Learn More About Alzheimer’s Disease

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Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. Though the majority of people with Alzheimer’s are older than 65, this disease is not a normal part of old age. Alzheimer’s has no current cure, but treatment options can help improve quality of life. Learn more about this disease with these articles.

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    string(6568) "When it comes to how the human brain functions healthily, there are a lot of unknowns. As a result, it is often difficult to understand disorders that affect the brain — and recognize when one of these disorders impacts you or a loved one.

The terms "memory loss," "dementia," and "Alzheimer's" are often used interchangeably when people describe an elderly person with decreased cognitive ability. But in fact, all three mean something different.

Memory loss is a common part of the aging process and isn't always a sign of something serious. It is also a symptom of both dementia and Alzheimer's – which aren't the same condition, though many people confuse them.

Dementia and Alzheimer's disease are not a normal part of aging and should be addressed by a physician.
Alzheimer's vs. Dementia: What's the Difference?
Dementia isn't a disease – it's a broad term that describes a decline in a person's mental ability to the point that their daily life is negatively affected. Dementia refers to a variety of symptoms related to memory, thinking, and social capabilities.

Alzheimer's, on the other hand, is a disease that ranks as the most common cause of dementia among older people. While the symptoms of Alzheimer's and dementia overlap, a person can experience dementia that is not at all related to Alzheimer's disease.
What Is Dementia?
Dementia is caused by damage to brain cells that interrupts their normal functioning. Dementia is usually progressive, meaning that symptoms are initially mild and worsen over time. Different types of dementia affect different areas of the brain, and therefore, have different symptoms.

As a person's brain cells are damaged, their mental functions decrease. For a condition to be diagnosed as dementia, at least two of the following functions must be severely impaired:

 	
Memory
 	
Communication/language
 	
Ability to focus and pay attention
 	
Reasoning/judgment
 	
Visual perception

Doctors diagnose dementia by examining a person's medical history and asking them and their loved ones about any behavioral/mental abnormalities, testing a person's mental skills like attention and language, carrying out standard medical tests to rule out other causes, and performing CT, MRI, or PET scans to look for a cause.

Dementia can be caused by Alzheimer's or another disease, or it can be the result of environmental or lifestyle factors.
RELATED: Address Signs of Dementia Early for Best Care
What Is Alzheimer's Disease?
Alzheimer's is a type of dementia affecting memory, thinking, language, and behavior.

Most affected people are diagnosed after the age of 60, though some may be diagnosed in their 40s or 50s (early-onset Alzheimer's). Alzheimer's is the result of the deterioration of brain tissue that interferes with brain cells' ability to function normally. Over time, connections between brain cells are broken and tissue shrinks to the point that affected individuals usually end up depending entirely on others for daily life.
RELATED: Recognizing the Signs of Alzheimer's
Stages of Alzheimer's Disease
The disease varies for each person affected, but the general stages of its progression are as follows:

 	
Normal behavior – Brain changes can begin as much as 10 years before diagnosis, though the person will show no symptoms.
 	
Mild mental decline – The person, and then their loved ones, may notice subtle signs like forgetting words and names, repeating questions, or struggling with planning.
 	
Moderate mental decline – Memory issues may worsen, and affected people may forget things about themselves, forget the date or time, lose track of where they are, or get confused while dressing or doing other daily tasks.
 	
Severe mental decline – Those affected may mix people up and be unable to associate names with faces. They may also suffer from delusions, like needing to go to a store that's been out of business for years.
 	
Very severe mental and physical decline – In the end stages of the disease, the person will likely need help to eat, walk, and take care of themselves.

RELATED: Recognize Common Health Concerns in Seniors Early

Is There a Cure for Dementia and Alzheimer's?
There is no cure for either Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

Depending on the cause of dementia, doctors can prescribe medication to manage or slow down its symptoms. Though individuals can live with dementia for decades, it usually shortens people's lifespans.

Alzheimer's is a terminal disease, though researchers are actively looking for a cure. Medications can be prescribed to manage behavioral changes, memory loss, depression, and other symptoms. But there is no way to stop the effects of the disease.

If you think you or a loved one may be affected by dementia or Alzheimer's, make an appointment with your primary care physician. Visit UPMC's Aging Institute website for more information on caring for elderly loved ones and recognizing brain disorders. You can also find more information by visiting the website for UPMC Neurology Services.

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• The Difference Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

  Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are not a normal part of aging and should be addressed by a physician.Read More

  

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    string(4208) "Caring for an individual with Alzheimer's disease is difficult. Alzheimer's disease is a very progressive disease and causes significant changes in a person's everyday life. It quickly affects a person's memory, ability to organize and make plans, perform simple calculations (i.e. balancing a checkbook), and as it progresses further, can affect a person's ability to walk, swallow, and speak.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, an estimated 5.3 million people will have this disease in 2015. Family and friends provide much of the care required by individuals affected by Alzheimer's disease. In 2014, caregivers of individuals with this disease and dementia provided an estimated 17.9 billion hours of unpaid care.

