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Alzheimer’s In Old Age

Signs And Symptoms Of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s At 46: Living With Young Onset Dementia

Memory problems are typically one of the first signs of cognitive impairment related to Alzheimers. Some people with memory problems have a condition called mild cognitive impairment . With MCI, people have more memory problems than normal for their age, but their symptoms do not interfere with their everyday lives. Movement difficulties and problems with the sense of smell have also been linked to MCI. Older people with MCI are at greater risk for developing Alzheimers, but not all of them do so. Some may even revert to normal cognition.

The first symptoms of Alzheimers vary from person to person. For many, decline in nonmemory aspects of cognition, such as word-finding, vision/spatial issues, and impaired reasoning or judgment may signal the very early stages of the disease. Researchers are studying biomarkers to detect early changes in the brains of people with MCI and in cognitively normal people who may be at greater risk for Alzheimers. More research is needed before these techniques can be used broadly and routinely to diagnose Alzheimers in a health care providers office.

Dementia Alzheimers Or Old Age: The Differences

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When a physician says: Your mom is showing early signs of Alzheimers disease your first reaction may be one of shock and anxiety. On the other hand, if he says she has a little bit of dementia you might feel a sense of relief thinking dementia comes with old age, and at least she doesnt have Alzheimers.

Dementia, Alzheimers or simply old age? What are the differences, and as a caregiver, do you really need to know? Are they all part of the same journey?

These terms are commonly confused. Misconceptions abound among family members, the media and even some healthcare providers. As a caregiver you want to know the differences that will help you adopt a senior caregiving plan best suited to the needs of your aging loved one.

How To Talk To A Loved One About Signs Of Alzheimers Disease

Scientists have identified a condition called mild cognitive impairment that for some people is a harbinger of Alzheimers dementia. MCI involves problems with memory or mental function that are noticeable to the person affected but not serious enough to interfere with everyday life.

Men and women who have MCI may be at higher risk of developing Alzheimers or other forms of dementia than individuals who dont. But MCI doesnt always progress some people even get their cognitive abilities back. Researchers are trying to figure out why, notes the Mayo Clinic.

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The Truth About Aging And Dementia

As we age, our brains change, but Alzheimers disease and related dementias are not an inevitable part of aging. In fact, up to 40% of dementia cases may be prevented or delayed. It helps to understand whats normal and whats not when it comes to brain health.

Normal brain aging may mean slower processing speeds and more trouble multitasking, but routine memory, skills, and knowledge are stable and may even improve with age. Its normal to occasionally forget recent events such as where you put your keys or the name of the person you just met.

In the United States, 6.2 million people age 65 and older have Alzheimers disease, the most common type of dementia. People with dementia have symptoms of cognitive decline that interfere with daily lifeincluding disruptions in language, memory, attention, recognition, problem solving, and decision-making. Signs to watch for include:

Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias are not an inevitable part of aging. There are 7 ways to help maintain your brain health.

  • Not being able to complete tasks without help.
  • Trouble naming items or close family members.
  • Forgetting the function of items.
  • Repeating questions.
  • Taking much longer to complete normal tasks.
  • Misplacing items often.
  • Being unable to retrace steps and getting lost.

What Causes Alzheimers Disease

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In recent years, scientists have made tremendous progress in better understanding Alzheimers and the momentum continues to grow. Still, scientists dont yet fully understand what causes Alzheimers disease in most people. In people with early-onset Alzheimers, a genetic mutation may be the cause. Late-onset Alzheimers arises from a complex series of brain changes that may occur over decades. The causes probably include a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. The importance of any one of these factors in increasing or decreasing the risk of developing Alzheimers may differ from person to person.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Early

For most people with early-onset Alzheimer disease, the symptoms closely mirror those of other forms of Alzheimer disease.

Early symptoms:

  • Withdrawal from work and social situations

  • Changes in mood and personality

Later symptoms:

  • Severe mood swings and behavior changes

  • Deepening confusion about time, place, and life events

  • Suspicions about friends, family, or caregivers

  • Trouble speaking, swallowing, or walking

  • Severe memory loss

Tips For Starting And Sticking With An Exercise Plan

If you’ve been inactive for a while, starting an exercise program can be intimidating. But remember: a little exercise is better than none. In fact, adding just modest amounts of physical activity to your weekly routine can have a profound effect on your health.

Choose activities you enjoy and start smalla 10-minute walk a few times a day, for exampleand allow yourself to gradually build up your momentum and self-confidence.

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Signs Of Mild Alzheimers Disease

In mild Alzheimers, a person may seem healthy but has more and more trouble making sense of the world around them. The realization that something is wrong often comes gradually to the person and their family. Problems can include:

  • Memory loss that disrupts daily life
  • Poor judgment, leading to bad decisions
  • Loss of spontaneity and sense of initiative
  • Losing track of dates or knowing current location
  • Taking longer to complete normal daily tasks
  • Repeating questions or forgetting recently learned information
  • Increased sleeping
  • Loss of bowel and bladder control

A common cause of death for people with Alzheimers is aspiration pneumonia. This type of pneumonia develops when a person cannot swallow properly and takes food or liquids into the lungs instead of air.

