Description

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. Alzheimer's disease is the biological process that begins with the appearance of an accumulation of proteins in the form of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. This causes brain cells to die off over time and that the brain will shrink.

Around 6.9 million people in the united States at the age of 65 years and older living with Alzheimer's disease. Among them, more than 70% are 75 years of age and older. Of the more than 55 million people worldwide with dementia, 60% to 70% it is estimated that Alzheimer's disease.

The first symptoms of Alzheimer's disease include forgetting recent events or conversations. With time, the disease of Alzheimer's disease can lead to serious problems of memory loss and affects a person's ability to perform everyday tasks.

There is No cure for Alzheimer's disease. In advanced stages, the loss of brain function can lead to dehydration, poor nutrition or infection. These complications can result in death.

But medications can improve symptoms or slow the decline in the thought. Programs and services can help support people with the disease and their caregivers.

Symptoms

Memory loss is the main symptom of Alzheimer's disease. Early in the disease, people may have difficulty remembering recent events or conversations. Over time, the memory gets worse and other symptoms.

In the first place, someone with the disease may be aware of having trouble to remember things and think clearly. As the signs and symptoms get worse, a family member or a friend may be more likely to notice problems.

Changes in the brain of Alzheimer's disease cause the following symptoms that worsen over time.

Memory

Everyone has problems with memory sometimes, but the memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease is durable. Over time, the loss of memory affects the ability to function at work and at home.

People with Alzheimer's may:

  • Repeat statements and questions over and over again.
  • Forget conversations, appointments or events.
  • Led astray, often by putting them in places that make no sense.
  • Getting lost in places that I knew well.
  • Forget the names of family members and everyday objects.
  • Having trouble finding the right words, the expression of the thoughts or conversations.

Thinking and reasoning

Alzheimer's disease causes difficulty concentrating and thinking, especially about abstract concepts like numbers. Perform more than one task at the same time, it is especially hard. It can be difficult to manage finances, balance the checkbook and pay the bills on time. Finally, people with Alzheimer's disease may not be recognized by the numbers.

Make judgments and decisions

Alzheimer's disease makes it difficult to make sensible decisions and judgments. People with Alzheimer's can make bad decisions in social environments, or of the clothing to the wrong kind of time. Problems of the daily life can be difficult to resolve. Someone with Alzheimer's disease may not know how to handle the food burning in the kitchen or how to make decisions in the driving.

Planning and performing familiar tasks

Routine activities that involve complete steps in a particular order, it can also be difficult for people with Alzheimer's disease. They may have difficulty planning and preparation of a meal or play a favorite game. As Alzheimer's progresses, people forget how to perform basic tasks, such as dressing and bathing.

Changes in personality and behavior

Brain changes that occur in Alzheimer's disease can affect moods and behaviors. Symptoms may include:

  • Depression.
  • Loss of interest in activities.
  • The Social isolation.
  • The mood changes.
  • Do not rely on others.
  • Anger or aggression.
  • Changes in sleeping habits.
  • Wanderer.
  • The loss of inhibitions.
  • Delusions, such as believing something has been stolen when you don't.

Preserves skills

Despite the large changes in memory and skills, people with Alzheimer's disease are able to maintain some skills, even as the symptoms get worse. These are known as preserved skills. It can include reading or listening to books, tell stories, share memories, singing, listening to music, dancing, drawing, or crafts.

Retains the skills they can last longer because they are managed by the parts of the brain affected in the later stages of the disease.

When to see a doctor

Various conditions can cause memory loss or other symptoms of dementia. Some of these conditions can be treated. If you are concerned about your memory or other thinking skills, talk with your health care professional.

If you are concerned about the thinking skills is observed in a family member or friend, ask about going together to speak with a health care professional.

Causes

The exact causes of Alzheimer's disease is not fully understood. But on a basic level, the proteins of the brain does not work as usual. This alters the functioning of brain cells, known as neurons, and triggers a series of events. The neurons are damaged and lose their connections to each other. They eventually die.

