Alzheimer’s Disease is not a normal part of aging.
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America defines the disease as a progressive, degenerative disorder that attacks the brain’s nerve cells, or neurons, resulting in loss of memory, thinking and language skills, and behavioral changes.
Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia in people 65 years and older. Dementia is a frequently used term to describe memory loss and other mental disabilities that disrupt daily life.
The disease worsens over time and is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. While the initial stages result in mild memory loss, late stages result in patients loosing the ability to interact with others and their environment. Those inflicted with the disease live an average of eight years after showing symptoms. However, some live between four and twenty years.
Symptoms begin with forgetting newly learned information. There are many causes of dementia. If a loved one is showing signs of memory loss, see your doctor as soon as possible. Dementia may not be Alzheimer’s. However, involving your doctor at early stages can help slow the process. Those experiencing multiple symptoms of Alzheimer’s often find this hard to recognize.
Alzheimer’s Disease takes a toll on patients, their family members and caregivers. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but there are treatments that can slow the disease’s progress and improve quality of life for patients and their caregivers.
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