Someone in your family has Alzheimers disease, and you have been gathering info on Alzheimers disease to try to help you make decisions about what to do next, but everything you find is so scientific and complicated. What can you tell your kids to make them understand why their grandfather or uncle does not recognize them anymore? The info on Alzheimers disease below is aimed at children and families, so read it together.

Alzheimers: What Is It?

Alzheimers disease is a form of a mental disorder known as dementia. Dementia is a brain disorder that seriously hampers the brains ability to process rational or normal thought and inhibits the daily activities of its sufferers because of this. Alzheimers disease, therefore, affects the part of the brain that is responsible for thought, memory, and language.

Alzheimers disease is one of the leading causes of death in America. The German physician Alois Alzheimer first identified this disorder in 1907. This disorder is a serious illness that affects the memory ability of the brain, capability of learning, making rational decisions and capacity to function routinely.

Alzheimers disease robs millions of people each year of their memories, their personalities, and the ability to complete daily activities. For the longest time, it was believed that nothing could be done to prevent this awful disease; that it was simply something that people had to look forward to when they reached their golden years. However, new research indicates that there is a number of ways to prevent Alzheimers disease.

The hallmark sign of Alzheimers disease is the loss of memory. Generally, those 65 years of age or older, begin to concern themselves with this disease at the first episodes of forgetfulness. Although forgetfulness is a sign of Alzheimers disease, it is important to note that there are other signals that may herald the onset of this malady. Therefore, being knowledgeable about Alzheimers, through exhibited signs, and is paramount for our loved one’s health as well as our own.

Dealing With Alzheimers

Hearing the news that a family member has received an Alzheimers diagnosis can be an emotionally devastating moment in anyones life. However, before the Alzheimers diagnosis can be given to the patient and their family, the patient must undergo a variety of laboratory tests, such as medical assessments and laboratory measurements. There is no single test existing that will categorically give the Alzheimers diagnosis.

With this proactive stance, diagnosticians have been able to devise a set of Alzheimers disease testing tools that can detect symptoms of Alzheimers disease in its earlier stages. As of yet, there is no single diagnostic test that is able to determine if a person has Alzheimers disease, but the battery of testing that is available makes it possible for physicians to diagnose it with about 90 percent accuracy. Alzheimers disease testing can take anywhere from one day to several weeks to ensure accuracy and proper diagnosis.

An Alzheimers test is important to ensure that the person is not just going through the usual memory loss associated with age; however, sometimes an Alzheimers test is not necessary. Alzheimers disease doesn’t just affect a persons memory; it can make people see things that aren’t there, and even send them into screaming fits. If you think a loved one is starting to become senile or experience other symptoms of dementia, you may want that person to undergo Alzheimers testing. Unfortunately, there is currently no definitive test for Alzheimers disease that a person can undergo. The only way doctors diagnose Alzheimers with 100% certainty is through physical examination of the brain after the person has passed away. Rather than Alzheimers testing, what you want to look for is some type of psychological and behavioral screening coupled with extensive tests to rule out other types of dementia.

Living With Alzheimers

Living with Alzheimers can be a crippling experience for both the disease sufferer and the family that is involved. There are many moments of misunderstanding or confusion for most and the symptoms can become frustrating and difficult. The loss of memory and other associated factors can often cause immense separation in families and can create a nervous tension on relationships that is not necessary if suitable information is available and utilized by all parties involved.

Finding in-house Alzheimers help should not be an emotionally laden issue for the entire family. Tackling this need in an organized way, from evaluating to planning, is the key to making in-house Alzheimers help feasible. First, you should sit down and evaluate the needs of the family caregiver and the patient. From there, creating a job list and a set of guidelines becomes easy to make and follow.

Caring for someone with Alzheimers can be a daunting task. You will need all of the support you can get, along with the latest and most significant Alzheimers info and research. It is a confusing time, and the more you know, the more confident you will feel in your ability to give your loved one the best possible care and support. It is also important to build a support network that will help you to avoid the common problems associated with caretaker burnout.

One of the most distressing aspects of Alzheimer's disease is the complete personality change suffered by many people. This is especially distressing for the relatives and friends of the Alzheimer's patient. The general behavior and personality of Alzheimer's suffers in the latter stages often seems to be in complete contrast to typical behaviour exhibited throughout the patient's life.

