If you know someone with Alzheimer's, you understand how difficult it is for everyone involved. Alzheimer's doesn't just affect the person with the disease; it touches everyone close to them. Knowing the facts can help you cope.
Alzheimer's is a form of dementia, which interferes with your ability to remember things, perform daily tasks and take care of yourself. Eventually, you become completely dependent on others. Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia—in fact, 60% to 80% of people who develop dementia have Alzheimer's.
Your risk for Alzheimer's goes up after age 65. People under age 65 can get Alzheimer's, too, but this is less common.
How to spot the signs
Alzheimer's is not a normal part of getting older. Damage to your brain's nerve cells, or neurons, triggers Alzheimer's symptoms. Scientists aren't sure exactly what causes this damage, but it can begin years before signs of the disease appear.
Alzheimer's symptoms may include:
• Forgetting something you just learned or dates, events or people's names.
• Repeating phrases.
• Having trouble doing routine things, such as paying bills.
• Not knowing what time, day or year it is.
• Confusion about where you are or how you got there.
• Losing things often.
• Having trouble understanding a conversation or choosing the right words.
• A decreased ability to use sound judgment, such as with your money.
• Pulling away from friends, family or hobbies.
• Personality changes like irritability, confusion, anxiety, suspicion and depression.
Diagnosis and treatment
If you have a family member with signs of Alzheimer's, they should see their health care provider as soon as possible. The provider will review the person's medical history, ask about behavior changes and perform lab tests. The provider may also assess the person's memory and problem-solving skills and order a brain scan to rule out other illnesses.
No single test can diagnose Alzheimer's. Your loved one may need to be assessed several times as symptoms worsen.
Alzheimer's disease has no cure, but researchers have made great strides toward slowing its development and treating its symptoms. Early intervention is important for preserving and improving quality of life.