Scientists believe that most people, Alzheimer's is caused by a combination of genetic factors, lifestyle and environmental factors that affect the brain over time. In less than 1% of people, Alzheimer's is caused by specific genetic changes almost guarantee that the person will develop the disease. For people in this group, the disease usually begins in the middle ages.

The disease begins years before the first symptoms. The damage most often starts in the region of the brain that manages memory. The loss of neurons propagates in a certain predictable pattern to other regions of the brain. By the late stage of the disease, the brain has shrunk.

The researchers trying to understand the cause of Alzheimer's disease focused on the role of two proteins:

  • Plates. The Beta-amyloid is a fragment of a larger protein. When these fragments are grouped, which affect the communication between the brain cells. The clumps form large deposits called amyloid plaques.
  • The tangles. Tau proteins play a part in the brain of the cell's internal support and transport system to carry nutrients and other essential materials. In Alzheimer's disease, tau proteins change mshape and organize into structures called neurofibrillary tangles. Tangles disrupt the transport system and cause damage to cells.

Risk factors

Risk factors for Alzheimer's disease include age, family history, lifestyle and other factors.

Age

Advanced age is the strongest known risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is not part of the typical aging. But as it grows, the chances of getting the disease increases.

A study found that there were four new diagnoses per 1,000 people between the ages of 65 to 74 years every year. Among people ages 75 to 84, there were 32 new diagnoses per 1,000 people. For those 85 and older, there were 76 new diagnoses per 1,000 people.

Family history and genetics

The risk of getting Alzheimer's disease is higher if a first-degree relative such as a father or a brother was diagnosed with the disease. How genes between families can affect the risk is in large part not understood. Genetic factors are likely to be complex.

A better understanding is that the genetic factor is one form of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene. Having the form of the gene known as APOE e4 increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Approximately 25% to 30% of the population is a carrier of APOE e4. But not all people with this gene will develop the disease. Having two copies of the APOE e4 increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease is more than a copy.

Scientists have found rare changes in three genes that virtually guarantee a person who inherits one of them will develop Alzheimer's disease. But these changes represent less than 1% of persons with Alzheimer's disease.

Down syndrome

Many people with Down syndrome develop Alzheimer's disease. This is likely related to having three copies of chromosome 21. The chromosome 21 gene is involved in the production of the protein that leads to the creation of beta-amyloid. The Beta-amyloid fragments can be of plaques in the brain. The symptoms tend to appear 10 to 20 years earlier than in people with Down syndrome than in the general population.

The sex assigned at birth

In total, there are more women with the disease, as they tend to live longer than men.

Mild cognitive impairment

Someone with mild cognitive impairment, also called MCI, has a greater decline in memory or other thinking skills than is typical for the age of the person. But the decline does not prevent the person from functioning at work or socially.

However, people with MCI have an increased risk of developing dementia than people who do not have mild cognitive impairment. When MCI mainly affects the memory, the condition is more likely that the progress of dementia due to Alzheimer's disease. A diagnosis of MCI provides people with the opportunity to focus on lifestyle changes and healthy strategies to compensate for memory loss. You can also schedule regular health care appointments to control the symptoms.

Head injury

Several studies found that people 50 years of age or older who had a traumatic brain injury, also called TBI, had a higher risk of getting dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The risk is even higher in people with severe Significant or several Bits.

Air pollution

Studies in animals have found that air pollution particles, can accelerate the decomposition of the nervous system. Studies in humans have found that exposure to polluted air — especially from traffic exhaust and wood burning — is linked to an increased risk of dementia.

The excessive consumption of alcohol

Drinking large amounts of alcohol over a long time has been known to cause changes in the brain. Several large studies and reviews have found that the abuse of alcohol is linked to an increased risk of dementia, especially early-onset dementia.

Poor sleep patterns

Research has shown that poor sleep patterns, such as difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep, are linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. Sleep apnea can also increase the risk of dementia.