Another facet of personality change due to Alzheimer's disease is the occasional emergence of an underlying feature of the person's character which had previously been well-hidden. For instance, previously unnoticed spiteful traits can be revealed. There is also a common tendency in Alzheimer's disease, mainly in the later stages, for anxiety, nervousness or verbal and physical aggression to surface.

Many Alzheimer's sufferers retain their personality, albeit with accompanying memory loss and orientation problems. However, others can exhibit varying mood swings which can fluctuate from being ecstatically happy to very sad. In the later stages of Alzheimer's disease, these underlying traits can become very prominent and problematic. For example, combatting verbal aggression or continuing anxiety may require continuous reassurance from carergivers and friends.

Very often personal hygiene becomes a major issue for sufferers of Alzheimer's disease. Washing and bathing often becomes sporadic or is forgotten altogether. Additionally, Alzheimer's disease sufferers who were formerly very fastidious in areas of hygiene may become very lax. This can be very distressing for the sufferer's friends and relatives, especially if clothing is stained with urine or feces. It is common for Alzheimer's sufferers to leave the toilet before they are entirely finished or to be inefficient in cleaning after relieving themselves. Therefore, odor as well as soiled clothes and hands can be problematic. Undressing in public and inadvertant genital exhibition or fondling can also become a problem if not carefully monitored. It can be a source of untold embarrassment to relatives and carergivers.

It is important for carergivers and relatives to take into account that the acts of soiling or untoward behavior need to addressed while remembering the value of maintaining the patient's dignity at all times. Dignity is a very precious commodity when suffering from Alzheimer's disease, as their dignity is often all they have remaining.

There are many different causes of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is just one of the most common. Some forms of dementia can be reversed. Unfortunately, despite recent medical advances, Alzheimer’s cannot. That’s why it’s crucial to pinpoint the exact cause of the symptoms.

Expect your doctor to spend a great deal of time gathering the patient’s complete medical history, doing a thorough examination and ordering several tests to make sure Alzheimer’s disease is the correct diagnosis.

MEDICAL HISTORY

The first thing the physician will need to do is pinpoint when the onset of behavior and cognitive changes occurred. This is done by interviewing the spouse, caregivers, family members and friends. He or she will want a precise list of any prescription or over-the-counter medications the patient is currently taking. Also expect the doctor to thoroughly explore any history of stroke, alcoholism, head trauma, diabetes, thyroid disease or seizure.

The doctor will also want a information about the patient’s education level, work history and the medical history of all close family members.

EXAMINATION

The doctor must first rule out any other diseases with symptoms that mimic Alzheimer’s disease, such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, brain hemorrhage and tumors. He or she will perform a battery of standardized tests to evaluate language skills, perception, orientation, motor skills and memory.

TESTING

Several tests are typically done before the final diagnosis is given. Blood work can rule out other causes like thyroid disease, B12 deficiencies and syphilis. A Computed Tomography (CT) scan of the brain takes about 10 minutes and allows doctors to see “slices” of the brain so stroke, tumors and other uncommon causes of dementia can be ruled out. More detailed brain images can be gained from a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This takes slightly longer but provides more detailed images.

Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s disease is often slow to progress and getting a correct diagnosis isn’t a speedy process either. But proper treatment can often slow the progression of the disease and reduce the severity of the symptoms.

Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative affliction that causes a decrease and your brain's ability to process information. Memory is the first part of your brain that is directly affected, so the first observable symptoms are usually mild forms of amnesia. Alzheimer’s is actually a form of dementia, although you rarely here this were associated with it. Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe any progressive damage to the areas of the brain that control memory or any other cognitive function. Alzheimer's certainly fits the bill under that definition.

The earliest stages of Alzheimer’s is marked by gradual memory loss that tends to heighten as time passes. It begins as little things like having a hard time remembering what Jay or even month it is. They may find themselves losing items more frequently than normal, like misplacing keys. Not being able to recall current events and sadly in some cases not even being able to recognize family and friends are symptoms of the disease. Surprisingly, long-term memory doesn't seem to be affected. In many cases it is not uncommon that the afflicted person will recognize old friends and family, but may not have any clear memory of recent interactions with them.

