1. General Health Conditions

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)

About 4.5 million persons in the U.S. have Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It affects about half of those over age 85; about 10 percent of those over age 65.

Signs & Symptoms

Signs and symptoms get worse over time. This can take from 3 to 20 years. The average is 8 to 10 years from the time symptoms start.

The Alzheimer’s Association gives these common symptoms:

1. •Memory loss. Persons with AD forget names, numbers, etc. more often than normal. They do not remember them later. They may also ask the same question over and over again.
   

2. •Problems doing familiar tasks. Examples are fixing a meal and doing things that used to be done often and with ease, such as a hobby.
   

3. •Problems with language. Speech and writing are hard to understand. The person often forgets simple words or uses unusual words for things. An example is calling a toothbrush “that thing for my mouth.”
   

4. •Problems with abstract thinking. Persons with AD forget what numbers are. They can’t balance a checkbook.
   

5. •Problems with awareness of time and place. Persons with AD can get lost in familiar places. They don’t know where they are, how they got there, and how to get back home.
   

6. •Poor or decreased judgement. Persons with AD may not dress right for the weather or event. They show poor judgement about money.
   

7. •Misplacing things. This is more than forgetting where keys are placed. The person with AD may put things where they don’t belong, such as a wristwatch in a sugar bowl.
   

8. •Mood or behavior changes. These come for no known reason. Moods can change fast. Persons can be calm, then cry, then be angry, all within a matter of minutes.
   

9. •Personality changes. Persons with AD can get very confused, fearful, etc. They rely on someone else to make decisions and answer questions for them.
   

10. •Loss of initiative. Persons with AD become withdrawn. They neglect to bathe and dress themselves.

Causes

The cause of AD is not known. Known risk factors are getting older and a family history of the disease. Studies are being done to find out the role that diet, education level, the environment, and viruses play in AD.

Treatment

A medical diagnosis suggests (or rules out) Alzheimer’s disease. Other conditions, such as depression, a severe lack of vitamin B12, and blood clots in the brain can cause symptoms like AD. So can side effects of some medicines.

There is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Prescribed medicines may help some persons with mild to moderate AD.

1. •Maintain daily routines.
   

2. •See that the person with AD eats well-balanced meals and stays as active as he or she can. Activities like going for walks with others are good.
   

3. •Post safety signs like “Don’t touch.” Make “to do” lists of daily tasks.
   

4. •Put things in their proper places after use. This helps the person find things when he or she needs them.
   

5. •Make sure the person carries identification or wears a medical ID bracelet.

Are any of these conditions present?

1. •Symptoms in a person with Alzheimer’s disease worsen.
   

2. •The caretaker of the person with Alzheimer’s disease needs care or guidance.

Self-Care / Prevention

There is no known prevention. Studies are being done to find out ways to lower the risk of AD and delay the onset of symptoms. Some studies suggest to do things that keep the mind active. This includes crossword puzzles and reading.

Good planning, medical care, and social management help both the person and caregivers cope with symptoms and maintain the quality of life for as long as possible. An Advance Directive should be done in the early stages of AD to allow for the person’s wishes. It’s very helpful to put structure in the life of the person in the early stages of AD. To do this:

Are any of the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease listed above present?

Is the person suddenly confused or disoriented? Is he or she not able to reason or communicate at all?

Questions to Ask