Church Partnership Newsletter November 2014 | Page 2

Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease is an irreversible, progressive brain
disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills,
and eventually the ability to carry out the simplest
tasks. In most people with Alzheimer's, symptoms first
appear after age 60. Estimates vary, but experts
suggest that as many as 5.1 million Americans may have
Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of
dementia among older people. Dementia is the loss of
cognitive functioning – thinking, remembering, and
reasoning – and behavioral abilities,
to such an extent that it interferes
with a person's daily life and
activities.
During the pre-clinical stage of
Alzheimer's disease, people are free
of symptoms, but toxic changes are
taking place in the brain. Abnormal
protein deposits in the brain cause
neurons to work less efficiently.
Over time, neurons lose their ability
to function and communicate with
each other, and eventually die.
Damage spreads to a nearby structure of the brain
called the hippocampus, which is essential in forming
memories, emotional responses, and spatial
orientation. As more neurons die, this part of the brain
begins to shrink.
Very early signs and symptoms
Memory problems are typically one of the first warning
signs of cognitive loss, possibly due to the development
of Alzheimer's disease. A decline in other aspects of
cognition, such as word-finding, vision/spatial issues,
and impaired reasoning or judgment, may also signal
the very early stages of Alzheimer's disease.
Mild Alzheimer's disease
As Alzheimer's progresses, memory loss worsens, and
changes in other cognitive abilities are evident.
Problems can include getting lost, trouble handling
money and paying bills, repeating questions, taking
longer to complete normal daily tasks, using poor
judgment, and having some mood and personality
changes. People are often diagnosed in this stage.

Moderate Alzheimer's disease
In this stage, damage occurs in area of the brain that
control language, reasoning, sensory processing, and
conscious thought. Memory loss and confusion grow
worse, and people begin having problems recognizing
family and friends. They may be able to learn new
things, carry out tasks that involve multiple steps (such
as getting dressed), and cope with new situations. They
may have hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and may
behave impulsively.
Severe Alzheimer's disease
By the final stage, the abnormal protein
deposits have spread throughout the
brain and brain tissue has shrunk
significantly. People with severe
Alzheimer's cannot communicate and
are completely dependent on others for
care.
To diagnose Alzheimer's , doctors may
ask the patient about their overall
health, past medical problems, ability to
carry out daily activities, and changes in
behavior and personality. Tests of
memory, problem solving, attention, counting,
language, as well as standard medical tests are
completed to identify other possible causes of the
problem. Brain scans are conducted to distinguish
Alzheimer's from other possible causes of symptoms,
such as stroke or tumors. These tests sometimes are
repeated to give doctors information about how the
person's memory is changing o ver time.
Early, accurate diagnosis allows patients to start
treatment early, which could help preserve brain
function. It also provides opportunities to participate in
clinical trials to discover which interventions are
effective and for whom it would work best.
In the past thirty years, scientists have made important
advances in regards to Alzheimer's disease. Many
scientists and physicians are working together to
untangle the genetic, biological, and environmental
factors that result in Alzheimer's. This effort is bringing
us closer to better managing and, ultimately, preventing
this disease.

Resources: Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center, A Service of the National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health,
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services , NIH Publication No. 11-6423, July 2011, September 2012.