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Alzheimer's Disease: Symptoms & Care

Last Updated: April 9, 2015

Dementia is a brain disorder that seriously affects a person's ability to carry out daily activities. The most common form of dementia among older people is Alzheimer's disease (AD), which initially involves the parts of the brain that control thought, memory and language. Although scientists are learning more every day, right now they still do not know what causes Alzheimer's, and there is no cure.

Scientists think that as many as 4.5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's disease. The disease usually begins after age 60, and risk goes up with age. While younger people also may get AD, it is much less common. About 5% of men and women ages 65 to 74 have AD, and nearly half of those age 85 and older may have the disease. It is important to note, however, that AD is not a normal part of aging.



What Causes Alzheimer's Disease?

Scientists do not yet fully understand what causes Alzheimer's, but there are several known risk factors:

  • Age: The number of people with the disease doubles every 5 years beyond age 65.

In addition to the above, scientists are finding increasing evidence that some of the risk factors for heart disease and stroke, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and low levels of the vitamin folate, may also increase the risk of AD. Evidence for physical, mental, and social activities as protective factors against Alzheimer's is also increasing.

What Are the Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease?



How is Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosed?



At specialized centers, doctors can diagnose AD correctly up to 90 percent of the time. Doctors use several tools to diagnose "probable" AD, including:

  • Medical History: General health, past medical problems and ability to carry out daily activities all factor into a diagnosis
  • Mental Function Evaluation: Tests of memory, problem solving, attention,  and language abilities are common.
  • Physical Tests: Doctors will likely run brain scans, and may collect blood, urine and spinal fluid samples.


How is Alzheimer's Disease Treated?



Scientists are exploring several new potential Alzheimer's treatments in hopes of slowing down the disease's progression and lessening it's effects, including:

  • NSAIDS: While early research hasn't shown that anti-inflammatories have any affect on preventing Alzheimer's or slowing its progression, because Alzheimer's is an inflammatory diseases, scientiests are continuing to test therapeutic regimes involving these drugs.
  • Natural Memory Enhancers: Vitamin E, Ginko biloba and other naturally occuring memory enhancers hold some promise for those with Alzheimer's
  • Estrogen: This hormone is known to help protect the brain, and some think it could help prevent memory loss.

Is There Help for Caregivers?

Most often, spouses and other family members provide the day-to-day care for people with Alzheimer's disease. As the disease gets worse, people often need more and more care. This can be hard for caregivers and can affect their physical and mental health, family life, job, and finances.

The Alzheimer's Association has chapters nationwide that provide educational programs and support groups for caregivers and family members of people with AD. Contact information for the Alzheimer's Association is listed below.

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