Alzheimer's Disease - the words strike fear into almost every elderly person in Seattle. There is help in Seattle for victims of Alzheimer's and their families. The first step is learning some basic facts.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia among older people. Dementia is a brain disorder that seriously affects a person's ability to carry out daily activities.
AD begins slowly. It first involves the parts of the brain that control thought, memory and language. At first, the only symptom may be mild forgetfulness, which can be confused with age-related memory change. Most people with mild forgetfulness do not have AD. In the early stages of AD, people may have trouble remembering recent events, activities, or the names of familiar people or things. They may not be able to solve simple math problems. Later on, they may become anxious or aggressive, or wander away from home. Eventually, they need total care.
AD usually begins after age 60. The risk goes up as you get older. Your risk is also higher if a family member has had the disease. No treatment can stop AD or slow its progress. However, some drugs may help keep symptoms from getting worse for a limited time.
The seven warning signs of Alzheimer's disease are:
- Asking the same question over and over again.
- Repeating the same story, word for word, again and again.
- Forgetting how to cook, or how to make repairs, or how to play cards-- activities that were previously done with ease and regularity.
- Losing one's ability to pay bills or balance one's checkbook.
- Getting lost in familiar surroundings, or misplacing household objects.
- Neglecting to bathe, or wearing the same clothes over and over again, while insisting that they have taken a bath or that their clothes are still clean.
- Relying on someone else, such as a spouse, to make decisions or answer questions they previously would have handled themselves.
If someone has several or even most of these symptoms, it does not mean they definitely have the disease. It does mean they should be thoroughly examined by a medical specialist trained in evaluating memory disorders.
The Administration on Aging (AOA) offers a web page called the Alzheimer's Resource Room that contains information about AD, caregiving, services for people with AD, and where you can turn for support and assistance.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) also has a web page with additional information on AD and contact information for various organizations that deal with AD.
You may also wish to view information about the following topics:
November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, designated to encourage citizens to educate themselves about this serious disease. You may wish to read the presidential proclamation for 2008.