Alzheimer's Disease: What You Need to Know

A recent University of Alabama at Birmingham Alzheimer's Disease Center study shows that a poor handling of finances and a decline in money management skills could be an early sign of memory problems which could turn into Alzheimer's disease. The study tracked the ability to use various finance management skills. Twenty five of the eighty six people participating in the study who already had mild cognitive impairment (MCI) developed Alzheimer's in just one year. Observations of their finance management skills showed a six percent decrease during that year. This study shows that there may be certain markers or indicators such as financial management skills, which precede the change from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease.

What is Alzheimer's disease?

Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia, which is slow developing. The disease usually affects older people over age 60 and, as it progresses, impairs the ability to speak, to do daily tasks, to read, to write, to recall events and people, and to speak. While Alzheimer's disease usually affects older people, hundreds of thousands of people ages thirty to fifty have Alzheimer's disease or some other cognitive impairment.

What are the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's?

According to a University of Alabama at Birmingham study, a decrease in personal financial management skills may be a sign of Alzheimer's. In its earliest stages, Alzheimer's may not impair the ability to perform daily activities, but may have an impact on the ability to recall events. Having more memory problems than typical for one's age group is an early indicator of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition which may develop into Alzheimer's disease. Confused sense of smell and having problems with bodily movements are also symptoms of MCI. Due to the relatively small impact of Alzheimer's in the earliest stages, individuals suffering from the disease may not obtain a diagnosis or medical treatment until later stages. As Alzheimer's develops the individual will continue to experience further memory problems and the deterioration of their cognitive abilities. Individuals with the disease may find that simple and complex daily tasks will become more difficult and take longer to complete. They experience deteriorated communication abilities; hallucinations; paranoia; and poor emotional and social awareness. In its latest stages, an individual with Alzheimer's disease may be unable to care for themselves and will most likely be dependent on others as their body loses its ability to function.

Who is at risk of developing Alzheimer's?

Individuals over age 60 who have a family history of Alzheimer's disease are at a greater risk of developing the disease. Genetics have been implicated in the development of Alzheimer's. Having the APOE gene increases one's risk of developing the disease, but does not guarantee that the disease will develop. Approximately 40 percent of individuals carrying this gene develop Alzheimer's. Individuals not carrying the APOE gene may still develop the condition. Currently, the scientific and medical communities are studying the role that genetics plays in the development of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's. While the APOE gene has been pinpointed as a possible cause of Alzheimer's, scientists believe that there may be other genes that place an individual at an increased risk of developing the disease.

Preventing Alzheimer's

All people, especially those having Alzheimer's disease risk factors, are encouraged to eat a healthy diet, to maintain a physically and socially active lifestyle, and to challenge oneself mentally on a regular basis. Committing oneself to eating healthier and keeping the mind and body stimulated may help to reduce the risk of developing cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.

Diagnosing Alzheimer's

Recognizing the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease or cognitive impairment in its earliest stages can help one access medical treatments that may help reduce symptoms or slow the degeneration of cognitive abilities. Most cases (90 percent) of Alzheimer's are accurately diagnosed through the use of blood tests that eliminate other possible medical conditions that can impair cognitive processes, neuropsychological testing, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT scan), and positron emission tomography (PET scan). Despite the wealth of technology and medical expertise, Alzheimer's is a complex disease. Consequently, a definitive Alzheimer's diagnosis can only be made after death, when brain testing allows the doctor to see the complex brain plaques and tangles indicative of Alzheimer's disease.

Treatment options for Alzheimer's

Because of the complex nature of Alzheimer's disease, doctors may choose from a variety of treatment options depending on the individual's age, health, medical history, stage of the disease, ability to tolerate the possible treatments, and the speed and manner in which the disease is progressing. Doctors will help the Alzheimer's patients determine which medication(s) or supplements are most suitable for their condition. Choosing a physically and mentally active lifestyle and nutritious diet can help slow deterioration and, if practiced early enough, prevent or delay the development of Alzheimer's disease.

Support for Alzheimer's patients and their families

Being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease can be a devastating blow to the individual, family members, and friends. Choosing to reach out for support and to offer support can help a person suffering from Alzheimer's form a close knit circle of companions who will be supportive emotionally and physically. There are several ways to connect with other Alzheimer's patients or families of patients, join support groups, and stay informed. Search the internet and ask your physician questions about where to learn more about the disease and how to connect with the wealth of knowledge and support available to you.

References

Poor Money Management May Be Early Indicator of Alzheimer's Disease, Say UAB Researchers. ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921161752.htm

Alzheimer's Disease. MedlinePlus. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/alzheimersdisease.html

What is Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's Association.http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_alzheimers.asp#early

Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet. National Institute on Aging. http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/adfact.htm

Alzheimer's disease: Testing and diagnosis. MayoClinic. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alzheimers-disease/DS00161/DSECTION=tests-and-diagnosis

Alzheimer's caregiving: Organizations offer help: InDepth. MayoClinic. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alzheimers/AZ00013