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Common Myths About Alzheimer's |
- There is a cure for Alzheimer's
False. There are a variety of medications that slow down the process, however, there is not a cure for Alzheimer's.
- Vitamin E is a proven treatment for Alzheimer's
False. However, some studies show positive results with the use of vitamin E.
- Drinking diet beverages will cause memory loss
False. There is no proof that Aspartame (found in diet pop), causes memory loss.
- Alzheimer's is caused by eating or drinking from aluminum containers.
False. Most researchers today do not beleive there is a link between aluminum procucts and Alzheimer's.
- Alzheimer's is an old person's disease
False. While it is true that most Alzheimer patient's range from 80-90 years of age, there is another form of Alzheimer's referred to as Early Onset Alzheimer's. This disease effects people in their 60's, 50's, 40's, and 30's.
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What Is Alzheimer's Disease? |
Alzheimer's disease (pronounced AHLZ-high-merz) is a complex disease that affects the brain. Approximately 4.5 million Americans have this disease. Although many things about Alzheimer's remain a mystery, research continues to bring us a better understanding of the disease, more accurate diagnoses, and more effective treatments.
Alzheimer's disease is one of several disorders that cause the gradual loss of brain cells. The disease was first described in 1906 by German physician Dr. Alois Alzheimer. Although the disease was once considered rare, research has shown that it is the leading cause of dementia.
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Dementia |
Dementia is an umbrella term for several symptoms related to a decline in thinking skills. Common symptoms include a gradual loss of memory, problems with reasoning or judgment, disorientation, difficulty in learning, loss of language skills, and decline in the ability to perform routine tasks.
People with dementia also experience changes in their personalities and behavioral problems, such as agitation, anxiety, delusions (believing in a reality that does not exist), and hallucinations (seeing things that do not exist).
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Progression of Alzheimer's Disease |
Alzheimer's disease advances at widely different rates. The duration of the illness may often vary from 3 to 20 years. The areas of the brain that control memory and thinking skills are affected first, but as the disease progresses, cells die in other regions of the brain. Eventually, the person with Alzheimer's will need complete care. If the individual has no other serious illness, the loss of brain function itself will cause death.
Reproduced with the permission of the Alzheimer's Association.
Copyright 2004 Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org , 800.272.3900
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November 2003 |
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