Questions About Alzheimer's

Over 5.2 million people in the United States have Alzheimer's disease, and it's anticipated that 10 million baby boomers will be diagnosed with it sometime in their lifetime. People with Alzheimer's and those who care for them may have a lot of questions about this progressive, fatal brain disease that destroys memory and the ability to think and behave normally. Alzheimer's has become a top-priority concern for researchers and policy makers, and resources are available to support those affected by the disease.

Significance

• Seniors fear Alzheimer's disease more than any other disease except cancer, according to a 2006 MetLife Foundation survey. They and their family members may have many questions: What are the symptoms of Alzheimer's? Where can I go for help? Should I care for a relative with Alzheimer's at home or does she need institutional care? What causes Alzheimer's? Can Alzheimer's be successfully treated? Alzheimer's is now the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, affecting over 5.2 million people and another 10 million unpaid caregivers, usually family members. Support and education are available from nonprofit organizations like the Alzheimer's Association, health care providers and local councils on aging.

Identification

• The most dreaded step is determining whether someone has Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's accounts for between 50 and 70 percent of all dementias, so it's important to get as accurate a diagnosis as possible, as some other forms of dementia may be treatable. The Alzheimer's Association lists 10 warning signs of Alzheimer's, including persistent memory loss, disorientation, and personality and behavioral changes that make it difficult to perform daily activities (see Resources below).

Features

• The Alzheimer's Association, the nation's leading nonprofit group that provides education, advocacy and support to end Alzheimer's, can help answer your questions. The organization has a 24-hour helpline: [phone]). Local chapters can help you find support groups, professionals to conduct needs assessments, elder law experts, home care and other services in your community (see Resources below).

Misconceptions

• People sometimes think that only old people get Alzheimer's, but according to the Alzheimer's Association, 200,000 people under 65 have early-onset Alzheimer's. Another 300,000 middle-aged people have related dementias. No one knows the exact cause of Alzheimer's, but researchers have ruled out drinking from an aluminum can or cooking with aluminum pots; using the artificial sweetener aspartame; having silver dental fillings; or getting a flu shot. There is also no cure for Alzheimer's, although scientists are studying some treatments that may delay the worsening of symptoms in some people.

Benefits

• It helps to know whether you or a loved one has Alzheimer's. Diagnosis gives you time to plan for care and arrange for legal matters that will crop up as the disease progresses. It reduces anxiety by giving you time to seek answers and it may also allow you to consider possible treatment options.