What is Alzheimer’s disease? First described by Dr. Alois Alzheimer in 1906, Alzheimer’s disease (pronounced Alts’-hi-merz) is a degenerative brain disease that usually begins gradually, causing a person to forget recent events or familiar tasks. How rapidly it advances varies from person to person, but the brain disease eventually causes confusion, personality and behavior changes and impaired judgment. Communication becomes difficult as the affected person struggles to find words, finish thoughts or follow directions. Eventually, most people with Alzheimer’s disease become unable to care for themselves. Isn’t memory loss a natural part of aging? Yes and no. Many healthy individuals are less able to remember certain kinds of information as they get older. But the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease involve more than simple lapses in memory. People with Alzheimer’s experience difficulties communicating, learning, thinking and reasoning that can have an impact on a person’s work, social and family life. Alzheimer’s is a disease that destroys brain cells — which is not a normal part of aging. What is dementia? Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe the loss of cognitive or intellectual function. Many conditions can cause dementia. Dementia related to depression, drug interaction, thyroid and other problems may be reversible if detected early. That’s one of the reasons it’s important to obtain a professional assessment, so that the actual cause can be identified and proper care can be provided. In addition to Alzheimer’s, several other diseases also cause dementia, such as Parkinson’s, Creutzfeldt-Jakob, Huntington’s and multi-infarct or vascular disease, caused by multiple strokes in the brain. How many people are affected by Alzheimer’s disease? One in 10 persons over 65 and nearly half of those over 85 have Alzheimer’s disease. Today, four million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease. Unless a cure or prevention is found, that number will jump to 14 million by the year 2050. Worldwide, it is estimated that 22 million individuals will develop Alzheimer’s disease by the year 2025. Caregivers are affected by this disease, too. In a national survey, 19 million Americans said they have a family member with Alzheimer’s disease, and 37 million said they knew someone with the disease. What are the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease? The Alzheimer’s Association has developed a list of warning signs that include common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (some also apply to other dementias). Individuals who exhibit several of these symptoms should see a physician for a complete examination. 1. Memory loss that affects job skills. It’s normal to occasionally forget an assignment, deadline or colleague’s name, but frequent forgetfulness or inexplicable confusion at home or in the workplace may signal that something’s wrong. 2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks. Busy people get distracted from time to time. For example, you might leave something on the stove too long or not remember to serve part of a meal. People with Alzheimer’s might prepare a meal and not only forget to serve it, but also forget they made it. 3. Problems with language. Everyone has trouble finding the right word sometimes, but a person with Alzheimer’s disease may forget simple words or substitute inappropriate words, making his or her sentences difficult to understand. 4. Disorientation to time and place. It’s normal to momentarily forget the day of the week or what you need from the store. But people with Alzheimer’s disease can become lost on their own street, not knowing where they are, how they got there or how to get back home. 5. Poor or decreased judgment. Choosing not to bring a sweater or coat along on a chilly night is a common mistake. A person with Alzheimer’s, however, may dress inappropriately in more noticeable ways, wearing a bathrobe to the store or several blouses on a hot day. 6. Problems with abstract thinking. Balancing a checkbook can be challenging for many people, but for someone with Alzheimer’s, recognizing numbers or performing basic calculations may be impossible. 7. Misplacing things. Everyone temporarily misplaces a wallet or keys from time to time. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may put these and other items in inappropriate places — such as an iron in the freezer or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl — then not recall how they got there. 8. Changes in mood or behavior. Everyone experiences a broad range of emotions — it’s part of being human. People with Alzheimer’s tend to exhibit more rapid mood swings for no apparent reason. 9. Changes in personality. People’s personalities may change somewhat as they age. But a person with Alzheimer’s can change dramatically, either suddenly or over a period of time. Someone who is generally easygoing may become angry, suspicious or fearful. 10. Loss of initiative. It’s normal to tire of housework, business activities or social obligations, but most people retain or eventually regain their interest. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may remain uninterested and uninvolved in many or all of his usual pursuits. What causes Alzheimer’s disease? Scientists still are not certain. Age and family history have been identified as potential risk factors. Researchers are exploring the role of genetics in the development of Alzheimer’s, but most agree the disease is likely caused by a variety of factors. Each year, scientists are uncovering important new clues about potential causes of the disease, which is helping to generate more accurate diagnostic tests and better treatment options for affected individuals. How is Alzheimer’s disease diagnosed? There is no single, comprehensive diagnostic test for Alzheimer’s disease. Instead, physicians or other specialists rule out other conditions through a process of elimination. They usually conduct physical, psychological and neurological exams and take a thorough medical history. A diagnosis of probable Alzheimer’s disease can be obtained through evaluation with approximately 90 percent accuracy. The only way to confirm a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is through autopsy. How does Alzheimer’s disease progress? Alzheimer’s disease causes the formation of abnormal structures in the brain called plaques and tangles. As they accumulate in affected individuals, nerve cell connections are reduced. Areas of the brain that influence short-term memory tend to be affected first. Later, the disease works its way into sections of the brain that control other intellectual and physical functions. Alzheimer’s disease affects people in different ways, making it difficult for medical professionals to predict how an individual’s disease will progress. Some experts classify the disease by stage (early, middle and late). But specific behaviors and how long they last vary greatly, even within each stage of the disease. As more is learned about the progression of the disease, new assessment scales are being developed to help physicians track, predict and treat symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Who can help? Contact the Barone Alzheimer’s Care Center at (417) 448-3999. They will supply you with additional information. A support group is offered as well as individual counseling. To view the Barone Alzheimer's brochure, click here.