Disease: Alzheimer's
Overview
Alzheimer's (AHLZ-high-merz) disease is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys a person's memory and ability to learn, reason, make judgments, communicate and carry out daily activities.
Take a tour of the human brain at Alzheimer's Association !
- Information obtained from the Alzheimer's Association .
Prevention
There are some steps you can take to help prevent Alzheimer's.
- Head Injury - Some research suggests that there is a link between serious head injury and future risk of Alzheimer's. Try to prevent head injuries by buckling your seat belt, wearing a helmet, and fall-proofing your house.
- Brain Health - Research has suggested that a healthy brain may reduce your change of getting Alzheimer's. Some ways to keep your brain healthy are: eating a healthy diet, staying socially active, avoiding tobacco and excess alcohol, and exercising both the body and the mind.
- Heart/Head Connection - Some evidence suggest that heart disease can increase the chances of getting Alzheimer's
Symptoms
There are some signs of Alzheimer's, which include:
1. Memory Loss
2. Difficulty Performing Familiar Tasks
3. Problems with language
4. Disorentation from date and time
5. Misplacing things
6. Change in mood and behavior
7. Change in personality.
Management/Treatment Options
Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's. But drug and non-drug treatments may help with both cognitive and behavioral symptoms. Researchers are looking for new treatments to alter the course of the disease and improve the quality of life for people with dementia.
Quick Facts
Here are some quick facts about Alzheimer's:
- 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease.
- Increasing age is the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer's.
- In a Gallup poll commissioned by the Alzheimer's Association, 1 in 10 Americans said that they had a family member with Alzheimer's and 1 in 3 knew someone with the disease.
- A person with Alzheimer's disease will live an average of eight years and as many as 20 years or more from the onset of symptoms as estimated by relatives.
Links To Alzheimer's Information
Alzheimer's Information from the American Health Assistance Foundation (AHAF)