The style of life and the health of the heart

Research has shown that the same risk factors for heart disease may also increase the risk of dementia. It is not clear whether these factors increase the risk for worsening of Alzheimer's disease changes in the brain, or by changes in the blood vessels in the brain. The factors include:

  • The lack of exercise.
  • Obesity.
  • Smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke.
  • The high blood pressure.
  • High cholesterol.
  • Poorly managed type 2 diabetes.

High levels of low-density lipoprotein, known as LDL, cholesterol in the middle ages, in particular, increases the risk of dementia. The research has found that people under the age of 65 years with high levels of LDL cholesterol have a higher risk of dementia. But taking drugs to reduce LDL cholesterol does not increase the risk.

These factors can be modified, so that the change of lifestyle habits you can to some extent alter your risk. For example, regular exercise and a healthy diet low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables is associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Hearing loss

Studies have found that people who have hearing loss are at risk of dementia. The worse the hearing loss, the greater the risk. However, the use of hearing aids protects against dementia.

The vision loss that is not

New research suggests that the loss of vision that is not treated is a risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia. The link may be due to a disease like diabetes, which can increase the risk of vision loss and dementia. But some research suggests that the loss of vision in itself can increase the risk of dementia.

Lifelong learning and social participation

Studies have found that being social and doing activities that stimulate the mind throughout life may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Low education levels — less than a high school education — seem to be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease.

Complications

Alzheimer's disease can lead to a variety of complications. Symptoms such as loss of memory, language, loss, impaired judgment, and other changes in the brain may complicate the management of other health conditions. A person with Alzheimer's disease may not be able to:

  • Telling someone about to be in pain.
  • Explain the symptoms of another disease.
  • Follow a treatment plan.
  • Explain medicine side effects.

As the Alzheimer's moves into its final stages, changes in the brain begin to affect the physical functions. The changes may affect the ability of swallowing, balance, and manage the stool and bladder movements. These effects can lead to other health problems such as:

  • The inhalation of food or liquid into the lungs.
  • The flu, pneumonia and other infections.
  • Falls.
  • Fractures.
  • The bed sores.
  • Poor nutrition or dehydration.
  • Constipation or diarrhea.

Prevention

Alzheimer's disease can't be prevented. But making lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of getting the disease.

The research suggests that taking steps to decrease their risk of cardiovascular disease may reduce the risk of dementia, as well. Follow heart-healthy life style choices that can reduce the risk of dementia:

  • Exercise regularly.
  • Eat a diet of fresh food, healthy oils and foods low in saturated fats, such as a Mediterranean diet.
  • Work with your health care professional to manage high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Pay special attention to their levels of low-density lipoprotein, known as LDL, cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol in people under 65 years of age increases the risk of dementia. But taking drugs to reduce LDL cholesterol does not increase the risk.
  • If you smoke, talk with your health care professional to help you stop smoking.

One of the greatest, long-term study conducted in Finland found that making lifestyle changes helped to reduce the cognitive decline among people who were at risk of dementia. Those in the study received both individual and group sessions that focused on diet, exercise and social activities.

Several studies have found that following a Mediterranean diet leads to better cognitive function and less cognitive decline with age. A Mediterranean diet focuses on foods of plant origin such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, poultry, nuts, and olive oil. The diet includes foods that are high in saturated fats and trans fats, such as butter, margarine, cheese, red meat, fried foods and pastries.

It is also important for the treatment of vision loss and hearing loss. Studies have found that the loss of vision that is not treated is a risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia. Studies have also found that people who have hearing loss are at greater risk of dementia. But the use of hearing aids has made the people less likely to develop dementia.

Other studies have shown that the maintenance of the mental commitment and socially is linked to the conserved thinking skills later in life and a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease. This includes going to social events, reading, dancing, playing board games, creating art, playing an instrument, and other activities.

Diagnosis

An important part of the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease include being able to explain their symptoms. You can help to get the opinion of a close family member or friend about their symptoms and their impact on your daily life. The tests of memory and thinking skills, also to help diagnose Alzheimer's disease.

Blood and imaging tests can rule out other possible causes of your symptoms. You can also check the proteins in the brain that are linked to Alzheimer's disease. The test can help your health care team to better identify the disease that causes the symptoms of dementia.

