People With Alzheimer's Disease

The life of someone diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease can change dramatically over the years due to the deteriorating effects of this disease. According to the National Intitutes of Health, symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and the rate of deterioration varies from one person to the next and length of life after diagnosis varies from person to person, as well. Alzheimer's disease mostly strikes the elderly, but a young person can be at risk, too. Knowing the signs of Alzheimer's, knowing what you can do to reduce your chances of getting it, and knowing what to do if you suspect you have it are all topics worth investigating.

Facts

• People over the age of 60 are more susceptible to Alzheimer's disease than those of a younger age; also, individuals with Down syndrome are more at risk. People who have family members that suffer with dementia are also susceptible. Scientists suspect that people with an inadequate folate level, high blood pressure, a high cholesterol level and/or diabetes may be particularly affected.

Effects of Alzheimer's Disease

• People with Alzheimer's disease may find it difficult to learn how to do new things. Someone suffering from Alzheimer's also may need to use other words to replace simple vocabulary he may have forgotten. Life becomes uninteresting for an Alzheimer's victim, and this person may not embrace change well. Someone with Alzheimer's disease may no longer recognize once familiar objects and may start forgetting things, including how to do simple tasks. The ability to think logically may become impaired, the patient may lose his way easily and may ask the same questions over and over.

Prevention

• Although the cause of Alzheimer's disease is not known and there is no known treatment plan or medication that will protect you from getting it, measures can be taken to lessen your chances of getting the disease. People who have a high cholesterol level should take steps to reduce it. They also should lower blood pressure if it's elevated. Folate should be taken with a doctor's approval if folate level is low. People who want to protect themselves from getting Alzheimer's should do crossword puzzles and read to exercise the brain. They also should develop an exercise plan their doctor agrees with and follow it. A healthy diet should be adhered to.

Solution

• Speak to your physician if you suspect you have Alzheimer's disease, and let him assess you and your symptoms to find out whether you are afflicted with Alzheimer's disease, depression, a thyroid condition or it's simply a case of dehydration. Your doctor also may need to rule out medication, overuse of alcohol and vitamins as the cause of your symptoms. Ask your doctor for advice on how to deal with your illness if you are diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

Misconceptions

• Don't assume someone who is forgetful has Alzheimer's disease. Depression can cause forgetfulness as well as problems with sleeping, a change in eating habits, irritability, impaired thinking ability, poor concentration and a loss of interest in life. These symptoms are the same as those of someone suffering with Alzheimer's but only a professional can make the final diagnosis.