Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's is a form of dementia that effects around 5.3 million people just in the U.S., most of whom are over the age of 65. The disease was discovered in 1906 by Alois Alzheimer. There is still no cure for Alzheimer's Disease, but once diagnosed, it can be managed if treated properly.http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_alzheimers.asp

The causes of Alzheimer's tend to vary from case to case. The most common risk factor for developing the disease is old age. Other risk factors include genetic mutations that can lead to early-onset Alzheimer's and a common gene that can be passed down that can lead to late-onset Alzheimer's.http://www.medicinenet.com/alzheimers_disease/article.htm#tocd

Some early symptoms of Alzeimer's Disease include short term memory loss and disorientation. This can be accompanied by the patient having trouble performing day to day tasks, making plans, speaking, and experiencing mood swings. Motivation can also decrease in the early stages of Alzheimer's.http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/guide/alzheimers-disease-symptoms

In the later stages of the disease, a patient might become paranoid, start hallucinating, or may be completely unable to communicate with others. They may also be unable to recognize family members and friends, and loose the ability to walk.http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/guide/alzheimers-disease-symptoms

Although Alzheimer's is incurable, there are ways to manage the disease if it is diagnosed early. There are a few types of medications available that can treat some of the symptoms of Alzheimer's like memory loss and behavioral problems.http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/guide/alzheimers-disease-therapy-optionsA patient can also get involved in various clinical trials or take antidepressants in order to curb mood swings. It is also important to make the patient's home safe, and it's sometimes necessary to place them in an inpatient care facility, if they are in the later stages of the disease.http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/guide/caregiving-preparing-homeResearch is still being done in terms of how to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's and new medications are being developed each year.http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/guide/alzheimers-disease-therapy-options

These are just a few of the facts in the 2010 report for Alzheimer’s Disease:

• As many as 5 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s
• Alzheimer's and dementia triple health care costs for Americans ages 65 and older
• Every 70 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer’s
• Alzheimer's is the seventh-leading cause of death.
• African Americans and Hispanic people have a greater risk of developing Alzheimer's sometime in their life
• The direct and indirect costs of Alzheimer's to Medicare, Medicaid and businesses amount to more than $148 billion each yearhttp://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_facts_figures.asp

The information contained on this page should not be considered medical guidance or professional advice. Visitors are encouraged to confirm the information contained herein with other reliable sources and to direct any questions concerning their personal health to licensed physicians or other appropriate health care professionals.