November 27, 2009
Questions and answers about Alzheimer’s Disease
Editor’s note: The following information was drawn from the Alzheimer Association by Dr. Aziz Mehrzad at Deaconess Primary Care for Seniors.
What are some early warning signs of Alzheimer’s?
Early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease include memory impairment (repeating same question over and over, forgetting information just shared with them, etc.), difficulty with problem solving (difficulty following a frequently used recipe, taking a long time to complete a task they have done many times in the past, etc.), difficulty completing familiar tasks, confusion, language difficulties (cannot think of correct name of something, loss of “right” word in conversation, etc.), losing/mis-placing items, poor judgment, reluctance to engage in hobbies/social interaction, and changes in mood/behavior. Friends/family may be the first to notice these signs.
How is it diagnosed?
An absolute diagnosis can only be made by autopsy after death. Results of a physical examination, health history, information from family members, and lab tests are all used to make a diagnosis.
In this process other disorders are ruled out before diagnosing the condition as Alzheimer’s.
How is Alzheimer’s treated?
At the present time there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. There are a few medications currently used to treat Alzheimer’s disease. These medications slow down the progression of the disease but are not a cure. Non-pharmacological treatment of Alzheimer’s disease may in-clude management of behavior symptoms such as agitation, aggression, by making changes in the individual’s routine/living environment.
Can Alzheimer’s be prevented? If so, how?
There are several things an individual can do to probably reduce their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. These include eating a healthy, low fat diet, exercising regularly, controlling blood pressure/cholesterol/blood sugar, stop smoking to reduce risk of having a stroke, and remain socially active. Regardless of an individual’s age they need to keep their mind stimulated and challenged by learning new things, reading, working crossword puzzles, etc