Is Alzheimer's Fatal?

Alzheimer's disease is a fatal, progressive brain disorder. Scientists are making progress to better understand the underlying causes of and develop possible treatments for the disease. Until there's a cure, people with Alzheimer's can try various approaches to manage the behavioral and cognitive symptoms. Caregivers also need to consider their own needs.

Significance

• In 2008, Alzheimer's disease surpassed diabetes as the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. This progressive, fatal brain disease that destroys memory and a person's ability to think and function normally affects over 5.2 million people. The Alzheimer's Association predicts that 10 million baby boomers will experience Alzheimer's in their lifetime. While there currently is no cure for the disease, treatments are available that may reduce or delay symptoms in some people. Medical researchers are working hard to find a cure.

Time Frame

• If you've noticed changes in ability to function, memory loss or disorientation, consult a physician. Alzheimer's usually progresses an average of four to six years between time of diagnosis and death, although some people have lived as long as 20 years. The Alzheimer's Association identifies seven stages of the disease, from no cognitive impairment (i.e., normal baseline) to very mild decline, like forgetting names of common items, to very serious cognitive decline, in which the ability to speak, walk, eat, toilet without assistance, or swallow diminishes.

Features

• While there is no cure for Alzheimer's, there are drug and non-drug treatments that may delay onset of symptoms or make people more comfortable as the disease progresses. The Alzheimer's Association suggests non-drug approaches be tried first to avoid negative side effects. People with Alzheimer's may experience emotional distress, outbursts and hallucinations as the brain cells deteriorate. Creating a calm, comfortable, structured and supportive environment relieves anxiety. Don't try to force external reality on the person with Alzheimer's---support him in the reality he experiences. Provide extra security to keep the person safe. If a health care provider feels medication would be appropriate, antidepressant or antipsychotic medication may relieve symptoms. Cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine address nerve cell communication in the brain and may delay worsening of symptoms.

Considerations

• The person diagnosed with Alzheimer's isn't the only one whose life changes. Ten million unpaid caregivers, usually family members, are faced with the unrelenting challenges and stress of tending to the physical and emotional needs of someone who may not recognize them anymore. If you're caring for someone with Alzheimer's, connect with your local Alzheimer's Association chapter to learn more about what to expect and what resources are available in your community. Participate in an Alzheimer's caregivers support group. Take care of your own health needs, too. And if the burden becomes too difficult, look into some of the excellent Alzheimer's care centers for your loved one.

Potential

• Researchers have made great progress over the past 15 years in understanding the mechanisms that cause Alzheimer's and what might ultimately lead to treatment or a cure. The Alzheimer's Association says that over 150 clinical studies are looking for participants to try out new approaches for diagnosis, prevention and treatment. Participation in a clinical trial is conducted under carefully controlled conditions so the standard of care is at least what is available outside the trial. Contact the Alzheimer's Association or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to learn more about clinical trials.