As Alzheimer’s progresses, the afflicted individual will show signs of the erratic behavior. They often become paranoid, quick to anger, overreact to minor things, suffer from hallucinations, and can even become violent. It is very easy to get confused and frightened in this frame of mind.

These behaviors are seen even in individuals that were shy, timid, or passive people prior to developing the disease. Sometimes it seems as if the individual does a complete 180 in personality. Someone in the middle stages of Alzheimer’s will usually begin to lose motor control and will need help dressing and performing everyday personal hygiene functions. The ability to read and write often diminish his as does speaking in a loud and clear voice. When the disease progresses to this point in even older memories can become affected and family and friends may suddenly become strangers. It's very sad to watch someone you care about go through this.

In the later and final stages of the disease, individuals will usually have a complete and total breakdown of the mental faculties. They will be unable to communicate, walk, participate in personal care activities, or even eat on their own. As a result, sufferers in these late stages usually are incontinent and begin to lose a lot of weight. Alzheimer's can and does kill people because of the deterioration of the brain.

At this time there are no known cures for Alzheimer's, but there are some medications and have shown promise in at least slowing the disease's progression, and medical science is optimistic about research into the field.

Our increased understanding of biology and the human genetic code and work with stem cell research has many scientists feeling optimistic for the creation of preventative and perhaps even curative drugs. Already, there are results from a number of recent studies that suggest that a healthy diet and a regular exercise routine can go a long one a preventing the disease from ever occurring.

About the Author:

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning health. Get the information you are seeking now by visiting http://www.themenshealthjournal.com/mens-health/mens-health/all-about-alzheimers.html

Getting the facts when you or a person that you know is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease is so important. There are so many things to know and learn about so that everyone is informed and involved in the progression of a cure and treatment of the disease.

There are many places where you can find Alzheimer disease facts that you can be comfortable with. There are sites online that will help you as well as many books and videos that can help people come to terms with the facts involving Alzheimer's disease and what it can do to a person and a family.

An Alzheimer disease fact is that there is no known cure for it now. There are only treatments that can be done to slow down the progression of the disease as long as it is caught early enough. There are treatments that can be done for many patients to help them to live healthier and longer lives.

One of the facts is that this is a disease that affects the brain and takes away the precious memories that they have accumulated over the years. They are also going to loose their ability to make decisions, find locations, and even perform their job on a daily basis. This is a disease that will eventually break down the body and cause death at some point.

Another Alzheimer's disease fact is that it is the most common form of dementia and effects one in every 10 Americans over the age of 65. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disease, which advances in stages from mild memory loss to the loss of many mental abilities as well. The time from first symptom until death can range from three to twenty years.

Abnormal plaques comprised of the brain protein called beta develop in the spaces between nerve cells and limit the communication between cells leading to a decrease of the brain functioning. In addition to this, another protein which channels the chemical messages inside nerve cells will deform and tangle. That would eventually lead to the loss of nerve cells in the brain.

Another Alzheimer disease fact is that there is still hope for patients. There are researchers that are trying to find a cure for the disease all the time. They are working hard to find help for people that need it. One day there will be a cure for people that are diagnosed with this stressful and mind boggling disease.

About the Author:

Victor K. Pryles offers "Living With Alzheimers" Audio e-book at http://www.paupertravel.com/Alzheimer/index.html and a FREE e-course available at the website.

Although there is no known cure for Alzheimers, there are a number of treatments which can be used to ensure the symptoms are kept under control and the sufferer's overall standard of life for the duration of the condition is as comfortable as it can possibly be. It still remains on the whole a mysterious condition, with very little known about its causes or the precise nature of its effects. Alzheimers disease is a neurodegenerative disease that causes the patient to suffer from progressive intellectual deterioration.

Various associations realted to the disease are usually non-profit organizations that focus on matters related to it; the primary concern is to develop a treatment for this disorder. In mid-2002, a hospital clinic in Portugal investigated to see if there was a link between drinking coffee and the reduction of the risk of developing Alzheimers disease. A university clinic located in Berlin, Germany, looked at the relationship between consumption of coffee and the delay in the onset of Alzheimers disease or reduction in the rate of progression of the disease.

