What is Alzheimer's?
Alzheimer's (AHLZ-high-merz) is a disease that results in the loss of brain cells. It is the most common form of dementia, which is a group of brain disorders that cause confusion and problems with memory, thinking and reasoning.
Alzheimer's is not a mental illness or a part of normal aging. There is no cure, and there is no single test to diagnose it. Alzheimer's gets worse over time. However, there are treatments and medications available to help ease symptoms. If you or a loved one is having major memory problems, see a doctor to find the cause.
Today we know that Alzheimer's:
- Is a progressive and fatal brain disease.
- More than 5 million Americans now have Alzheimer's disease.
- Alzheimer's destroys brain cells, causing problems with memory, thinking and behavior severe enough to affect work, lifelong hobbies or social life.
- Alzheimer's gets worse over time, and it is fatal.
- Today it is the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States.
Some change in memory is normal as we grow older, but the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease are more than simple lapses in memory. As we age, most of us eventually notice some slowed thinking and problems remembering certain things. However, serious memory loss, confusion and other major changes in the way our minds work are not a normal part of aging. They could be signs of Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, a general term for the loss of memory and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Vascular dementia, another common type, is caused by reduced blood flow to parts of the brain. In mixed dementia, Alzheimer's and vascular dementia occur together. People with Alzheimer's experience difficulties communicating, learning, thinking and reasoning - problems severe enough to have an impact on an individual's work, social activities and family life.
Alzheimer's disease also makes it harder and harder for people to carry out their daily activities. Family members may have to take on many caregiving responsibilities, from helping the person bathe and eat to making money and legal decisions.
Is there a cure for Alzheimer's?
Alzheimer's has no current cure. But treatments for symptoms, combined with the right services and support, can make life better for the millions of Americans living with Alzheimer's. We've learned most of what we know about Alzheimer's in the last 15 years. There is an accelerating worldwide effort under way to find better ways to treat the disease, delay its onset, or prevent it from developing.
There's no clear-cut line between normal changes and warning signs. It's always a good idea to check with a doctor if a person's level of function seems to be changing. The Alzheimer's Association believes that it is critical for people diagnosed with dementia and their families to receive information, care and support as early as possible.
There will come a time when a person with Alzheimer's disease will need more care than can be provided by family and friends. That's where we can help. Memory Garden Senior Care offers compassionate, caring, in home companion services. Our caregivers are specially trained to provide care for our clients through all stages dementia and memory loss due to Alzheimer's. When you are ready, we are here to help. Give us a call today to discuss your individual needs at 770-576-5723.