In the past, the disease of Alzheimer's disease is diagnosed only after death, when the plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are found by looking at the brain with a microscope. Today, health professionals and researchers are able to diagnose Alzheimer's disease during life with more security.

They do this through the use of a combination of tests that may include testing of biomarkers. Biomarkers can detect if the plaques and tangles are present in the brain. Biomarker tests for specific types of positron emission tomography, also known as PET, scans of the brain. Amyloid and tau, proteins can also be measured in the liquid part of blood or the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, known as the cerebrospinal fluid. Recently, the blood biomarker tests have become accurate enough to tell whether someone is likely to have amyloid in the brain.

Biomarker tests are mainly used in the clinical trials until recently. But health professionals have begun to use it in conjunction with other tests to help diagnose Alzheimer's disease. Biomarker tests can also let your healthcare professionals know if the disease is in the early or in the later stages.

Tests

The diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is likely to include the following tests:

Physical and neurological examination

A healthcare provider will give you a physical and neurological examination. This may include testing:

  • Reflections.
  • Muscle tone and strength.
  • Ability to get up from a chair and walk around the room.
  • Sense of sight and hearing.
  • Coordination.
  • Balance.

Laboratory tests

Blood tests may help rule out other possible causes of memory loss and confusion, such as a disorder of the thyroid or vitamin levels that are too low.

New blood tests can measure the levels of beta-amyloid protein and tau protein. But these tests are not available everywhere and may not be covered by the insurance.

The Mental status and neuropsychological testing

Your health care professional can give you a brief mental status test to check your memory and other thinking skills. Most forms of this type of test can provide more details about the mental function that can be compared with people of a similar age and level of education. These tests may help to establish a diagnosis and serve as a starting point for the follow-up of symptoms in the future.

Images of the brain

Images of the brain to look for visible changes related to conditions other than Alzheimer's disease, which can cause similar symptoms, such as stroke, lesions, or tumors. New imaging tests can help to detect specific brain changes caused by Alzheimer's disease, such as amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. These new tests are mainly used in major medical centers or in clinical trials.

Images of the structures of the brain include:

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI uses radio waves and a powerful magnetic field to produce detailed images of the brain. You can display the contraction of certain regions of the brain linked to Alzheimer's disease. Magnetic resonance imaging also can rule out other conditions that may be causing the symptoms. An mri is usually preferred for a ct scan to assess dementia. Magnetic resonance imaging is also performed prior to initiating certain Alzheimer medications and throughout the treatment to control the possible side effects.
  • The computed tomography (CT). A computed tomography scan, specialized in the technology of X-ray that produces cross-sectional images of your brain. It is usually used to rule out tumors, strokes and head injuries.

A pet scan test can capture images of the disease process. During a PET scan, a low level of radioactive tracer is injected into the blood to reveal a particular feature in the brain. The PET may include:

  • Fdg, also called FDG, PET scans show areas of the brain where the nutrients are not properly to be used for energy, known as metabolism. Search for patterns in the areas of low metabolism can help to distinguish between Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia.
  • PET imaging of amyloid can measure amyloid plaques in the brain. This test is mainly used in research, but can be used if a person has unusual or very early in the onset of symptoms of dementia.
  • Tau PET measures of neurofibrillary tangles in the brain.

Sometimes other tests may be used to measure amyloid and tau in the cerebrospinal fluid. This can be done if the symptoms are getting worse quickly, or if the dementia affects someone at a younger age.

The future of diagnostic testing

The investigation has established that the biomarker tests can measure the biological signs of the disease in the brain. The tests can be used with other tools to help diagnose Alzheimer's disease after symptoms begin. Although these tests can detect signs of Alzheimer's disease before symptoms begin, the tests are not being used on people without symptoms. The availability of biomarker tests can vary widely.

The genetic tests are not recommended for the majority of the people who might have the disease of Alzheimer's. But people with a family history of early-onset Alzheimer's disease can be considered that is being tested. Meet with a genetic counselor to discuss the risks and benefits before receiving a genetic test.

