Named after Alois Alzheimer, Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that is the most common cause of dementia.MedlinePlus: Alzheimer's Disease It acts by killing brain cells, resulting in cognitive impairment and memory loss. Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease. However, symptoms can be regulated to a certain degree through therapy and medications.Alzheimer's Association: What is Alzheimer's

On June 10, 2009, a British medical journal published a report on an accurate test for detecting Alzheimer's Disease. The test is called "Test Your Memory" (TYM) and is said to be able to correctly detect 93% of patients with Alzheimer's as opposed to the widely used Mini Mental State Exam, which only detects memory loss in 52% of patients.http://www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/Alzheimers/story?id=7799303&page=1

Recent information on recent research advances in the prevention and diagnosis of this disease via eye examinations are given in one of the sections below. Also on this web page are various resources for this disease, including symptoms of Alzheimer's, U.S. statistics, therapeutic information, and advice for Alzheimer's caregivers. Also on this site are relevant links for further research, news and blog sections, and Related Mahalo Pages.

Diagnosis. January 14, 2010. Recently reported scientific research reports a new method that can be used to detect the presence of Alzheimer's Disease prior to the development of symptoms. This test, which uses and eye exam, has been found useful in studies on mice and researchers believe it holds promise for use on humans within the next five years. The progress of the disease can be monitored by determining relative retinal cell death by use of a fluorescent dye test, with tests that are conducted a few weeks apart. The study was published in the journal Cell Death and Disease. The lead author of the study, Dr. Francesa Coredeiro, from the University College London Institute of Ophthalmology commented, "Few people realize that the retina is a direct, albeit thin, extension of the brain." If this test proves successful in humans, then it could be a useful tool for beginning early therapies to stop or hold back the progression of this disease. http://sain.sunsite.utk.edu/cgi-bin/textonly/0124/news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8456323.stm

Prevention. Research reported in 2009, and conducted by scientists at UCLA and the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York reveals that the drinking of red wine can have benefits for reducing the incidence of Alzheimer's Disease as well as cardiovascular diseases. Polyphenols in the wine are responsible for this effect by blocking protein formation that cause destruction of brain cells by toxic plaque formation and by decreasing the toxicity of the plaques. http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2008/11/19/Red-wine-may-help-ward-off-Alzheimers/UPI-42781227129110/

1. The caregiver needs to be cared for by having time off to for self-care. Respite care can be given by friends, family and through support groups. Many support groups are available to give help to Alzheimer's caregivers. Options for free respite care can be found through the State Respite Coalition website. Other possibilities include the social services for your state. In Texas and Minnesota, the Elderberry Institute has public funding to help with care. Religious organizations sometimes have elder care facilities.
2. Make it easier on yourself by scheduling difficult tasks, such as baths or trips out of the house, when your loved one is in the best mood.
3. Communication skills are very important as the disease progresses. The first thing you must do is to make sure there aren't distracting noises, such as a radio or television. Secondly, make the person aware of your presence, by making eye contact, giving your name and saying his or her name. You talk talk to them in a positive, normal tone of voice, speaking simply and distinctly. If they cannot apprehend what you are saying, then you can repeat or rephrase the statement in a patient manner. Sometimes touch and non-verbal gestures work to facilitate communication. Be aware and present, to facilitate adaptation to his or her best way of understanding.
4. As it is important for communication, flexibility in how you do things is important. Adapt to the needs of the moment and "should" yourself too much. As the disease progresses, your approach to care will be need to be modified as well.
5. Make things simpler by reducing the difficulty in their environment by reducing distractions and limiting the stress of decision by limiting choices.
6. Make the environment safe.to adapt to the reduced functioning caused by the disease.
7. If there are skills that they still retain, let them help by doing it themselves.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alzheimers-caregiver/HO00125

http://www.healthcentral.com/alzheimers/c/62/70337/respite-caregiver http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/guide/improving-communication

1. Confusion with time and location
2. Memory loss which affects the ability to function each day
3. Having difficulty planning and problem solving
4. Problems with completing familiar tasks
5. Misplacing of things, corresponding with an inability to backtrack
6. Problems in following and being part of conversations
7. Difficulty in reading, visual recognition, and distance perception
8. Bad judgment in personal decision making
9. Personality changes
10. Mood changes
11. Withdrawal from items of past interest, hobbies, people, sports, etc.
12. Lack of attention to personal care http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_know_the_10_signs.asp

Medications

Medications have been shown to help in memory retention. Cholinesterase inhibitors prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical that is needed to transmit nerve signals across neurons in the brain. By preventing the breakdown, levels of acetylcholine are maintained at better levels in Alzheimer's patients with these type of medications. Drugs to control behaviors such as hallucinations, agitation, depression and anxiety are common, but there are significant side effects. Frequently, insomnia is a problem and sleep medications are commonly used.

Recent studies of a drug that reduces neuroinflammation seem to very promising. Although the use of Etanercept in current clinical studies (2007-present) is off-label, all patients who have been treated with it have shown an almost immediate and dramatic improvement after injections. http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/alzheimer_tnf.html

Therapies

In February of 2009 new research linking memory and music suggested the possibility that music therapy could be a future treatment for Alzheimer patients.Popular Science: Your Mental Movie Soundtrack (February 25, 2009) http://www.mayoclinic.org/alzheimers-disease/treatment.html

This page is not a substitute for medical advice. If you think you have Alzheimer's disease, please consult your doctor.

1. Someone develops Alzheimer's every 71 secondsAlzheimer's Association: Alzheimer's Disease: Facts and Figures
2. Sixth leading cause of deathAlzheimer's Association: What is Alzheimer's
3. Over 5 million sufferersAlzheimer's Association: What is Alzheimer's
4. Costs about $148 billion annuallyAlzheimer's Association: Alzheimer's Disease: Facts and Figures

Caffeine Intake - A report in 2002 indicated that increased caffeine intake was associated with a lower incidence of the disease.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12099922

Physical activity - Increased physical activity, particularly aerobic fitness, appears to help aging adults retain health and cognitive function. http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/ADPrevented/strategies.htm

Health Supplements - Studies suggest that DHA (a type of omega-3 fatty acid), turmeric and foods high in antioxidants may help prevent cognitive decline. Example foods that are high in antioxidants include blueberries, cranberries, and strawberries. Other studies also are being carried out for the use of the antioxidants alpha lipoic acid, coenzyme Q, and vitamins E and C. http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/ADPrevented/strategies.htm

Maintaining Social Engagement and Intellectually Stimulating Activities - Lifelong learning and regular social engagement reduces the probability of cognitive decline. http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/ADPrevented/strategies.htm>/ref>