Alzheimer's Disease Info

Alzheimer's Disease InfonnWhat is it?nAlzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys a person’s memory and ability to learn, reason, make judgments, communicate and carry out daily activities. As Alzheimer’s progresses, individuals may also experience changes in personality and behavior, such as anxiety, suspiciousness or agitation, as well as delusions or hallucinations. Scientists think that as many as 4.5 million Americans suffer from AD. Research has also shown that effective care and support can improve quality of life for individuals and their caregivers over the course of the disease from diagnosis to the end of life. How is it caused?nScientists do not yet fully understand what causes AD. There probably is not one single cause, but several factors that affect each person differently. Scientists have learned that Alzheimer’s disease involves the malfunction or death of nerve cells, but why this happens is still not known. The greatest known risk factor is increasing age, and most individuals with the illness are 65 and older. The likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s approximately doubles every five years after age 65. After age 85, the risk reaches nearly 50 percent. Understanding the DiagnosisnIf you or a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, it's important to know the difference between cognitive and behavioral symptoms in order to seek the appropriate treatment. Cognitive symptoms include memory loss, disorientation, confusion and problems with reasoning and thinking. Behavioral symptoms include agitation, anxiety, delusions, depression, hallucinations, insomnia and wandering. A diagnosis of Alzheimer's usually falls into one of the following three categories: "Probable" Alzheimer's indicates that the physician has ruled out all other disorders that may be causing dementia and concluded that the symptoms are most likely the result of Alzheimer's disease. "Possible" Alzheimer's means that Alzheimer's disease is the primary cause of the dementia symptoms but that another disorder may be affecting the known progression of Alzheimer's, so that the disease process is somewhat different from what is normally seen. "Definite" Alzheimer's can only be diagnosed at the time of autopsy and requires examination of brain tissue. A brain autopsy is the only way to diagnose the disease with 100 percent accuracy. Treating Alzheimer'snNo treatment can stop Alzheimer's. It 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. Alzheimer's patients live an average of 8 to 10 years after they are diagnosed, though some have the disease for as many as 20 years. However, for some people in the early and middle stages of the Alzheimer's, the drugs tacrine (Cognex), donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), or galantamine (Reminyl) may help prevent some symptoms from becoming worse for a limited time. Also, other drugs help to control behavioral symptoms such as sleeplessness, agitation, wandering, anxiety, and depression. Treating these symptoms often makes Alzheimer's patients more comfortable and easier to care for by caregivers. Ongoing Alzheimer's research is focused on testing a number of drugs to see if they prevent or slow the disease's progression or help reduce it's behavioral symptoms. Scientists are testing two different types of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to find out if they slow the disease. There is evidence that inflammation in the brain may contribute to Alzheimer's damage, so anti-inflammatory drugs such as NSAIDs might help slow its progression. Rofecoxib (Vioxx) and naproxen (Aleve) are two NSAIDs currently being studied. Research has also shown that vitamin E slows the progress of some consequences of Alzheimer's by almost one year. Other studies using ginkgo biloba, an extract made from the leaves of the ginkgo tree, may be of some help in treating Alzheimer's symptoms. Another study is currently investigating estrogen to see if it reduces the risk of Alzheimer's or slows the disease. Alzheimer's ProductsnnBath Safety Products - help to maintain stability and compensate for loss of strength when toileting and bathing. These include:nBedpans and Urinals - are available for patients who are unable to get up from bed to use a bedside commode or the bathroom. nElevated Toilet Seats - enable patients who have difficult in standing to remain independent in the bathroom. nBedside Commodes - are stand-alone toilet seats with a removable pail for people who are able to walk to the bathroom but often cannot make it that far without having an incontinence accident. nBath Chair and Handheld Shower - often become necessary to wash up after incontinence accidents. nGrab Bars - provide stability when standing after sitting on the toilet or when entering and exiting the bath or shower. nPersonal Care - items includes sitz baths, lubricant jelly and gloves. Rinseless Shampoos, and foot cleansers are also available. nAccessories - include washcloths, and air fresheners. nAids to Daily Living (ADL's) - help people remain independent by facilitating their daily tasks in eating, dressing, bathing and toileting. nThese include: nReachers nDoor Openers nPill Dispensers nSilverware and PlatesnnAdditional Online ResourcesnnINFORMATIONnThe Alzheimer's Associationn800 272-3900nwww.alz.orgnThis nonprofit association supports families and caregivers of patients with AD. Chapters nationwide provide referrals to local resources and services, and sponsor support groups and educational programs. The Association also funds research. HOME CARE PRODUCTSnHub4Healthn800-875-1198nwww.hub4health.comnHub4Health started in 2005 offering practical health information about common and frequently researched medical conditions. In addition to providing up to date information about the symptoms and treatments for today's prevalent medical conditions, Hub4Health research contains sensible suggestions for related products and services.nn