Alzheimer’s

Awareness

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 ALZHEIMER’S AWARENESS | DISEASE BASICS

What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is
a type of dementia
that affects memory,
thinking and behavior.
Symptoms eventually
grow severe enough
to interfere with
daily tasks.

Alzheimer’s is not the same as

dementia, but Alzheimer’s is
one of the leading causes of
dementia, a general term for
memory loss and other
cognitive abilities serious
enough to interfere with daily
life.

WHO CAN GET IT?

Alzheimer’s mostly affects
people that are 60 years or
older. The greatest known risk
factor is aging. Alzheimer’s
can also affect younger peo-
ple. The Alzheimer’s
Association says that 200,000
Americans under the age of
65 have younger-onset
Alzheimer’s disease.

WHAT DO WE KNOW?
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Scientist do not fully under-

stand what causes developing Alzheimer’s dis- Alzheimer’s by helping main- HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED? and changes in behavior or
Alzheimer’s. Age is the best ease. There is evidence show- tain mental functions, man- According to the NIA, doc- personality. They may con-
known risk factor; it’s a pro- ing that physical, mental and age behavioral symptoms, tors use several methods to duct a memory test, assess
gressive disease, meaning it social activities may reduce and attempting to slow or determine whether a person problem-solving skills, atten-
worsen with age. Many the risk of Alzheimer’s dis- delay the symptoms. The experiencing memory loss tion, counting and language.
researchers believe genetics ease. National institute of Aging has Alzheimer’s. There may also be standard
may play a big role in devel- says researchers hope to Doctors ask the person and medical tests to identify other
oping Alzheimer’s disease. HOW IS ALZHEIMER’S develop therapies targeting a family member or friend possible causes for the symp-
The Centers for Disease TREATED? specific genetic, molecular questions about overall toms. Finally, the doctor may
Control and Prevention says There is no cure for and cellular mechanisms so health, prescription use, over- order brain scans.
researchers are studying Alzheimer’s disease. Medical the actual underlying cause of the-counter medicines, diet, If you or a loved one is
whether education, diet and experts work to improve the the disease can be stopped or past medical problems, ability experiencing memory loss,
environment play a role in quality of life for people with prevented. to carry out daily activities seek professional help.
 ALZHEIMER’S AWARENESS | DISEASE BASICS

Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease
can begin affecting
the brain up to 10
years before any
signs or symptoms
show in a person.
The Alzheimer’s Association
and National Institute of
Aging say there are three stag-
es of Alzheimer’s disease. The
first is mild or early stage
Alzheimer’s.

EARLY STAGE
ALZHEIMER’S
Most people in the early or
mild stage of Alzheimer’s dis-
ease are still able to function
by themselves. In this stage,
people experience greater
memory loss and other cogni-
tive difficulties. People may
feel as if they are experiencing
memory lapses.
Problems include wander-
ing, getting lost, trouble han-
dling money, repeating ques-
tions and taking longer to do
normal daily tasks. Most fami-
ly members or close friends
may notice the cognitive
changes.
Doctors recommend that
caregivers and the person with
Alzheimer’s start any legal, © ADOBE STOCK

financial or end-of-life plans

as the disease will progress. ing and conscious thought. the person with Alzheimer’s LATE STAGE ALZHEIMER’S care. Near the end, they may
This stage typically can last will continually need more The last stage of Alzheimer’s be in bed most or all the time
MIDDLE STAGE the longest and for many assistance from family or is severe or late stage as the body slowly shuts down.
ALZHEIMER’S years. Memory loss and con- close friends. Most medical Alzheimer’s disease. At this stage, caregivers are
The middle stage of fusion grow worse, and peo- experts recommend caregiv- Ultimately, brain tissue shrinks recommended to use support
Alzheimer’s disease is where ple begin to have problems ers consider respite or an significantly. Those with severe services such as hospice. The
damage occurs in areas of the recognizing family and adult day care to help with Alzheimer’s cannot communi- best care you can give some-
brain that control language, friends in this stage. the increasing care time and cate and are completely one at this point is to make
reasoning, sensory process- As the disease progresses, work. dependent on others for their sure they are comfortable.
 ALZHEIMER’S AWARENESS | DIAGNOSIS

10 Early Signs of Alzheimer’s

As scientists continue
to investigate the
brain as Alzheimer’s
progresses, there are
signs that show the
brain damage begins
years before memory
or other cognitive
problems begin.

Here are the 10 early signs

and symptoms to watch out
for according to the
Alzheimer’s Association.

