Alzheimer Disease- Facts, Diagnosis And Treatment

There are nearly 5 million Americans with Alzheimer's disease (AD)

. Dementia is a brain disorder that is generally associated with memory loss. AD is the most common type of dementia in senior citizens over the age of 65. AD affects various parts of the brain, including the regions that control memory, thought, and language. There is no cure known for Alzheimer Disease. And although researchers continue to make great strives in our understanding the disease, but still they are unable to know the cause of this fatal disease.

Alzheimer's Disease causes loss of memory and mental functioning. It is non-reversible and progresses over a period of years. At first, symptoms may be confused as age-related changes in memory. As time goes on, the symptoms become more and more severe. Alzheimer's disease can cause a person to become disoriented and lead to personality changes. Cognitive abilities decline; as a result, language and other everyday skills can suffer.

According to an estimate around five percent of senior citizens between the ages of 65 and 74 have AD. After age 74 the likelihood of developing the disorder drastically increases; by age 85 nearly fifty percent of senior citizens have AD. Though it is age-related, it is not a normal part of aging and symptoms should not be dismissed.

Scientists have still to identify the cause of Alzheimer's Disease, however they have found some important influences. AD seems to be associated with both genetic and environmental factors. Some evidence suggests that conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol may also be related to AD.

Diagnosis and Treatment

It is important that senior citizens with memory loss seek medical assistance. Caregivers who notice memory problems in senior citizens more severe than occasional forgetfulness should schedule a doctor's appointment for the senior. Consulting a doctor can help determine the difference between normal decline in memory and more severe problems like Alzheimer Disease.

Absolute diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is impossible in living people; rather, doctors make "possible" diagnoses. This is because observing the presence of plaques and tangles in the brain is the only way to diagnose the disease with certainty, and this can only be done after a person dies.

Still, it is possible for doctors to diagnose AD with up to a 90 percent accuracy using general health questions, cognitive tests, medical tests, and brain scans. In some cases, these tests may uncover other causes for the Alzheimer's-like symptoms.

Unfortunately, there is no way to stop the progression of Alzheimer's Disease. However, there are some medications that help control certain symptoms like agitation, anxiety, and depression. And when you have a person diagnosed with Alzheimer disease at your home make sure you are arranging for proper care for him. Apart from medical treatment, care and support from family members and friends can be of great use. Though the disease is supposed to have no cure till yet, but support from family members can really help the patient spend his live with ease. For any more help that you need concerning elder care you can simply log on to:www.thecaringspace.com

by: Michael Vaughan

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