At this time there are no known cures for the disease, but there are some medications and have shown promise in at least slowing the disease's progression, and medical science is optimistic about research into the field. Although there is no known definitive cause of the condition, there are many theories and tests currently ongoing to help unlock the key to this degenerative disease. It is thought that there are a number of factors which may help in forming an Alzheimers diagnosis, such as family history and any previous serious head injuries, which may indicate a likelihood of the condition.

The vast majority of patients suffering from the condition receive their Alzheimers help and care in their own home by a family member or friend. There are researches that suggest that Alzheimers disease may be hereditary, meaning if someone in the family has acquired this condition, other members are at risk. Past studies showed that people who play chess on a regular basis are at a significantly lower risk of falling victim to the condition as compared to the general population.

These behaviors are seen even in individuals that were shy, timid, or passive people prior to developing the disease. An Alzheimers patient displays unpredictable mood changes not typical of the person prior to his disease. Doctors have discovered that there are changes in the brain found in a patient diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimers disease affects the mind in such a way, that the person (at least in our situation) cannot function in normal situations. A person who has the disorder experiences trouble in completing a sentence. There are some Alzheimers medicines which have been proven to temporarily delay the process of mental deterioration.

A person with Alzheimers Disease might forget the simplest words, misplace things and have a loss of mental functioning including language, recognition of family, reading and writing. There are other more natural alternatives, including herbal preparations (gingko, lycopodium, salvia,) thyroid supplement (when hypothyroidism is the cause), nutritional supplementation using whole food preparations of vitamins such as inositol and lecithin, and a specific product called Cholodin which combines choline and several other nutrients (choline, phosphatidylcholine, methionine, inositol, and various B vitamins and antioxidants. Mutated genes that mingle with each other and with non-genetic factors cause AD, and the only recognized gene is one form of a protein called apolipoprotein E (ApoE).

Researchers do not yet fully recognize what is the actual cause of Alzheimer's disease. There are no actual tests that can be administered to a person who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease pre-mortem.

The doctors don’t know for sure - hopefully one day they will.

About the Author:

David McFarlane is a proud contributing author and writes articles on alzheimers. You can visit his Stage Of Alzheimers site at http://www.alzheimers-world.com for more information.

How do you know if that forgetfulness you’ve had is an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease, or just normal aging?

You may forget the occasional name or sometimes have trouble thinking of the right word to use. Maybe you walk into another room and wonder what you were looking for. Is it Alzheimer’s, aging, or just plain being distracted, doing one thing while you’re thinking of another?

There are signs to look out for, signs that tell you it’s time to get to the specialist and get checked out. Treatments for Alzheimer’s disease work best in the early stages so it’s vitally important to get an early diagnosis. An early diagnosis and early treatment can give you more years of normal functioning, and save you and your family tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The Warning Signs

Memory Loss: We all forget things like appointments, names, and phone numbers occasionally, and that’s normal. Forgetting freshly learned information more often can be a warning sign though.

Communication Problems: Having trouble finding the right word is not unusual, but the Alzheimer’s sufferer often forgets simple words and may use unusual words or strange descriptions. A camera may become “that box that makes pictures”.

Problems with everyday tasks: A person with Alzheimer’s disease can start having trouble doing jobs or hobbies that they’ve had many years of experience with. For example, they may be halfway through their favourite recipe and forget how to finish it though they’ve done it many times before.

Misplacing Things: This isn’t the normal losing the car keys, but more like putting things in unusual places such as the ice-cream in the oven, or clothes in the dishwasher.

Disorientation: A person with Alzheimer’s disease can get lost in their own street or stay sitting at the bus station because they can’t remember where they were going. They may not remember how to get home.

Impaired Judgement: Wearing a thick jacket on a blazing hot day or a swimsuit in the middle of winter could be a sign of dementia. Having poor judgement with money can be a symptom too, such as spending big amounts of money with telemarketers or buying products that aren’t needed.

Trouble with Complex Tasks: Having trouble with tasks that require abstract thinking like balancing a check book or playing a favourite game can be difficult for the Alzheimer’s sufferer.

