Dementia.  Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe the loss of cognitive or intellectual function.  Dementia is defined as memory impairment plus one or more of the following:  language problems, complex movement problems, problems identifying objects, or problems making everyday decisions.  Many conditions can cause dementia.  Dementia related to depression, drug interactions, thyroid, and other problems may be reversible if detected early. Many diseases can also cause dementia, Alzheimer's disease is probably the most well known.  However, some other diseases that can cause dementia include:  Parkinson's, Huntington's, multi-infarct or vascular disease, multiple sclerosis, Pick's, AIDS, meningitis, and others.  It is important to obtain professional assessment so that the actual cause of the dementia can be identified and proper care can be provided.

Alzheimer's Disease.  Alzheimer's disease afflicts one in ten persons over the age of sixty five and almost half of those over eighty five.  Four million Americans currently have Alzheimer's, and unless a cure or treatment is found it is expected that by the year 2050 fourteen million Americans will have the disease.  This is a degenerative brain disease that causes the formation of abnormalities in the brain called plaques and tangles.  As the plaques and tangles accumulate, they interfere will brain cell connections.  The disease usually begins gradually, causing a person to forget recent events or familiar tasks.  While most individuals will experience some memory loss for certain kinds of information as they get older, Alzheimer's disease involves more than simple lapses in memory.  This disease destroys brain cells and is not a normal part of aging.  The rate of progression varies from person to person, but in time Alzheimer's results in confusion, personality and behavior changes, and impaired judgment and communication.  Most people with Alzheimer's disease will eventually become unable to care for themselves.

Warning Signs.  Ten warning signs that include common symptoms of Alzheimer's disease have been identified.  Individuals who exhibit several of these symptoms should see a physician for a complete examination.  The warning signs include:  1) memory loss that affects job skills, 2) difficulty performing familiar tasks, 3) problems with language, 4) disorientation, 5) poor judgment, 6) problems with abstract thinking, 7) misplacing things, 8) changes in mood or behavior, 9) changes in personality, and 10) loss of initiative or motivation.

Treatment.  Currently there is no medical treatment that cures or stops the progression of Alzheimer's disease.  Three FDA approved drugs may temporarily relieve some symptoms of the disease.  These drugs are donepezil (Aricept ), tacrine (Cognex ), and rivastigmine (Exelon ).  Many other new promising drugs are now being developed and may be available in the next few years.  Clinical drugs trials are also continuing, and some individuals may be eligible to participate.  There may be, however, some risk involved in participating in drug trials.

Coping with Alzheimer's Disease.  Coping with Alzheimer's disease can be difficult for both the individual with the disease and close family and friends.  For victims, concerns about continuing to live independently may cause distress, and feelings of anger may present difficult challenges for coping.  Family and friends who are caregivers of the individual with Alzheimer's may be at particular risk for high levels of stress.  In fact, more thaneighty percent of Alzheimer's caregivers report that they frequently experience high levels of stress, and nearly half say they suffer from depression.  Too much stress can be damaging for the caregiver and the person being cared for.

Recognizing the signs of caregiver stress, and learning how to reduce stress can help.  Warning signs of caregiver stress include:  denial, anger, social withdrawal, anxiety, depression, exhaustion, sleeplessness, irritability, lack of concentration, and health problems.  There are several ways to reduce caregiver stress. First, know what resources are available in your community, join a support group, and become educated about Alzheimer's disease and care giving techniques. Second, get help from family, friends, and community resources. Third, take care of yourself by watching your diet, exercising, and getting plenty of rest.  Fourth, manage your stress levels by consulting a physician and using relaxation techniques.  Fifth, engage in legal and financial planning.  Sixth, be realistic about what you can do, accept changes as they occur, and give yourself credit for what you have accomplished.   Alzheimer's disease takes a toll on families and communities across the nation; remember that there are many resources available to help those affected by this disease.

For more information:  The Alzheimer's Association, with nearly 200 chapters, is the largest national voluntary health organization committed to finding a cure for Alzheimer's and helping those affected by the disease. The Alzheimer's Association provides a wealth of information on their web site:   http://www.alz.org/  Alternatively, they can be contacted by phone at (800) 272-3900.

The Michigan Great Lakes Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association is headquartered in Ann Arbor. With offices in Kalamazoo, Lansing and Muskegon, the chapter serves 21 Michigan counties and an estimated 38,000 individuals with Alzheimer's disease.

Michigan Great Lakes Chapter
107 Aprill Drive, Suite 1
Ann Arbor, MI 48103-1903
(734) 677-3081
(734) 677-3091 fax
www.alzmigreatlakes.org

If you think you or a loved one may be suffering from Alzheimer's, or you are currently caring for a loved one with this disease, you are not alone.  It is very important for you to not only understand the disease, but to prepare for changes which will occur.  There are many resources available to you.  The South Central Michigan Alzheimer's Association is an excellent resource and is located right in our community.  If you have any questions, or just need to speak with someone, the Health Ministry may be able to help you.  Please contact us. 821-2115

revised September 2003

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