A Guide to Alzheimer's Disease
Source: Copyright © 2008 Harvard Health Publications | Date Posted: January 1, 2007
In-Depth Report
A Guide to Alzheimer's Disease
Are you having memory problems that seem to go beyond the ordinary, or do you see this happening to someone you love? Are there other difficulties, like struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word, getting confused in new places, or botching tasks that once came easily? Everyone has these experiences sometimes, but if they happen regularly, they may be early signs of Alzheimer's disease.
The condition strikes fear in people's hearts, and with good reason. It is the leading cause of dementia, a brain disorder that robs people of their cognitive function and eventually of their very selves. About 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease. It is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. There is no cure, and current treatments alleviate symptoms temporarily at best. However, many new drugs are under investigation, and the first disease-altering treatments may become available in the next several years. Meanwhile, caring for someone with Alzheimer's is one of the toughest jobs in the world. It is stressful, physically and emotionally draining, and very expensive.
The information in this guide includes help for family members and caregivers, as well as for individuals with Alzheimer's. Because the disease is progressive, coping with it requires foresight and careful advance planning. This includes getting financial and legal documents in order, investigating long-term care options, and determining what services are covered by health insurance and Medicare. People in the early stages of Alzheimer's often can be partners in that planning.
In this report, you'll learn about these and other facets of Alzheimer's disease:
the destructive brain process that causes symptoms
brain imaging technology that can diagnose Alzheimer's early, improving the opportunities for symptom management
discoveries that may someday stop Alzheimer's from attacking the brain
factors that increase or may lower your risk for the disease
techniques for managing the care of people with Alzheimer's
legal and financial planning and long-term care options.
This information is designed to help ease the stress of Alzheimer's disease. With planning, patience, knowledge, and support, you can better meet the challenges posed by this disease and improve the quality of your life and that of your loved ones.
Review Date: 2007-01-01
Harvard Medical School does not endorse products or services.
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