Here are some tips on how to care for a person with Alzheimer's disease and how to be a healthy caregiver.
Caring for a Person with Alzheimer's Disease
Be informed
It's important for you and others who will be caring for your family member to gather information about the disease and prepare yourselves for various challenges during its different stages. Remember when challenges arise, it's the disease, not the person, that is responsible.
Discuss the future
In the early stages of the disease, individuals may be capable of participating in conversations about their future care. Take this time to learn about your loved one's goals of care and appoint a power of attorney while he or she can still contribute.
Develop a consistent, daily plan
Create a schedule and include activities such as daily chores, personal care time, meal times, and special activities. Small changes in a daily schedule can disrupt an individual affected by Alzheimer's disease. As dementia progresses, the daily plan may need to be modified.
Be a Healthy Caregiver
Manage your stress
Stress can take its toll on your mind and body. There are many symptoms of caregiver stress, including:

 	
Denial
 	
Anger
 	
Social withdrawal
 	
Anxiety
 	
Depression
 	
Exhaustion
 	
Sleeplessness
 	
Irritability
 	
Lack of concentration

Be aware and learn how to manage the symptoms. Know what resources are available and when to ask for help. Relax and make time for yourself.
Visit your doctor annually
Let your doctor know that you are caring for a person with dementia. Pay attention to exhaustion, stress, sleeplessness, or changes in your everyday behavior. If providing physical assistance, pay attention to muscle and bone injuries.
Take care of yourself
Eat well and exercise. It is important to remember that you cannot take good care of your loved one if you are not taking proper care of yourself.
Find an Alzheimer's Support Group
If you are caring for an individual with Alzheimer's, attend an Alzheimer's Support Group like the one we offer at the UPMC St. Margaret Geriatric Care Center. Here, you will:

 	
Gain information and insight to better understand the disease
 	
Learn coping strategies
 	
Share experiences
 	
Obtain and offer support

To learn more about support groups for caregivers, visit the Geriatric Care Center at UPMC St. Margaret online or call 412-784-5054 or 412-784-5050"
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• Alzheimer’s Disease Caregiver Support

  Caring for an individual with Alzheimer’s disease is difficult. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition that causes significant changes in a person’s everyday life.Read More

  

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    string(4117) "This post was last updated on November 1, 2016

Alzheimer's disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease in the world. It affects more than five million older adults in America.

There is no known cure for Alzheimer's, and prevention and treatment strategies are still in development and require further research.

Alzheimer's disease is the combination of dementia and abnormal structures found within the brain.

Early stages of the disease impair someone's ability to learn, remember, and plan tasks.

People with late-stage Alzheimer's have trouble with basic actions such as:

 	
Walking
 	
Dressing
 	
Eating

Alzheimer's dementia occurs due to the significant presence of two abnormal structures in the brain:

 	
Beta amyloid plaque
 	

Neurofibrillary tangles


What Are Plaque and Tangles in the Brain?
Most people think of tangles as something you brush out of your hair in the morning. And, isn't plaque what a dentist scrapes off your teeth? Unfortunately, tangles and plaque in the brain aren't so easily remedied.

For a complete overview of what happens to the brain of an Alzheimer's patient, watch the video, "Inside the Brain: Unraveling the Mysteries of Alzheimer's Disease," posted at UPMC's Alzheimer's Disease Research Center.

If you look at a brain with Alzheimer's disease using MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), you will see sections of the brain that have atrophied, most notably in the mesial temporal lobe.

The precise pathological process that leads to Alzheimer's disease is unknown.

One theory is that beta amyloid plaque – found outside of the cell— and neurofibrillary tangles – the clumping of deposits inside of the cell – cause a cascade of:

 	
Inflammation
 	
Synaptic dysfunction and loss
 	
Cell death

Researchers believe various glial cells in the brain surround amyloid plaques and neurons carrying neurofibrillary tangles, and the spreading of neurofibrillary tangles leads to Alzheimer's dementia.
Is Alzheimer's Genetic?
A complex interaction of risk factors is the cause of most Alzheimer's cases.

These risks include:

 	
Age
 	
Family history
 	
Environmental and lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise, and smoking

About one percent of all cases are the result of particular genes. People with a genetic code for Alzheimer's develop the disease early, in their 30s and 40s.
How Do You Care For Alzheimer's Disease?
Alzheimer's often complicates care-giving because it might be just one health issue among others. Your loved one with Alzheimer's may also need care for three or four other health problems.

Doctors at University of Pittsburgh's Division of Geriatric Medicine, designated a National Center of Excellence by the John Hartford Foundation, recognize the multi-layered response necessary for developing individualized treatment.

