For More Information Alzheimers Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center www.nia.nih.

gov/Alzheimers A service of the National Institute on Aging (NIA), the ADEAR Center offers information and publications for families, caregivers, and professionals on diagnosis, treatment, patient care, caregiver needs, long-term care, education and training, and research related to AD. Alzheimer Research Forum www.alzforum.org Offers access to scientific papers, research news, discussions on scientific topics, libraries of animal models and antibodies, and directories of clinical trials, conferences, jobs, and researchfunding sources. Alzheimers Association www.alz.org The Alzheimers Association is a national, nonprofit organization that provides education and support for people diagnosed with AD, their families, and caregivers. The Association also funds research on AD. Alzheimers Foundation of America www.alzfdn.org Provides care and services to individuals, caregivers, and families confronting AD through member organizations.

nderstanding Alzheimers Disease

10 Warning Signs
emory loss that disrupts daily life 2. Challenges in planning or solving problems 3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work, or at leisure 4. Confusion with time or place 5. Trouble understanding visual images & spatial relationships 6. New problems with words in speaking or writing 7. Misplacing things & losing the ability to retrace steps 8. Decreased or poor judgement 9. Withdrawal from work or social activities 10. Changes in mood & personality

By Tara Palamone By Tara Palamone

What is Alzheimers Disease?

Alzheimers disease is an irreversible, progressive illness of the brain. It causes large numbers of nerve cells in the brain to die. This produces memory loss and problems with thinking and behavior severe enough to affect work, lifelong hobbies or social life. Doctors dont know what causes the disease. They do know that it usually begins after age 60 and nearly half of people age 85 and older may have Alzheimers. However, it is not a normal part of aging.
Two abnormal structures called Plaques and Tangles are prime suspects in damaging and killing nerve cells. They tend to form in predictable patterns in patients with Alzheimers beginning in areas important to learning & memory and then spreading to other regions. Most experts believe plaques and tangles somehow block communication among nerve cells & disrupt activities that cells need to survive.

o help distinguish Alzheimer's disease from other causes of memory loss, doctors typically rely on the following types of tests: Lab tests -Blood tests may be done to help doctors rule out other potential causes of the dementia, such as thyroid disorders or vitamin deficiencies. Neuropsychological testing - An extensive assessment of thinking and memory skills, such as a mini-mental state exam This type of testing is especially helpful in trying to detect Alzheimer's at an early stage. Brain scans -By looking at images of the brain using MRIs or CT scans, doctors can see any abnormalities, such as clots, bleeding or tumors that may be causing signs and symptoms. Positron emission tomography (PET) can reveal areas of the brain that may be less active and the density of amyloid plaques.

Stages of Alzheimers Disease

Uncontrollable risk factors include age, family history, & genetics.

Stage 1- No impairment (normal function) Stage 2-Very mild cognitive decline (may be normal age-related changes or earliest signs of Alzheimers Disease) Stage 3- Mild Cognitive decline Stage 4- Moderate cognitive decline (mild or early stage Alzheimers Disease) Stage 5-Moderately severe cognitive decline (moderate or mid-stage Alzheimers Disease) Stage 6- Severe cognitive decline (moderately s severe or mid-stage Alzheimers Disease) Stage 7- Very severe cognitive decline (severe or late-stage Alzheimers Disease)