Alzheimer's Information

"Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that occurs gradually and results in memory loss, unusual behavior, personality changes, and a decline in thinking abilities.  These losses are related to the death of brain cells and the breakdown of the connection between them.  The course of this disease varies from person to person, as does the rate of decline.  On average, AD patients live 8 to 10 years after they are diagnosed; however, the disease can last for up to 20 years." (Progress report on Alzheimer's Disease '98: NIH PUB # 99-3616)

Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet
Put together by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) - a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)- and Alzheimer's Disease Education & Referral Center (ADEAR), this article provides an overview of the disease, stages, causes, diagnosis, and treatment.

Q&A: Dementia
BBC article highlighting the basics of dementia, diagnosis, signs of the disease, and treatment. This article presents a good overview of dementia, though the statistics are UK based.

Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disease

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life
One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s is memory loss, especially forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; relying on memory aides (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own. What’s typical? Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.

2. Challenges planning/ solving problems
Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before. What’s typical? Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook.

3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure
People with Alzheimer’s often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering he rules of a favorite game. What’s typical? Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a television show.

4. Confusion with time or place
People with Alzheimer’s can lose track of dates seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there. What’s typical? Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.

5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer’s. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast. In terms of perception, they may pass a mirror and think someone else is in the room. They may not realize they are the person in the mirror. What’s typical? Vision changes related to cataracts.

6. New problems with words in speaking or writing
People with Alzheimer’s may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a “watch” a “hand-clock”). What’s typical? Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.

7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
A person with Alzheimer’s may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time. What’s typical? Misplacing things from time to time, such as a pair of glasses or the remote control.

8. Decreased or poor judgment
People with Alzheimer’s may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean. What’s typical? Making a bad decision once in a while.

9. Withdrawal from work or social activities
A person with Alzheimer’s may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced. What’s typical? Sometimes feeling weary of work family and social obligations.

10. Changes in mood and personality
The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer’s can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places out of their comfort zone. What’s typical? Developing specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.

Excerpted from: www.alz.org

If you suspect that you have a memory loss illness or are experiencing these warning signs, call you doctor.  There are over 100 diseases that can cause these symptoms, many are treatable.

Additional Resources on Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral
The Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association - National Capitol Area Chapter
Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation
Alzheimer's Foundation of America