Blake Medical Center

Alzheimer’s Disease: Know the Basics

If you are reaching a certain age—or if you have loved ones who are—you may worry about developing Alzheimer’s disease. More than just occasional forgetfulness, this disease is the most common cause of dementia for older people.

Since November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness month, this is a good time to learn more about the condition. Find out the risks, the warning signs, and what treatments are available.

Risk Factors

There are many issues and conditions that may play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Here are some to consider:

• Age—Most people with Alzheimer’s are age 65 or older. Your risk doubles every five years after age 65.
• Family history—If you have family members with Alzheimer’s you are at increased risk, indicating that the cause can be somewhat genetic.
• Head injury—If you suffer a head trauma, you may increase your chances of developing the disease.
• Heart health—There is evidence that if you have heart disease, your brain health can be affected.

As you age, you can decrease your risks by staying fit and involved. Maintain a healthy weight, get regular exercise, eat a well-balanced diet, avoid tobacco, and limit alcohol use. Also, be sure to stay connected to family and friends, and remain active in your hobbies and interests. The more stimulated your mind is, the healthier it will be.

Signs and Symptoms

No matter how young or old we are, we all experience absent-mindedness. But Alzheimer’s disease is more than just forgetting a friend’s birthday or losing the car keys. This condition is a fatal brain disease that results in memory loss and declined reasoning skills.

According to Alzheimer’s Association, here are the 10 main symptoms of the disease:

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life
• Challenges in planning or solving problems
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work, or at leisure
• Confusion with time or place
• Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
• New problems with words in speaking or writing
• Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
• Decreased or poor judgment
• Withdrawal from work or social activities
• Changes in mood and personality

No one develops Alzheimer’s in the same way, but if you notice these signs in yourself or with someone you love, don’t hesitate to get help. The earlier the diagnosis, the more effective the treatment will be.

Treatments Available

While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there are medications that can slow the condition:

• Cholinesterase inhibitors—these drugs can support communication between nerve cells, and they can delay some Alzheimer’s symptoms.
• Memantine—this drug helps regulate activity of the glutamate, a chemical messenger that promotes learning and memory. It also can delay the disease symptoms.

Many patients will also benefit from behavioral support. As they begin to decline, they can get frustrated and lash out at the people around them. They can also become confused, agitated, and aggressive, so be sure to get the help necessary to handle these behaviors.

To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and how it can be treated, contact Blake Medical Center. Visit us online or call Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-888-359-3552. Serving Bradenton and surrounding Manatee County, we’re here to answer all your questions.

Sources:

Blake Medical Center
Alzheimer’s Association
National Institute on Aging

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Tags: Alzheimer’s disease, Blake Medical Center, dementia, head trauma, heart disease, hospitals Bradenton, memory loss