Mood Swings, and Personality Changes: Mood changes for no apparent reason can be another symptom. The sufferer could be happy and cheerful one minute, and then suddenly become extremely angry over something that is quite trivial, or that they have imagined. They can become clingy with a family member, or suspicious of the neighbours.

Loss of Initiative: We can all get tired of housework or our business activities sometimes. But someone suffering from Alzheimer’s disease can become quite passive, watching television for hours, not wanting to do their normal activities, or spending more time sleeping.

Many more people are worried that they may have Alzheimer’s disease than actually get the disease. However, if you are suffering from these symptoms, see a specialist.

About the Author:

Warren Newson is editor of http://www.about-alzheimers.com/ with information and help for Alzheimer's sufferers and carers.

With an estimated 5-million plus Americans alone suffering from Alzheimers disease, there is no denying this condition is a real problem. With no definitive cause or cure, Alzheimers is characterized by its slow, but steady ravaging of a person's mental capacity.

The symptoms of the disease vary a bit from person to person and also between stages. Very early signs of the disease include very minor forgetfulness, which can be attributed to many other causes, as well. As the disease progresses, there is a greater loss of mental abilities. In its final stages, Alzheimers patients are typically totally dependant on caregivers for everything from feedings to tying their shoes.

The disease operates somewhat like a thief in the night, coming in and gradually stripping away a person's memories, abilities and even identity. It can take up to 20 years for this condition to fully progress, or as little as five. The condition has great impacts not only on the patient, but also family and friends. Loved ones with this disease are very likely to completely forget their families as this condition progresses.

While research into the causes and potential cures continues, right now there are no solid answers. Some risk factors have been identified, however. They include family history and age. The disease is known to strike mostly those age 65 and over, although much younger cases have been documented. The genetic link seems to be strong, but it must be noted that not all patients with this disease have a family history of it.

Alzheimers itself is characterized by the formation of brain abnormalities over time. These plaques and tangles are caused by certain proteins, but how the tangles and plaques form exactly is still under study.

While in its earlier phases, Alzheimers is often mistaken for "normal" aging. This disease is anything but. Although there is no known cure, there are some medications and therapies that have worked in helping slow the progress of the condition. A proper diagnosis is vital, however.

Sadly, this condition is often the one chosen to label many other forms of dementia. The predominance of the disease is generally why this happens. The reality is that there are many, many other conditions that can have very similar symptoms, especially in the early and middle stages. Many of these other conditions are treatable, reversible and even short-lived. It is extremely important to rule out other potential causes for symptoms before an Alzheimers diagnosis is settled upon.

If the symptoms of Alzheimers are suspected in a loved one, it is very important to seek help. It is also important to look for other potential causes for the behavior. Things such as bad medication combinations, extreme stress, normal aging and even other diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Huntington's and Parkinson's can evoke similar symptoms in some cases.

With more than five million cases diagnosed in the United States along, there is no doubt that Alzheimers is a major problem for the aging community. The race is on to an answer to this most troubling of medical conditions. Robbing people of their minds.

About the Author:

For more information on Alzheimers, try visiting http://www.helpwithalzheimers.com - a website that specializes in providing Alzheimers related tips, advice and resources to include information on Alzheimers.

Alzheimers is a progressive disease that can take up to a complete two decades to fully run its course. The disease moves forward at its own pace, leaving devastation in its path. With an estimated five million Americans diagnoses with this condition, there is little doubt the condition has impacted a tremendous number of people. How fast or slow the condition will progress is never known, but there are marked stages of Alzheimers.

The stages of Alzheimers number at seven, although they are often clumped into three - early, middle and end. Each one of the seven comes in its own time with no two patients following exactly the same path. There are some stereotypical markers for each of the stages of Alzheimers, however.

The stages of Alzheimers and their symptoms are:

Stage 1 - There are no visible symptoms during the earliest formation of Alzheimers.

Stage 2 - This stage will present with very minor memory issues, but these problems are quite easily brushed off to distraction, normal forgetfulness or other similar causes. The signs here can include such things as misplacing items, forgetting words that should be familiar and so on. The symptoms will not likely be noticeable to anyone since they are so easy to brush off.

