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What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s (AHLZ-high-merz) disease, the most common form of
dementia, is a progressive brain disorder that slowly causes a person’s
Alzheimer’s disease gradually progresses, individuals will show a change
in their personality and not seem like their “old selves” and begin to
experience abnormal behaviors, such as delusions of hallucinations,
anxiety or panic, and confusion. In the advances stages of Alzheimer’s,
people become solely dependent on others for their care, and have no
ability to live on their own.The disease can progress differently for each
person, ranging from five to twenty years.
How do symptoms progress over time?
Alzheimer's disease is progressive, which means that symptoms worsen
over time. How fast the disease progresses, and what pattern symptoms
might follow, is variable by individual.
Researchers and doctors use a number of scales to measure the
progression of symptoms over time, which many define as many as
seven distinct stages of the disease. For general purposes, three broad
phases are typically recognized: mild, moderate and severe. The
symptoms commonly seen in each stage are summarized below, but it's
important to realize that there may be some overlap among the stages,
and that people may not experience all of these symptoms.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s
Mild Symptoms
·Confusion and memory loss
·Disorientation; getting lost in familiar surroundings
·Problems with routine tasks
·Changes in personality and judgment
Moderate Symptoms
·Difficulty with activities of daily living, such as eating and bathing
·Anxiety, suspiciousness, agitation
·Sleep disturbances
·Wandering, pacing
·Difficulty recognizing family and friends
Severe Symptoms
·Loss of speech
·Loss of appetite; weight loss
·Loss of bladder and bowel control
·Total dependence on caregiver
Who is affected?
Today it is estimated that about five million Americans suffer from
Alzheimer’s disease, and about 360,000 people are newly diagnosed
every year. Alzheimer’s affects about 10 percent of people over the age
of 65, and that percentage doubles nearly every 10 years after the age
of 65. A staggering 50 percent of those over 85 may have Alzheimer’s.
Unless something can be done to find a cure for Alzheimer’s, experts
predict that as many as 16 million Americans will be diagnosed with the
disease in the next 50 years. The financial cost of caring for an
Alzheimer’s patient is estimated to be about $50,000. If nothing is done
to end Alzheimer’s, the annual costs of Alzheimer’s care and medical
costs will be high enough to potentially bankrupt the country’s entire
healthcare system.
What should I do for a myself or a loved one with Alzheimer's?
If you or someone you loved is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, treatment
should be started as soon as possible so that the person with the
disease can be as involved as possible in treatment decisions and
planning for the future. Facing the possibility of an Alzheimer's diagnosis
in yourself or a loved one can be traumatic. While it may be a difficult
step, taking action to see a doctor right away for a diagnostic evaluation
may actually help resolve anxiety. If Alzheimer's is found to be probable,
your doctor can help you understand what to expect, how best to
maximize quality of life, and how to find the support and resources that
you will need. You may also find it helpful to consult a counselor,
spiritual advisor (such as a minister or rabbi), or psychiatrist - someone
who can help you and your family cope with the emotional and
psychological burden of Alzheimer's.
Alzheimer’s (AHLZ-high-merz) disease, the most common form of
dementia, is a progressive brain disorder that slowly causes a person’s
Alzheimer’s disease gradually progresses, individuals will show a change
in their personality and not seem like their “old selves” and begin to
experience abnormal behaviors, such as delusions of hallucinations,
anxiety or panic, and confusion. In the advances stages of Alzheimer’s,
people become solely dependent on others for their care, and have no
ability to live on their own.The disease can progress differently for each
person, ranging from five to twenty years.
How do symptoms progress over time?
Alzheimer's disease is progressive, which means that symptoms worsen
over time. How fast the disease progresses, and what pattern symptoms
might follow, is variable by individual.
Researchers and doctors use a number of scales to measure the
progression of symptoms over time, which many define as many as
seven distinct stages of the disease. For general purposes, three broad
phases are typically recognized: mild, moderate and severe. The
symptoms commonly seen in each stage are summarized below, but it's
important to realize that there may be some overlap among the stages,
and that people may not experience all of these symptoms.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s
Mild Symptoms
·Confusion and memory loss
·Disorientation; getting lost in familiar surroundings
·Problems with routine tasks
·Changes in personality and judgment
Moderate Symptoms
·Difficulty with activities of daily living, such as eating and bathing
·Anxiety, suspiciousness, agitation
·Sleep disturbances
·Wandering, pacing
·Difficulty recognizing family and friends
Severe Symptoms
·Loss of speech
·Loss of appetite; weight loss
·Loss of bladder and bowel control
·Total dependence on caregiver
Who is affected?
Today it is estimated that about five million Americans suffer from
Alzheimer’s disease, and about 360,000 people are newly diagnosed
every year. Alzheimer’s affects about 10 percent of people over the age
of 65, and that percentage doubles nearly every 10 years after the age
of 65. A staggering 50 percent of those over 85 may have Alzheimer’s.
Unless something can be done to find a cure for Alzheimer’s, experts
predict that as many as 16 million Americans will be diagnosed with the
disease in the next 50 years. The financial cost of caring for an
Alzheimer’s patient is estimated to be about $50,000. If nothing is done
to end Alzheimer’s, the annual costs of Alzheimer’s care and medical
costs will be high enough to potentially bankrupt the country’s entire
healthcare system.
What should I do for a myself or a loved one with Alzheimer's?
If you or someone you loved is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, treatment
should be started as soon as possible so that the person with the
disease can be as involved as possible in treatment decisions and
planning for the future. Facing the possibility of an Alzheimer's diagnosis
in yourself or a loved one can be traumatic. While it may be a difficult
step, taking action to see a doctor right away for a diagnostic evaluation
may actually help resolve anxiety. If Alzheimer's is found to be probable,
your doctor can help you understand what to expect, how best to
maximize quality of life, and how to find the support and resources that
you will need. You may also find it helpful to consult a counselor,
spiritual advisor (such as a minister or rabbi), or psychiatrist - someone
who can help you and your family cope with the emotional and
psychological burden of Alzheimer's.
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