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Alzheimer's |
Alzheimer's Disease Fact SheetIntroduction The disease usually begins after age 65, and risk of AD goes up with age. While younger people also may have AD, it is much less common. About 3 percent of men and women ages 65 to 74 have AD, and nearly half of those age 85 and older may have the disease. It is important to note, however, that AD is not a normal part of aging. AD is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German doctor. In 1906, Dr. Alzheimer noticed changes in the brain tissue of a woman who had died of an unusual mental illness. He found abnormal clumps (now called senile or neuritic plaques) and tangled bundles of fibers (now called neurofibrillary tangles). Today, these plaques and tangles in the brain are considered hallmarks of AD. Scientists also have found other changes in the brains of people with AD. There is a loss of nerve cells in areas of the brain that are vital to memory and other mental abilities. There also are lower levels of chemicals in the brain that carry complex messages back and forth between billions of nerve cells. AD may disrupt normal thinking and memory by blocking these messages between nerve cells. Symptoms However, as the disease goes on, symptoms are more easily noticed and become serious enough to cause people with AD or their family members to seek medical help. For example, people with AD may forget how to do simple tasks, like brushing their teeth or combing their hair. They can no longer think clearly; and they begin to have problems speaking, understanding, reading, or writing. Later on, people with AD may become anxious or aggressive, or wander away from home. Eventually, patients may need total care. Diagnosis Doctors may say that a person has "probable" AD. They will make this diagnosis by finding out more about the person's symptoms. The following is some of the information the doctor may need to make a diagnosis: A
Complete Medical History Basic
Medical Tests Neuropsychological
Tests Brain
Scans Treatment it for as many as 20 years. No treatment can stop AD. However, for some people in the early and middle stages of the disease, the drug tacrine (also known as THA or Cognex) may alleviate some cognitive symptoms. Also, some medicines may help control behavioral symptoms of AD such as sleeplessness, agitation, wandering, anxiety, and depression. Treating these symptoms often makes patients more comfortable and makes their care easier for caregivers. Scientists are testing new drugs for AD at many large teaching hospitals and universities. Some of these drugs have shown promise in easing symptoms in some patients. People with AD who want to help scientists test these experimental drugs may be able to take part in clinical trials. To find out more about these studies, contact the Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center at the telephone number listed at the end of this fact sheet. People with AD should go to their doctor regularly. The doctor will check to see how the disease is progressing and treat any other illnesses that occur. The doctor and other health professionals also can offer help and support to patients and their families. Most often, spouses or other family members provide the day-to-day care for people with AD. As the disease gets worse, people often need more and more care. This can be hard for caregivers and can affect their physical and mental health, family life, jobs, and finances. The Alzheimer's Association has chapters nationwide that provide educational programs and support groups for caregivers and family members of people with AD. For more information, contact the Alzheimer's Association listed at the end of this fact sheet. Research The major risk factors for AD are age and family history. Other possible risk factors include a serious head injury and lower levels of education. Scientists also are studying additional factors to see if they may cause the disease. Some of these factors include: Genetic
(Inherited) Factors Environmental
Factors Viruses AD probably is not caused by any one factor. It is more likely to be several factors that act differently in each person. For example, genetic factors alone may not be enough to cause the disease. Other risk factors may combine with a person's genetic makeup to increase his or her chance of developing the disease. Scientists also are trying to develop a test that can detect or predict AD. If the onset of the disease could be delayed for even a short time, the number of people with the disease would drop. Delaying AD also would make the quality of life better for older people and lead to savings in health care costs. Other research is aimed at helping both patients and caregivers cope with the patients' loss of abilities and the stress this causes. For example, researchers are studying ways to manage problem behaviors in patients, such as wandering and agitation. Still other scientists are evaluating services and programs for patients and caregivers, including respite care. Respite care covers a variety of situations in which someone else cares for the patient for a period of time, giving family caregivers temporary relief. The National Institute on Aging, the Federal Government's lead agency for AD research, funds Alzheimer's Disease Centers located throughout the United States. The centers carry out a wide range of research, including studies on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and management of AD. To obtain a list of the centers, contact the ADEAR Center listed below. For
More Information Alzheimer's
Association Alzheimer's
Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center Eldercare
Locator U.S
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES This information is available courtesy of the NIMH. It is in the public domain and can be downloaded, reproduced, or copied without permission. For more information go to http://www.nimh.nih.gov/practitioners/patinfo.cfm |