MEMORY LOSS
One of the most common
signs of Alzheimer’s disease,
especially in the early stage, is
memory loss. Usually, those
in the early stage of
Alzheimer’s experience for- © ADOBE STOCK
getting recently learned infor-
mation or important dates
and events, asking the same DIFFICULTY TROUBLE they are saying repeatedly. ing money or paying less atten-
questions over and over and COMPLETING UNDERSTANDING They may have trouble pro- tion to grooming or keeping
increasingly need to rely on A FAMILIAR TASK VISUAL IMAGES nouncing words, with vocabu- themselves clean.
memory aids or family mem- People with Alzheimer’s Some people affected with lary or have trouble naming a
bers to handle things they find it difficult to perform Alzheimer’s disease experience familiar object or person. WITHDRAWAL FROM
used to do on their own. familiar tasks they once had vision problems such as having WORK OR SOCIALIZING
no problem with. These kinds difficulty with balance or trou- MISPLACING ITEMS A person with Alzheimer’s
CHALLENGES IN of tasks include driving to a ble reading. This may also A person with Alzheimer’s may find it difficult to hold or
PLANNING OR familiar location, needing cause problems such as deter- disease may place things in follow conversations. As a
PROBLEM-SOLVING help using a microwave or mining distance and color or unusual places. They may be result, they tend to withdraw
Some people experiencing using a remote control. contrast, causing issues with unable to retrace their steps to themselves from conversa-
Alzheimer’s or a form of driving for some. find where they left the item. tions, hobbies or activities.
dementia show changes in CONFUSION WITH People living with Alzheimer’s
their ability to develop or fol- TIME OR PLACE TROUBLE SPEAKING may tend to accuse others of MOOD CHANGES
low a plan. People with progressing OR WRITING stealing as the disease progress. As the disease progresses,
Other difficulties they may Alzheimer’s may experience People with Alzheimer’s may people may experience chang-
experience include keeping losing track of dates, time of find it difficult following or POOR JUDGMENT es in mood and personality.
track of bills and money, con- year and time. They may also joining in conversations. They People may experience They can be more confused,
centrating and learning new forget where they are or how may stop in the middle of a changes in judgment or deci- suspicious, depressed, fearful
things. they got to a location. conversation and forget what sion-making, especially regard- or anxious, or easily upset.
 ALZHEIMER’S AWARENESS | DIAGNOSIS

Why Get Checked?

It’s important to see a
doctor if you or your
family notice any of
the symptoms of
Alzheimer’s disease.

Catching it early can pro-

vide benefits for those are
diagnosed. Alzheimer’s
Association has a list of the
many benefits that comes
with being checked for
Alzheimer’s disease.

MEDICAL BENEFITS
Getting checked by your
doctor can help you know if
you really are experiencing
Alzheimer’s disease or not.
Some symptoms you may be
feeling could just be the result
of aging. Seeing your doctor
can provide you with the relief
of knowing for sure what is
occurring in you.

ACCESS TO TREATMENT
If Alzheimer’s is the cause of
symptoms, an early diagnoses
can help give you access to
treatment options. There are
no medications to cure
Alzheimer’s, but there are © ADOBE STOCK

some medications that can

help lessen symptoms. ticipating in clinical trials. This control your blood pressure, also have the chance to priori- mind knowing that you are
Catching Alzheimer’s early can research may provide medical exercise and take care of your tize more time together. happy at each stage of your
provide you with a variety of benefits. social and mental health. All diagnosis.
treatment options and gives these things can help preserve PLAN THE FUTURE Early diagnosis can also help
you a better chance of benefit- PRIORITIZE your cognitive functions if you Although this may be one of you plan your legal, financial
ing from your treatment. YOUR HEALTH are diagnosed. the hardest parts of being and end-of-life decisions. Take
Prioritize your health by diagnosed early, plan your the time to review all legal
BE A PART seeing your doctor. Whether EMOTIONAL BENEFITS family’s future. Be open with documents and all finances.
OF THE EFFORT you are diagnosed with Being diagnosed early may your family about what you This will help allow you relieve
Seeing a doctor can also Alzheimer’s or not, see your help relieve any anxieties you want throughout each stage of your family of any stress and
help you contribute to the doctor and focus on making or your family are experienc- your disease. This can help allow you to focus on spend-
effort in finding a cure by par- life changes. Quit smoking, ing. You and your family can give your family some peace of ing quality time with them.
 ALZHEIMER’S AWARENESS | COPING

Approaching Memory Loss

If you or a family member
ever have the sense that
you may be forgetting
things more often or see
changes in behavior, it’s
natural to worry.
It’s important that you or your family
member are vocal about issues you may
seem to be having. Diagnosing a prob-
lem as soon as changes are seen can
mean the difference in care plans.
Here is a guide provided by the
Alzheimer’s Association about how to
approach memory loss concerns.

DO YOU NOTICE CHANGES?

If you or a person are thinking you
may be experiencing changes mentally
and behaviorally, it’s important that the
first thing you do is assess what is going
on. What have noticed recently that
may be different? Are you forgetting
places you’ve gone to for years, people’s
names or find it difficult to keep a con-
versation?

