Alzheimer's Basics
Alzheimer's disease damages the brain and is the most common form of dementia. The four stages of Alzheimer's are: pre-dementia, early dementia, moderate dementia and finally advanced dementia. The cause or causes of Alzheimer is still being researched by medical science, but many theories suggest the disease is associated with neurofibrillary tangles and protein deposits called plaques in the brain.
Alzheimer's symptoms include memory loss, mood swings, hostility, decreased language capabilities and ultimately withdrawal from life's general activities. It is also suggested that depression may increase the onset of Alzheimer's and individuals that have a history of depression are more susceptible to the disease.
Alzheimer's diagnosis includes mental examination, physical examination, chest X-ray, lab tests, CT scans, an MRI and several other neuropsychological scans. Currently, Alzheimer's is incurable so treatment is aimed at managing the progression of the disease. Caregiving, pharmaceuticals and psychosocial interventions or cognitive or behavior approaches are the primary forms of treatment. However, none are successful at slowing down or preventing the disease.
Those caring for a patient of Alzheimer's must take care of themselves as well. Tending to individuals with Alzheimer's is an arduous task requiring patience and near round the clock attention. It is important as a caregiver to maintain a healthy life physically and mentally.
Alzheimer's Library
- 10 Questions to Ask Your Parent's Doctor About Alzheimer's
- 12 Signs You Probably Don't Have Alzheimer's
- 7 Health Conditions That Look and Sound Like Alzheimer's But Aren't Alzheimer's
- 8 Things to Do When You First Learn Your Parent Has Alzheimer's
- Abdominal Fat Boosts Later Dementia Risk
- Adult Daycare for a Parent with Alzheimer's: A Beginner's Guide
- Alzheimer's Disease—Where Are We Today?
- Alzheimer's nose spray: New Alzheimer's treatment?
- Alzheimer's or depression: Could it be both?
- Alzheimer's stages: How the disease progresses
- Alzheimer's treatments: What's on the horizon?
- Alzheimer's: Is it in your genes?
- Brain-Stretching Activities for a Parent With Alzheimer's
- Bright Lights May Improve Dementia Symptoms
- Can you transfer power of attorney in late-stage Alzheimer's?
- Common Myths About Alzheimer's Disease
- Depression May Raise Risk of Alzheimer's
- Detecting Alzheimer's Before Symptoms Appear
- Diagnosing Alzheimer's: An interview with a Mayo Clinic specialist
- Does Aluminum Cause Alzheimer’s?
- Early-onset Alzheimer's: When symptoms begin before 65
- Forgetting Faces: What It's Like to No Longer Be Recognized by Your Dad
- Genetic Testing for Alzheimer's Disease
- How to Get Along with Your Parents' Caregivers
- How to Slow the Progress of Alzheimer's Disease
- Inflammation, Genes, and Hypertension All Contribute to Alzheimer's Risk
- Is It Ever Okay to Laugh About Alzheimer's?
- Life Expectancy for Someone With Alzheimer's
- Living Independently as a Senior
- Marijuana's Memory Paradox
- Marriage Is Good For the Brain
- Medicare Coverage for Mental Health and Alzheimer's Care
- Memory Enhancers for Those With Alzheimer's
- Memory loss: When to seek help
- Night of the Living Dread
- Non-Alzheimer's Causes of Dementia
- Nontraditional Therapies That May Help Your Parent's Alzheimer's
- Secrets Of A Longer Life
- Social Networks and Memory Function
- Surprising New Research: Is It Alzheimer's—or a Vision Problem?
- Vitamin B-12: Can it improve memory in Alzheimer's?
- What should I do if my mom with Alzheimer's won't see a doctor?
- What to Do When Someone Shows Signs of Sundown Syndrome
- What's the Best Way to Respond When My Parent with Memory Problems Keeps Repeating Himself?
- Why Do We Forget Things?
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