Over the last three posts, we have looked at 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s, risk factors for the disease and understanding the seven stages of Alzheimer’s. I would now like to finish this series by taking a look at several treatments.  At this time there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease and no way to stop the death of brain cells associated with the disease.  However, research has shown that some treatments may help both cognitive and behavioral symptoms.

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In my last post, I discussed several risk factors involved with the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.  I would now like to spend some time discussing the different stages of the disease and how the different stages may affect an individual’s behavior.  Scientists are sure of one thing: Alzheimer’s gets worse over time.  Although the disease affects different individuals in different ways, scientists have been able to break down the disease into a generalized seven-stage framework.

Stage 1 – No Impairment

A person functions normally in this stage.  An interview with a medical professional does not show any evidence of symptoms.

Stage 2 – Very Mild Decline

This decline may be normal age-related changes or may be the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s.  The individual may have memory lapses but no symptoms can be detected during a medical exam.

Stage 3 – Mild Cognitive Decline

In some individuals, early-stage Alzheimer’s may be diagnosed at this point.  Friends and family begin to notice difficulties.  A detailed medical interview may reveal memory or concentration problems.  Stage 3 difficulties may include trouble remembering names, forgetting material that one has just read or misplacing a valuable object. Read the rest of this entry »

In my last post, I discussed 10 warning signs for Alzheimer’s Disease. I would now like to talk about potential causes and risk factors.  If you are aware of the risk factors then you might be able to catch the warning signs earlier for yourself or a loved one.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer research, scientists do know that Alzheimer’s Disease involves the failure of nerve cells.  While scientists have not been able to determine why this failure occurs, they have been able to identify certain risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s.

Risk Factors

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At Preferred Care at Home, we celebrate life, dignity, and independence for the elderly each and every day. However, we are also aware of the challenges that the elderly face in order to keep their dignity and independence. Alzheimer’s Disease is one of those challenges. Last September, I wrote a blog post on Alzheimer’s Basics that gave an overview on topics that are associated with the disease. I now want to take those same topics and explore them in more depth, giving a complete blog post to one topic.

Today’s Topic: 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

1. Memory Loss - Forgetting recently learned information is one of the most common early signs of dementia. A person begins to forget more often and is unable to recall the information later.

What’s Normal? Forgetting names or appointments occasionally. Read the rest of this entry »

We strongly believe in preserving a healthy mind through regular activity and early detection. Each November, Preferred Care at Home partners with the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America to offer free, confidential memory screenings, education about successful aging, and follow-up resources.

National Memory Screening Day Sites

Find a screening location near you below: Read the rest of this entry »

National Event Stresses the Importance of Proper Detection and Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease though Memory Screenings

Memory screenings are a significant first step toward finding out if a person may have a memory problem. Memory problems could be caused by Alzheimer’s disease or other medical conditions. 

Now in its seventh year, AFA’s National Memory Screening Day coincides with National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, which takes place during November. Sites across the country will be participating.

Each November, Preferred Care at Home, a national senior home care company, participates in National Memory Screening Day to offer free, confidential memory screenings, education about successful aging, and follow-up resources. On November 17, Preferred Care at Home will hold memory screenings across the country at participating Preferred Care at Home offices. To find a location near you, visit www.preferhome.com.

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Check back soon for information about Preferred Care at Home’s free, confidential memory screenings held November 17, 2009 across the country.

Common Alzheimer’s Disease Questions:

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and other thinking skills, and eventually even the ability to carry out the simplest tasks.

Ultimately, the person with AD dies, often years earlier than he/she would have otherwise. In most people with AD, symptoms first appear after age 60. The brains of people with AD have an abundance of two abnormal structures—amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. A third characteristic change is the loss of connections between nerve cells (neurons) in the brain.

Who Gets It?
Alzheimer’s disease becomes more common as people get older. Today it affects more than 5.3 million Read the rest of this entry »