Treatment

Treatments for Alzheimer's disease include medications that can help with the symptoms and the newer medications that can help slow the decline in thinking and functioning. These new drugs are approved for people with early Alzheimer's disease.

Medications

Alzheimer's disease medications may help with memory symptoms and other cognitive changes. Two types of medications used to treat the symptoms include:

  • Cholinesterase inhibitors.These medicines work by increasing the levels of the cell-to-cell communication. The medicines preserve a chemical messenger that is depleted in the brain by Alzheimer's disease. These are the first medications tried, and most of the people see modest improvements in symptoms. Cholinesterase inhibitors may improve symptoms related to behavior, such as agitation or depression. The medicines are taken by mouth or through a skin patch. Commonly prescribed cholinesterase inhibitors include donepezil (Aricept, Adlarity), galantamine and transdermal patch rivastigmine (Exelon). The main side effects of these drugs include diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. In people with certain heart conditions, serious side effects may include irregular heartbeat.
  • Memantine (Namenda). This medication works in the other brain cell communication network and slows the progression of symptoms with moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's disease. They are sometimes used in combination with a cholinesterase inhibitor. Relatively rare side effects include dizziness and confusion.

Cholinesterase inhibitors. These medicines work by increasing the levels of the cell-to-cell communication. The medicines preserve a chemical messenger that is depleted in the brain by Alzheimer's disease. These are the first medications tried, and most of the people see modest improvements in symptoms.

Cholinesterase inhibitors may improve symptoms related to behavior, such as agitation or depression. The medicines are taken by mouth or through a skin patch. Commonly prescribed cholinesterase inhibitors include donepezil (Aricept, Adlarity), galantamine and transdermal patch rivastigmine (Exelon).

The main side effects of these drugs include diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. In people with certain heart conditions, serious side effects may include irregular heartbeat.

Other drugs have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, also called the FDA to slow the declines in thinking and functioning caused by Alzheimer's disease. Medications to prevent amyloid plaques in the brain from clumping. They are prescribed for people with mild Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease.

These medications include:

  • Lecanemab-irmb (Leqembi). This medication is given as an INTRAVENOUS infusion every two weeks. Side effects may include infusion-related reactions, such as fever, flu-like symptoms, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, changes in heart rate and difficulty breathing.
  • Donanemab-azbt (Kisunla). This medication is given as an INTRAVENOUS infusion every four weeks. Side effects may include flu-like symptoms, nausea, vomiting, headache, difficulty breathing, and changes in blood pressure.

People who take lecanemab or donanemab may have an inflammation in the brain or that you can get from small hemorrhages in the brain. Rarely, an inflammation of the brain that can be severe enough to cause seizures and other symptoms. Also, in rare cases, bleeding in the brain can cause death. The FDA recommends that you do an mri of the brain before starting treatment and periodically during treatment to control the symptoms of brain swelling or bleeding.

People who have some form of a gene known as APOE e4 seem to have a greater risk of these serious side effects. The FDA recommends that the analysis of this gene, before the start of treatment.

If you take a blood thinner or have other risk factors for stroke, talk with your healthcare professional before taking lecanemab or donanemab. Blood-thinning medicines can increase the risk of bleeding in the brain.

More research is being done on the potential risks of taking lecanemab and donanemab. Other research is looking at the effectiveness of the drugs can be for people at risk of Alzheimer's disease, including people who have a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling with the disease.

Sometimes, other medicines, such as antidepressants can be prescribed to help manage the symptoms of behavior linked to Alzheimer's disease.

The creation of a safe and supportive environment

An important part of any treatment plan to suit the needs of a person with Alzheimer's disease. Create your routine and habits and cut down on tasks that require memory. These steps can make life a lot easier.

