early stage Alzheimer's disease
may personally seek an evaluation on their own to help them understand
what is happening to them. With a thorough assessment, treatable conditions,
such as depression, can be accurately identified and treated. Persons
with Alzheimer's disease are sometimes diagnosed with depression or
another medical condition that can be medically managed and improve
the person's quality of life.
Understanding Alzheimer's disease requires the willingness of family
and friends to observe and respond to the gradual changes that are hallmarks
of the disease. Responding to these changes in the person's functioning
will help the person to maintain their capacity to cope emotionally
through the genuine support of loved ones and the caregiver services
from our Alzheimer's Support Network.