WHAT ELSE MAY

BE AFFECTING YOU?
There are various conditions in life
that can affect short-term and long-
term memory. Are there any lifestyle
choices, drugs or health issues you
think may be the cause for these chang-
es?

DOES SOMEONE ELSE NOTICE? © ADOBE STOCK

Have any friends or family noticed or

pointed out any odd or different behav- toms with family and see if any of the fide in someone that you trust. If health concerns is never easy, especial-
iors to you? Have they expressed con- behavioral and mental changes you you’ve noticed changes in a family ly, if it involves loved ones that are
cerns for your overall health? What are may be experiencing are linked to the member, they may choose to confide close to you.
some of the things they noticed were symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. in you. The best time to talk is as soon Bringing up concerns may make
different? as the changes occur. It’s important things seem more real for you and
START A CONVERSATION that everything is done as early as pos- family members. If you need help, call
KNOW THE SYMPTOMS The Alzheimer’s Association says if sible. the Alzheimer’s Association at 800-272-
Take time to see look over the symp- you noticed changes in yourself, con- Bringing up a conversation about 3900.
 ALZHEIMER’S AWARENESS | COPING

Living With Alzheimer’s

If you or a loved one
find it difficult to
complete daily tasks
and are struggling to
live with Alzheimer’s
disease, then read
these tips on daily life
from the Alzheimer’s
Association.

ACCEPT THE CHANGES

One of the hardest things
for people with Alzheimer’s is
to accept the reality of having
the disease. For some, even
coming to terms of accepting
the symptoms will make it
more real and painful for
them. The Alzheimer’s
Association says accepting
your changes in abilities and
adapting with new coping
skills can help restore balance
to your life and give you a
sense of accomplishment as
you continue to live with the
disease. Developing coping
strategies can help you
remain engaged and active,
respond to challenges that
will help you maximize your
independence, and maintain © ADOBE STOCK
a sense of control over your
life. Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s tasks such as taking medica- can someone help? Can you solution for you: Make tasks
Association says you can sim- tions, laundry or brushing ask someone to set a remind- work for you. Don’t stress
CREATE A COPING plify the process by focusing your teeth in the morning, er with you? Some bills have yourself over accomplishing
STRATEGY on these three steps. focus on setting a reminder an option online where the tasks as if you were com-
You and your family may 1. Identify. Make a list of for the medication. money can be automatically pletely fine. Use automatic
have already noticed changes tasks that have become more 2. Prioritize. Determine if taken out of your account. payments for bills that allow it
in your ability to complete challenging: Focus on devel- the task is necessary: Take a Would that help you by hav- and use a slow cooker if you
daily task. You don’t have to oping coping strategies for look at the tasks you are for- ing a few less bills to worry are having trouble cooking.
develop a complicated coping your more challenging tasks. getting. What is more neces- about playing for? Make your tasks work for you,
strategy to cope with If you are forgetting to do sary to accomplish and how 3. Strategize. Find the best don’t work for your tasks.
 ALZHEIMER’S AWARENESS | RESPITE

Self Care for Caretakers

According to the
Centers for Disease
Control and
Prevention,
caregivers of people
with Alzheimer’s and
related dementias
provide care for a
longer duration than
caregivers of people
with other types of
conditions.
It can be easy to forget
about yourself when you care
someone around the clock,
but know that self care isn’t
selfish. There are options you
can take to get help when you
help others.

THINK ABOUT
RESPITE CARE
People with Alzheimer’s
disease usually require
around-the-clock care and
help with daily tasks, sanitary
tasks and other help. Most of
the people caring for them are
family and close friends. © ADOBE STOCK
Caring for someone can effect
your mental and physical week can improve caregiver’s to go, look to family and very comfortable having to you are feeling can greatly
health but there is help for well-being. Respite care can friends to help you. care for someone in such a effect the person you are car-
you. be provided by family, friends, Identify a caregiving task or demanding way. Offer them ing for. You have special
Respite care allows the a non-profit or a government a certain time you would like more time to show them how needs as a caregiver that your
caregiver to have some time agency. Some of these ser- help with. If there is an activi- you care for the person with doctor should be aware of. Let
off from caregiving. There are vices may even be free or low- ty that you have been missing Alzheimer’s. Don’t be afraid to your doctor know that you are
multiple types of services cost. for caregiving duties, make ask again in the future. looking to find respite care,
such as in home, adult day your family or friends aware they can point you in the
care and even short-term REACH OUT FOR HELP of this so that they can plan to TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR right direction or get you in
nursing home care. According If you are in search of some provide you relief. Be under- Talk to your doctor if you contact with a government
to research done by the CDC, relief from your caregiving standing if you are turned are experiencing any signs of agency or a non-profit that
even a few hours of respite a duties but don’t know where down. People may not feel anxiety or depression. How can help you.