What do you know about Alzheimer’s Disease ?

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common type of dementia. Dementia
occurs as a result of changes in the brain that affect a person’s ability to
think and remember. It can become severe enough to affect daily
activities.
Alzheimer's Disease is not a normal part of aging. No one knows what
causes Alzheimer’s Disease, but much research is being done. You may
be more at risk if you had a family member with the disease.

Signs
The signs start slowly and can vary or worsen over time. A person
cannot control the signs. Treatment can help, but it does not cure the
disease.
Signs may include:
• Memory loss, especially about recent events
• Confusion about time and place
• Poor judgment
• Trouble learning new information
• Changes in being able to do such things as drive, handle money, take
medicine, cook, dress and bathe

Your Care
Your doctor may order tests to check your brain such as a CT scan, a
MRI or a PET scan. Your doctor may also:
• Use tests to eliminate other causes of memory loss and confusion 
• Look at the pattern of memory loss and the person’s awareness of the
changes
• Get a list of medicines and information from the family
• Do a physical exam
• Check the person’s mental status by asking memory and thinking
questions

There is no cure for Alzheimer's Disease, and it will not go away.
Medicines may help with some of the signs or delay the progress of the
disease. Other medicines can treat problems with sleeping, depression or
nervousness. Exercise, good nutrition, and social activity are also
important. 

Talk to your doctor or nurse if you have any questions or concerns.