ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

General Information

DEFINITION--A brain disorder characterized by gradual mental deterioration. A rapidly progressive form begins in adults around ages 36 to 45. A more gradual form, with slow development of symptoms, begins around ages 65 to 70.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Brain.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes, beginning in the 40s and 50s.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Early stages:

• Forgetfulness of recent events.
• Increasing difficulty performing intellectual tasks, such as accustomed work, balancing a checkbook or maintaining a household.
• Personality changes, including poor impulse control and poor judgment.

Later stages:

• Difficulty doing simple tasks, such as choosing clothing, problem solving.
• Failure to recognize familiar persons.
• Disinterest in personal hygiene or appearance.
• Difficulty feeding self.
• Belligerence and denial that anything is wrong.
• Loss of usual sexual inhibitions.
• Wandering away.
• Anxiety and insomnia.

Advanced stages:

• Complete loss of memory, speech and muscle function (including bladder and bowel control), necessitating total care and supervision.
• Extreme belligerence and hostility.

CAUSES--Irreversible damage to or loss of brain cells for unknown reasons.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Family history of Alzheimer's disease.
• Aging.

HOW TO PREVENT--No specific preventive measures.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• X-rays of the brain, including CAT scan (See Glossary) to rule out other conditions.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Doctor's treatment.
• Psychotherapy or counseling for family members.
• Health facility care when home care becomes impossible.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Decreased resistance to infections, especially pneumonia and meningitis.
• Seizures and coma (rare).

PROBABLE OUTCOME--This condition is currently considered incurable and untreatable. It is usually fatal within 5 years without skillful supportive care. Scientific research into causes and treatment continues, so there is hope for eventual treatment and cure.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• If a family member has this disease, don't take their hostility personally.
• If you care for a family member with the disease, try to obtain help so you can get away often. Don't feel guilty about needing a respite--even if the patient resents it.
• Join or start a support group for families of Alzheimer's victims (see Resources For Additional Information).
• Caregivers can help reduce some of the patient's behaviors by: Repetition: Patient with memory problem may benefit from frequent, simple reminders. Reassurance: A brief, firm chat with a family member may help a patient with anxiety, verbal outbursts or agitation. Redirection: Distract the patient who is frustrated or agitated. A short walk can be helpful.

MEDICATION--Many medications are being studied. Some are useful to control symptoms such as agitation. The prescription drug, tacrine, may help some patients.

ACTIVITY--As much as possible. As the condition progresses, all activity will eventually require supervision.

DIET--Regular diet. Feeding assistance will eventually be necessary.

Call Your Doctor If

• You or a family member has symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
• Signs of infection occur, such as fever, chills, muscle aches or headache.
• You care for someone with Alzheimer's disease, and you fear you are about to lose emotional control.