ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE [SENILE DEMENTIA]

Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative brain process causing dementia in older individuals. It usually presents as a progressive loss of mental function disrupting the way the brain normally works, affecting memory, thinking ability, and language. The cause remains unknown. An estimated 5% to 10% of individuals older than 65 years have some form of dementia, and Alzheimer's accounts for at least half of these. The diagnosis of Alzheimer's is made by excluding other known causes of dementia. At this time there is no cure.

A rapidly progressive form begins in adults aged 36 to 45 years, with a more gradual form occurring in adults 65 to 70 years of age. Seventy-five percent of all cases of Alzheimer's dementia are inherited. Early signs and symptoms include forgetfulness of recent events, increasing difficulty with everyday tasks, and personality changes. The disease is progressive and may develop into an inability to take care of oneself and failure to recognize familiar individuals.

Patients with Alzheimer's dementia have difficulty adapting to changing living environments. It is important to establish more than one caregiver. Try not to change their caregivers or their place of residence any more than absolutely necessary. To assist their failing memory, it is helpful to print information (in large type) that they often forget and make it available in several places in their living quarters. It is also advisable to have them fitted with a Medic Alert bracelet or a tag that lists their address in the event that they wander and become lost. Many of these patients are unsteady on their feet and are prone to falling. Some may benefit from using a walker or being in living quarters fitted with handrails.

Presently, no cure exists; however, there are some medications that may help to manage the patients' behavior and improve their level of function. Reversible cholinesterase inhibitors are sometimes used to inhibit the normal breakdown of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers sent from one brain cell to another). These inhibitors may effectively improve some patients' level of function. Other medications may be used to control their anger and agitation.

• Simple reminders can help with memory.
• Create pleasant distractions if the patient is upset or angry.
• Make the living quarters safe (handrails, door locks to prevent the patient from wandering and becoming lost).
• Join an Alzheimer's support group.
• It is likely that nursing home care will eventually become necessary.
• Allow the patient to remain as active and independent as possible. Use supervision as necessary.
• Have the patient wear an identification band.
• If the patient is living with family members, arrange for respite periods for the primary caregiver.

• If someone you know has signs and symptoms of dementia, do not assume that this is Alzheimer's dementia. There are many causes for mental changes that are reversible or treatable. Consult your physician.
• Don't change the patient's living environments any more than absolutely necessary.

• If you see a sudden marked worsening of symptoms.
• If the patient has any new health problems.
• If the patient has any problems associated with medications.

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