Stage 3 - It is at this point some people are diagnosed. The symptoms here can include such things as forgetting names, misplacing objects, loss of ability to plan, poor performance at work or in social settings and even an inability to retain information or remember names.

Stage 4 - Diagnosis is often made during this stage, but not always. Some characterize this stages as mild Alzheimers. It is here that loss of personal history might begin along with an inability to handle challenging mental tasks.

Stage 5 - It is very difficult to deny that problems exist when this stage is reached. Also known as "moderate" Alzheimers, this stage delivers large memory gaps, difficulty with normal social functioning and even the inability to recall names of family, friends and perhaps even the patient's own name. Date and time confusion might also be present.

Stage 6 - This is considered an extension of the mid stage, however, the symptoms will become quite harsh at this point. Some patients will have trouble dressing and feeding themselves. It is very likely they will be unable to recall names and they might be prone to wandering.

Stage 7 - This is the final of the stages of Alzheimers. This one delivers some very serious blows for the patient, but more generally the family members involved. Symptoms in this stage include loss of ability to recognize speech, total inability to eat and toilet without help and even an inability sit without help, smile and more.

The stages of Alzheimers progress at their own pace for each patient. The progression has been noted to take as much as 20 years, but has also been seen in as little as five. There is no way to tell in advance how slow or fast the stages will be progressed through. The only thing that is certain at this point is that no cure is known and treatments to slow the progression don't work for everyone and they do not work indefinitely.

About the Author:

For more information on Alzheimers, try visiting http://www.helpwithalzheimers.com - a website that specializes in providing Alzheimers related tips, advice and resources to include information on stages of Alzheimers.

Living with Alzheimers Disease can be a crippling experience for both the alzheimers disease sufferer and the family that is involved. There are many moments of misunderstanding or confusion for most and the symptoms can become frustrating and difficult. The loss of memory and other associated factors can often cause immense separation in families and can create a nervous tension on relationships that is not necessary if suitable information is available and utilized by all parties involved.

Alzheimers disease is a progressive brain disorder. The effects on the brain are relentless as the memory is progressively destroyed and the capability to learn, make judgments, and communicate and carry out normal daily tasks is greatly diminished to the point of total extinction. It is often painfully difficult to watch a family member seemingly waste away in their own mind; the struggle to maintain a form of sanity is often too much for many relatives and they, sadly, distance themselves from the sufferer.

Educating Your Family

One of the best ways to ease the pain of the isolation of Alzheimers disease is to inform your family, and those around the sufferer, of the disorder and encourage them to learn more, ask questions, and most importantly to simply be available. It is important to understand some basic fundamentals about this disorder so that compassionate, relevant care and treatment can be properly administered without making the sufferer feel silly or inept.

It is also important to realize that, while Alzheimers disease might be frightening or confusing to some, it is not contagious or particularly dangerous if proper care is given. There are no cures for this disorder, however effective care and moral support are often the best notions with which to curb the effects of Alzheimers disease and help prevent depression and other related mental afflictions from following in its destructive wake.

Warning Signs

It is also vitally important to understand some of the warning signs of Alzheimers disease. While memory loss is reasonable and expected as we age, the symptoms of Alzheimers disase are significantly greater and are often accompanied by other symptoms. People suffering this disorder often have difficulty with general communication, thinking, reasoning, comparing, and learning new skills or possibly even re-learning old skills.

It is hard to establish a clear warning sign level as some of these symptoms might be a part of normal behavior or may be related to another disorder entirely. There are, however, ten basic warning signs for Alzheimers disease:

1. Memory loss

2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks

3. Language problems

4. Becoming disoriented

5. Poor judgment

6. Problems with complex mental tasks

7. Misplacing items

8. Mood or behavior changes

9. Confusion, fear, suspicion

10. Loss of initiative

These are some acknowledged symptoms or warning signs of Alzheimers disease. As we age, our bodies change and often times we lose capabilities that we once had. With Alzheimer’s, many feel that they are losing more than just abilities but rather that they are losing their minds.

About the Author:

Beverly Taylor Address: P.O. Box 2535 Key West, FL 33045 Phone: 954-732-3310 Website: http://www.alzheimersdiseaseresources.com Email: beverlyt@myarticleannouncer.com Email for website: admin@alzheimersdiseaseresources.com