Alzheimer's Illness
Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that
causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually
develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with
daily tasks.
Alzheimer's is the most common form of
dementia, a general term for memory loss and other intellectual
abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease
accounts for 50 to 80 percent of dementia cases.
Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging, although the greatest known risk factor is increasing age, and the majority of people with Alzheimer's are 65 and older. But Alzheimer's is not just a disease of old age. Up to 5 percent of people with the disease have early onset Alzheimer's (also known as younger-onset), which often appears when someone is in their 40s or 50s.
Alzheimer's worsens over time.
Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, where dementia symptoms gradually worsen
over a number of years. In its early stages, memory loss is mild, but with
late-stage Alzheimer's, individuals lose the ability to carry on a conversation
and respond to their environment. Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of
death in the United States. Those with Alzheimer's live an average of eight
years after their symptoms become noticeable to others, but survival can range
from four to 20 years, depending on age and other health conditions.
Alzheimer's has no current cure, but treatments for symptoms are
available and research continues. Although current Alzheimer's
treatments cannot stop Alzheimer's from progressing, they can temporarily slow the worsening of dementia symptoms and improve quality of life for those with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. Today, there is a
worldwide effort under way to find better ways to treat the disease, delay its
onset, and prevent it from developing.
causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually
develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with
daily tasks.
Alzheimer's is the most common form of
dementia, a general term for memory loss and other intellectual
abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease
accounts for 50 to 80 percent of dementia cases.
Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging, although the greatest known risk factor is increasing age, and the majority of people with Alzheimer's are 65 and older. But Alzheimer's is not just a disease of old age. Up to 5 percent of people with the disease have early onset Alzheimer's (also known as younger-onset), which often appears when someone is in their 40s or 50s.
Alzheimer's worsens over time.
Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, where dementia symptoms gradually worsen
over a number of years. In its early stages, memory loss is mild, but with
late-stage Alzheimer's, individuals lose the ability to carry on a conversation
and respond to their environment. Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of
death in the United States. Those with Alzheimer's live an average of eight
years after their symptoms become noticeable to others, but survival can range
from four to 20 years, depending on age and other health conditions.
Alzheimer's has no current cure, but treatments for symptoms are
available and research continues. Although current Alzheimer's
treatments cannot stop Alzheimer's from progressing, they can temporarily slow the worsening of dementia symptoms and improve quality of life for those with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. Today, there is a
worldwide effort under way to find better ways to treat the disease, delay its
onset, and prevent it from developing.
Early Onset Alzheimer's / Dementia
Alzheimer's is not just a disease of old age. Early onset (also
known as younger-onset) Alzheimer's affects people younger than age 65. Nearly
4 percent of the 5.4 million Americans with Alzheimer’s have early onset.
Who gets early onset Alzheimer's?
Many people with early onset are in their 40s and 50s. They have families,
careers or are even caregivers themselves when Alzheimer's disease strikes. In
the United States, it is estimated that more than 200,000 people have early
onset.
Diagnosing early onset Alzheimer's
If you have early onset Alzheimer's, you are not alone.
The Alzheimer's Association can provide information, support and referrals.
Find your local chapter.
Since health care providers generally don't look for Alzheimer's disease in
younger people, getting an accurate diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer's can be
a long and frustrating process. Symptoms may be incorrectly attributed to stress
or there may be conflicting diagnoses from different health care professionals.
People who have early onset Alzheimer's may be in any stage of dementia – early stage, middle stage or late stage. The disease affects each person
differently and symptoms will vary.
If you are experiencing memory problems:
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with
Alzheimer's or a related
dementia, you are not alone. The Alzheimer's
Association is the trusted resource
for reliable information, education,
referral and support to millions of people affected
by the disease.
Call
our 24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900
Locate a chapter in your community
Use our Virtual Library
(information and picture taken from
alz.org)
known as younger-onset) Alzheimer's affects people younger than age 65. Nearly
4 percent of the 5.4 million Americans with Alzheimer’s have early onset.
Who gets early onset Alzheimer's?
Many people with early onset are in their 40s and 50s. They have families,
careers or are even caregivers themselves when Alzheimer's disease strikes. In
the United States, it is estimated that more than 200,000 people have early
onset.
Diagnosing early onset Alzheimer's
If you have early onset Alzheimer's, you are not alone.
The Alzheimer's Association can provide information, support and referrals.
Find your local chapter.
Since health care providers generally don't look for Alzheimer's disease in
younger people, getting an accurate diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer's can be
a long and frustrating process. Symptoms may be incorrectly attributed to stress
or there may be conflicting diagnoses from different health care professionals.
People who have early onset Alzheimer's may be in any stage of dementia – early stage, middle stage or late stage. The disease affects each person
differently and symptoms will vary.
If you are experiencing memory problems:
- Have a comprehensive medical evaluation with a doctor who specializes in
Alzheimer's disease. Getting a diagnosis involves a medical exam and possibly
cognitive tests, a neurological exam and/or brain imaging. Call your local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association
for a referral.
Write down symptoms of memory loss or other cognitive difficulties to share
with your health care professional. - Keep in mind that there is no one test that confirms Alzheimer's disease. A
diagnosis is only made after a comprehensive medical evaluation.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with
Alzheimer's or a related
dementia, you are not alone. The Alzheimer's
Association is the trusted resource
for reliable information, education,
referral and support to millions of people affected
by the disease.
Call
our 24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900
Locate a chapter in your community
Use our Virtual Library
(information and picture taken from
alz.org)