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Your loved one starts to forget the name of their daughter, forgets how to get home, forgets how to turn on the TV. These are the difficult scenes that play out if someone you love has Alzheimer’s Disease. This will be a three-part blog, consisting of a general overview, tools to help caregivers, and ways for caregivers to take care of themselves.

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s is a slowly progressive and fatal brain disease and is the most common form of dementia (loss of memory and other intellectual abilities) that affect everyday life. It is most apparent in people over the age of 65. Early symptoms include forgetfulness, shortened attention span, trouble with simple math, difficulty expressing thoughts, and unpredictable moods. Later symptoms are earlier symptoms that are exacerbated.

How is it diagnosed

There is no single test that can detect Alzheimer’s. Instead it is diagnosed by symptoms and findings from neurological exams. Physical exams include a complete medical history, blood tests, x-rays and electrocardiograms. Neurological testing is comprised of electroencephalogram, computerized tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Psychiatric testing includes a full clinical interview and tests to determine memory and general mental health. Psychologists or psychiatrists commonly use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition-Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR)

Understanding Alzheimer’s

• What happens to the brain

  In Alzheimer’s patients microscopic structures called plaques and tangles start to form, resulting in the death of brain cells. These occur mainly in parts of the brain that are needed for memory, language, and reasoning.

• Treating Alzheimer’s Disease:

• prescription medications such as donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine can slow development of mild or moderate Alzheimer’s.

• physical activity

• varied diet

• regular doctor’s visits

Resources and Additional Information:

Alzheimer’s Association

Alzheimer’s Society

Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation

Mayo Clinic

Medicine Net

Medline Plus

National Institute on Aging

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

University of Washington Alzheimer’s Association