These are the ways to support a person's sense of well-being and ability to function:

  • Keep keys, wallets, mobile phones and other valuables in the same place at home for not to miss.
  • Keep medicines in a safe place. Use a daily checklist to keep track of the doses.
  • Organizing finances to be auto-pay and auto-deposit.
  • Have the person with Alzheimer's disease carry a mobile phone with location tracking. Program important phone numbers in your phone.
  • Install alarm sensors on doors and windows.
  • Be sure to adjust the appointments are on the same day at the same time as much as possible.
  • The use of a calendar or chalkboard for the monitoring of the daily schedules. Create the habit of mark completed tasks.
  • Remove the furniture, clutter and carpets that are not needed.
  • Install sturdy handrails on stairs and in bathrooms.
  • To ensure that the shoes and slippers are comfortable and provide good traction.
  • Reduce the number of mirrors. People with Alzheimer's may find images in mirrors confusing or scary.
  • Make sure that the person with Alzheimer's disease takes an ID, or has a medical alert bracelet.
  • Save photos, and other objects with meaning around the house.

Alternative medicine

Herbal remedies, vitamins, and other supplements are widely promoted for cognitive health or to prevent or delay Alzheimer's disease. But the clinical trials have produced mixed results. There is little evidence to support as effective treatments.

Some of the treatments that have been studied are:

  • Vitamin E. Although vitamin E does not prevent Alzheimer's disease, taking 2,000 international units per day can help slow the worsening of symptoms in people who already have mild to moderate disease. But study results have been mixed, with only some showing modest benefits. The research of the safety of people with dementia to take 2,000 international units daily of vitamin E are needed before it can be routinely recommended. Supplements promoted by the cognitive health can interact with the medications you are taking for Alzheimer's disease or other health conditions. Work closely with your health care team to create a treatment plan. Tell your health care team about your prescription drugs and medications and supplements that you are taking without a prescription.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish or from supplements may lower the risk of dementia. But the clinical trials have shown no benefit for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease symptoms of the disease.
  • The curcumin. This herb comes from the turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant properties, which could affect chemical processes in the brain. Until now, clinical trials have found no benefit for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
  • Ginkgo. The Ginkgo is an extract of the plant. A large study funded by the National Institutes of Health found no effect in preventing or delaying Alzheimer's disease.
  • Melatonin. This supplement helps with sleep. It is being studied to see if it can help people with dementia to manage the dream of the symptoms. However, some research has found that melatonin can worsen the state of mind of some people with dementia. More research is needed.

Vitamin E. Although vitamin E does not prevent Alzheimer's disease, taking 2,000 international units per day can help slow the worsening of symptoms in people who already have mild to moderate disease. But study results have been mixed, with only some showing modest benefits. The research of the safety of people with dementia to take 2,000 international units daily of vitamin E are needed before it can be routinely recommended.

Supplements promoted by the cognitive health can interact with the medications you are taking for Alzheimer's disease or other health conditions. Work closely with your health care team to create a treatment plan. Tell your health care team about your prescription drugs and medications and supplements that you are taking without a prescription.

Lifestyle and home remedies

The healthy lifestyle that will promote good health in general. You can also play a role in the maintenance of brain health.

Exercise

Regular exercise is an important part of a treatment plan. Activities such as a daily walk can help to improve mood and maintain the health of the joints, muscles and the heart. Exercise also promotes a good night's sleep and prevents constipation. It is beneficial to the care of the partners, also.

People with Alzheimer's disease who have difficulty walking may still be able to use a stationary bike, stretch with elastic bands or do chair exercises. You can find exercise programs for older adults in community centers or at the TELEVISION, the internet or Dvd.

Nutrition

People with Alzheimer's may forget to eat, lose interest in meals or not eating healthy foods. You may also forget to drink enough, which leads to dehydration and constipation.

We offer the following:

  • Healthy options. Buy favorite healthy food options that are easy to eat.
  • Water and other healthy beverages. Encourage drinking several glasses of fluids a day. No offer of drinks with caffeine, which can increase anxiety, affect your sleep and causes an urge to urinate frequently.
  • High in calories and healthy shakes and smoothies. Serve smoothies with protein powder or make smoothies. This is useful when you eat becomes very difficult.