The University of Pittsburgh Alzheimer Disease Research Center (ADRC) is one of the nation's leading research centers that specializes in diagnosing and researching Alzheimer's disease and related disorders such as dementia. The center is funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA). Recent studies performed include evaluating the effectiveness of the newest drugs to treat Alzheimer's.

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• November Is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

  Alzheimer’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease in the world.Read More

  

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    string(2685) "Alzheimer's disease, the leading cause of dementia, is present in 5 to 10 percent of seniors today. It is a progressive disease that causes brain cells to deteriorate and die, leaving the affected person unable to perform daily tasks or care for themselves in general.

Much research is being done in what causes Alzheimer's disease and how it can be cured or managed. Studies show that the greatest risk factor for developing the disease is age. People over age 65 have a significantly higher chance of developing all forms of dementia than their younger peers. Some studies show a family history of the disease may increase your risk for certain forms of the illness.

While there are treatments available to help improve symptoms and enhance quality of life in some people, there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's. Early detection is important because the available treatments tend to be more effective in the early stages of the disease. However, it can be difficult to diagnose, as the early-stage symptoms often mimic symptoms of other common illnesses, or normal changes in brain function with aging.

If your loved one is experiencing the symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer's, it's important to take him or her to a physician for evaluation. While dementia can typically be detected by physicians, it may be difficult to secure a sound diagnosis for Alzheimer's. Physical, neurological, and mental evaluations are needed to properly determine if a person has the disease. However, the development of recent diagnostic tests can improve the accuracy of diagnosing Alzheimer's versus another type of dementia.

While no cure currently exists for Alzheimer's, research is ongoing at UPMC and elsewhere to figure out better ways to treat and potentially cure people with the disease. For more information on this topic, visit the University of Pittsburgh's Alzheimer Disease Research Center or The Aging Institute of UPMC Senior Services and the University of Pittsburgh.



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• Recognizing the Signs of Alzheimer’s

  Alzheimer’s disease, the leading cause of dementia, is present in 5 to 10 percent of seniors today. Learn how to identify its symptoms.Read More

  

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    string(4136) "Being the primary caregiver for a loved one comes with many challenges. A new caregiver may have to take on previously unfamiliar tasks such as administering medication, bathing, dressing, feeding and preparing meals, and more. But the most difficult challenge is often remembering to take care of oneself.

It's commonplace for caregivers to neglect their own health and well-being and put their own needs on the back-burner. This can lead to emotional exhaustion, depression and illness. To be an effective caregiver, you need to do your best to stay healthy or risk becoming a second victim of the disease that afflicts your family member.
RELATED: Tips for Cancer Caregivers
Some common issues that caregivers experience include:

 	
Time management: Struggling to fit in all the additional daily responsibilities such as grocery shopping, laundry, picking up prescriptions, transportation to and from doctors' appointment, etc.
 	
Stress: Feeling overwhelmed or burdened by the daily challenges.
 	
Isolation: Caregivers may feel alone in their responsibilities and isolated from friends and believe that they must take on all the tasks associated with caregiving solo.
 	
Financial obligations: Caregivers may be required to purchase supplies or incur costs above and beyond their allotted budget.
 	
Guilt: Caregivers report feeling guilty when taking time for themselves or for expressing anger or frustration at their situation.

Having these feelings is often unavoidable, but there are steps that you can take to ensure that you stay healthy, happy and calm while caring for a loved one. Some solutions include:

 	
Ask for help and know your limits: Don't be afraid to reach out to your support system when you're feeling overwhelmed. Caring for a loved one can be an emotional rollercoaster. If you're in over your head, ask someone for help. If someone offers to help, accept it.
 	
Attend to your own health care needs: When caring for someone else, it's easy to ignore your own ailments. It's important for you to be at your best in order for you to be an effective caregiver. Don't neglect annual physicals or checkups. Make time for you.
 	
Investigate available resources: Take advantage of resources that are out there. Do your homework and find out if you qualify for assistance. Contact the Aging Institute of UPMC Senior Services and the University of Pittsburgh at 1-866-430-8742 (toll free) or visit Aging.UPMC.com to get connected to available resources for caregivers.
 	
Join a support group: Know that there are people out there who share your feelings. It's helpful to talk about your concerns with others and to look for advice and comfort.
 	
Get proper rest and nutrition: Get lots of sleep and eat the right foods in order to maintain your energy. Lack of sleep and poor nutrition can lead to health problems, which may make caregiving even more challenging.
 	
Exercise regularly: Exercise is a crucial component for a healthy lifestyle. It's important to find the time to remain active as it can help boost energy, increase sleep and improve overall health.
 	
Give yourself a break: Breaks in caregiving are crucial for maintaining a healthy balance. Remember to take time for yourself and don't neglect the things you love to do.

RELATED: Alzheimer’s Disease Caregiver Support
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• Care for the Caregiver

  Being the primary caregiver for a loved one comes with many challenges. Learn more about how to cope.Read More

  

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