Frequently Asked Question's about Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's, a form of dementia, is a complex and progressive disease. If you know someone who's living with Alzheimer's, understanding how it works and what can be done about it can help you provide them with a higher quality of life. Below are the answers to some frequently asked questions about Alzheimer's to guide your support for your loved one during a challenging time.

How Common Is Alzheimer's Disease?

According to the Alzheimer's Association, more than 6 million Americans currently live with Alzheimer's disease. Though this figure equates to around 1.8% of the U.S. population, it represents greater than 10% of people aged 65 and older. Because of the growing population of elderly citizens, the number is expected to rise. By 2050, the number of 65-and-older Americans with the disease may number almost 13 million.

What Is the Difference Between Normal Memory Loss Due to Aging and Memory Loss Associated With Alzheimer's Disease?

The difference between age-related memory loss and Alzheimer's-associated memory loss lies primarily in the impact. Forgetfulness often accompanies aging, but it normally doesn't disrupt a person's life or their relationships. Nor does it typically affect their ability to perform ordinary tasks, learn new information, or recall familiar knowledge.

In contrast, a person with Alzheimer's disease may have difficulty bathing, grooming, or preparing meals. They may forget about recent events, pivotal moments in their life, and the names and faces of people they love. Often, they become confused about dates, times, and places, they struggle to form words or sentences, and they experience mood swings and personality changes.

How Is Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosed?

Alzheimer's is a complex disease, and diagnosis may require a likewise complex series of measures. Normally, the diagnostic procedure begins with the patient's medical history, which can reveal a potential familial link to Alzheimer's or whether they've undergone cognitive or behavioral changes. From there, the physician may order one or a number of diagnostic procedures, such as:

• A neurological exam to test for indications of a brain disorder, like compromises in the patient's reflexes, coordination, speech, or eye movement.
• Cognitive, functional, and behavioral tests to determine whether the patient is experiencing impairments in memory, problem-solving, behavior, and the ability to perform activities of daily living.
• Computerized tests of the patient's cognitive and functional capabilities
• A mood assessment and depression screen to identify symptoms that may overlap with dementia and Alzheimer's.
• Genetic testing to identify genes that may indicate a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's
• Brain scans, blood samples, and urine samples to identify Alzheimer's-related biomarkers, such as high levels of beta-amyloid, or to rule out other pathologies.
• A cerebrospinal fluid test to analyze the levels of proteins often associated with Alzheimer's.

If these tests indicate a suspicion of Alzheimer's, the physician may suggest you schedule an appointment with one of the country's Alzheimer's disease research centers for further evaluation and potential clinical trials.

What Treatments Are Available for Alzheimer's Disease?

Though there is no known cure for Alzheimer's disease at this time, prescription medications approved by the United States Federal Drug Administration (FDA) can help manage its symptoms. Cholinesterase inhibitors, for example, are a category of drugs that help decrease the breakdown of acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter that can affect memory, learning, attention, and involuntary muscle movement — all of which are impacted by Alzheimer's). Another FDA-approved drug, memantine, can treat moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's by helping to improve memory functions.

Again, there is no cure for Alzheimer's, but interventions such as those we've mentioned above may help your loved one progress through the disease more comfortably.

What Can People Do To Prevent or Manage Alzheimer's Disease?

A variety of lifestyle modifications may help to slow the onset of the disease, delay its initial symptoms, or reduce the disease process.

Will Staying Active Help?

An active lifestyle can help with Alzheimer's by slowing cognitive decline. Doctors recommend that people with Alzheimer's disease, or those who are at risk of developing it, focus on cardiovascular health. There's some evidence that damage to the heart or blood vessels — as with obesity or high blood pressure, for example — could also harm the brain, and some studies reveal that up to 80% of people with Alzheimer's disease might also have cardiovascular disease.

Does Eating a Healthy Diet Prevent Alzheimer's?

A healthy diet can help as well. People who eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains, seafood, and moderate amounts of poultry tend to have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which can be risk factors for dementia and Alzheimer's. Also, a mostly plant-based diet can help prevent or reduce the chance of obesity, another risk factor.

What Other Lifestyle Changes Will Help Prevent or Slow Alzheimer's?

Personal interventions such as improving sleep habits, increasing omega-3 fatty acids, and decreasing stress could reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's. So might lifestyle modifications, such as quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake.

What Can My Loved One Do To Help Develop Cognitive Skills?

Engaging in mentally stimulating activities, like reading and solving puzzles, is crucial for developing and maintaining cognitive skills. Don't overlook social interaction, either, which appears to have a role in protecting memory.

Alzheimer's Care in Spokane

If you have further questions, contact us by reaching out at (509) 922-1141. Our Visiting Angels Caregivers are here to help provide valuable resources and information related to Alzheimer's.

We understand the importance of support when dealing with Alzheimer's, and we are committed to assisting you and your loved ones in any way we can. Contact us today with your questions or to schedule a free at home consultation to see how we can help assist with your Alzheimer's care needs.