The Social commitment and the activities of

Social activities can support preserved skills and abilities. They also help with general well-being. Do the things that are meaningful and enjoyable. A person with dementia may:

  • Listen to music or dance.
  • Read or listen to the reading of books.
  • Garden or make crafts.
  • Go to social events, or in the high or memory care facilities.
  • Do activities with the kids.

Coping and support

People with Alzheimer's disease experience a mixture of emotions — confusion, the frustration, the anger, the uncertainty, the pain and the depression.

If you are caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease, may help them to cope with the situation being there to listen. Reassure the person that life can still be enjoyed, provide support, and do your best to help the person to preserve the dignity and self-respect.

A calm and stable home environment can help reduce behavior problems. New situations, noise, and large groups of people can cause anxiety. The rush or pressed to remember, or ask to perform complex tasks can also make a person with dementia anxious. When someone with Alzheimer's disease becomes upset, it is even more difficult to think clearly.

Caring for the caregiver

Caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease is physically and emotionally demanding. Feelings of anger, guilt, stress, worry, sadness and social isolation are common.

The care you can even take a toll on the caregiver's physical health. Pay attention to your own needs and well-being. It is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and for the person with Alzheimer's disease.

If you are the caregiver of a person with Alzheimer's disease, you can:

  • Learn about the disease as you can.
  • Ask questions to the health professionals, social workers and other professionals involved in the care of your loved one.
  • Call friends or other family members for help when you need it.
  • Take a break each day.
  • Spend time with your friends.
  • Take care of your health by seeing your own health care professionals in programming, eat healthy foods and exercise.
  • Join a support group.
  • Make use of a local adult care center, if possible.

Many people with Alzheimer's disease and their families benefit from counseling or local support services. Contact your local Alzheimer's Association affiliated to connect with support groups, health professionals, occupational therapists, resources, and references. You can find information about home care agencies, residential care facilities, a telephone help line, and educational seminars.

Preparing for your appointment

Medical care for the loss of memory or other thinking skills usually requires a team or a partner strategy. If you are concerned about memory loss or other related symptoms, ask a close relative or a friend to go to an appointment with a health care professional. Having a partner can provide support and help to answer the questions.

If you are going with someone who is having memory problems to a professional appointment, their function may be to provide a bit of story or your thoughts on the changes he has seen. This team work is an important part of medical care.

Your health care professional may refer you to a neurologist, psychiatrist, neuropsychologist, or to another specialist for further evaluation.

What you can do

You can prepare for your appointment by writing down as much information as possible to share. The information may include:

  • The medical history, including any past or current diagnosis and medical history of the family.
  • Medical equipment, including the name and contact information of any physician, mental health professional or therapist.
  • Medications, including prescription drugs, the drugs you are taking non-prescription medicines, vitamins, herbs and other supplements.
  • The symptoms, including specific examples of the changes in memory or thinking abilities.

What to expect from your doctor

Your health care professional will ask you questions to understand the changes in memory or other thinking skills. Your health care professional may ask:

  • What kind of memory of the symptoms you have? When did you first notice them?
  • They are constantly getting worse, or are they sometimes better and sometimes worse?
  • You've left to do certain activities, such as the management of finances or shopping, because these activities were too mentally challenging?
  • How is your mood? Do you feel depressed, sadder or more anxious than usual?
  • You've lost lately during driving or in a situation that is often familiar to you?
  • Someone has expressed a particular concern about your driving?
  • Have you noticed changes in the way we tend to react to people or events?
  • Do you have more energy than usual, less than usual, or about the same?
  • What medications are you taking? You are taking any type of vitamins or supplements?
  • Do you drink alcohol? How much?
  • Have you noticed any shaking or difficulty walking?
  • Are you having problems remembering appointments or when to take your medications?
  • You have had your vision and hearing tested recently?
  • Does anyone else in your family has memory problems? Was once someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or dementia?
  • Does the law of your dreams while you sleep? For example, you can punch, crusher, scream or yell during sleep? Do you snore?
Symptoms and treatment of Alzheimer's disease