While there is currently no cure for Alzheimers, there are medicines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that may help treat the disease. There are also changes that can be made to the home environment and daily activities to help a person manage their changes in thinking.

How Is Dementia Diagnosed

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Confirming a diagnosis of dementia can be difficult. Many diseases and conditions can cause or lead to dementia. In addition, many of its symptoms are common to many other illnesses.

Your healthcare provider will:

  • Ask about the course of your symptoms.
  • Ask about your medical history.
  • Review your current medications.
  • Ask about your family history of disease including dementia.

They may also order tests, including laboratory tests, imaging tests and neurocognitive tests .

Neurologists and geriatricians may assist in making the diagnosis of dementia.

Laboratory tests

Laboratory tests rule out other diseases and conditions as the cause of dementia, such as infection, inflammation, underactive thyroid and vitamin deficiency .

Sometimes, healthcare providers order cerebrospinal fluid tests to evaluate autoimmune conditions and neurodegenerative diseases, if warranted.

Imaging tests

Your healthcare provider may order the following imaging tests of your brain:

Neurocognitive testing

During neurocognitive testing, your healthcare provider uses written and computerized tests to evaluate your mental abilities, including:

  • Problem solving.

Psychiatric evaluation

A mental health professional may check for signs of depression, mood changes or other mental health issues that might cause memory loss.

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Complications Of Alzheimers Disease

In advanced stages of Alzheimers disease, complications from severe loss of brain function can include dehydration, malnutrition, or infection.

One common complication is difficulty swallowing , which can result in food or drink being aspirated into the lungs, potentially causing pneumonia. Pneumonia is a common cause of death for people with severe Alzheimers, notes the Mayo Clinic.

Dementia Is Depressing But You Dont Have To Be Depressed

Dementia isnt a specific disease, but rather a general term to describe any decline in brain function that affects memory, language, and other cognitive abilities, and that is serious enough to interfere with daily life.

Alzheimers disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of all dementia cases.

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Alzheimer’s Disease And Related Disorders

Alzheimers disease is a progressive and irreversible brain disease that obstructs memory, thinking, behavior, and judgement. Symptoms usually develop slowly and worsen over time. During later stages, individuals often lose the ability to complete daily tasks and respond to their environment. Alzheimers is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of cases.

Dementia refers to a group of symptoms that impairs cognitive functioning and behavioral ability. There is currently no cure for dementia, but some treatments can slow the progression of symptoms and temporarily delay memory loss. Today, there is a worldwide effort to prevent and effectively treat Alzheimers and related disorders. More

To learn more about the differences between Alzheimers disease and dementia, visit:

What Happens To A Persons Brain And Body As Dementia Gets Worse

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Unfortunately, many types of dementia are conditions that worsen over time. When your brain doesnt get the nutrients and oxygen it needs, or junk blocks needed communication between the nerve cells of the brain, your brain tissue begins to die.

Alzheimers disease and other types of dementia usually begin with memory loss or lapses in judgment things that can be lived with for a while. As you lose more and more brain function, functions vital to life begin to be affected. Vital functions include breathing, digestion, heart rate and sleep.

In the late stages of dementia, people cant perform the tasks needed to keep their bodies alive. Brain damage and muscle weakness no longer allow even simple, needed movements. You cant communicate, walk, talk, control your bladder or bowels, feed yourself, or chew or swallow food without help.

When you cant care for yourself, move about, eat or drink enough to keep yourself hydrated and nourished, plus have mental decline, you leave yourself vulnerable to other illnesses. Pneumonia is one of these commonly seen illnesses in people with dementia. With a now frail body, a person may not be able to fight infections or even benefit from medication. The persons pain and discomfort may outweigh treatment options that can only offer a short-term benefit.

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What Are The 7 Stages Of Alzheimers Disease

There are a number of different ways to describe the progression of Alzheimers disease. Although many experts use just three overall terms mild, moderate, and severe one commonly used guideline breaks these categories down further into seven stages, according to the Fisher Center for Alzheimers Research:

  • Stage 1: Normal
  • Stage 2: Normal aged forgetfulness
  • Stage 3: Mild cognitive impairment
  • Stage 4: Mild Alzheimers disease
  • Stage 5: Moderate Alzheimers disease
  • Stage 6: Moderately severe Alzheimers disease
  • Stage 7: Severe Alzheimers disease

Pillar #: Regular Exercise

According to the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation, regular physical exercise can reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by up to 50 percent. What’s more, exercise can also slow further deterioration in those who have already started to develop cognitive problems. Exercise protects against Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia by stimulating the brain’s ability to maintain old connections as well as make new ones.

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week. The ideal plan involves a combination of cardio exercise and strength training. Good activities for beginners include walking and swimming.

Build muscle to pump up your brain. Moderate levels of weight and resistance training not only increase muscle mass, they help you maintain brain health. For those over 65, adding 2-3 strength sessions to your weekly routine may cut your risk of Alzheimer’s in half.

Include balance and coordination exercises. Head injuries from falls are an increasing risk as you age, which in turn increase your risk for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. As well as protecting your head when you exercise , balance and coordination exercises can help you stay agile and avoid spills. Try yoga, Tai Chi, or exercises using balance balls.

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Pillar #: Stress Management

Chronic or persistent stress can take a heavy toll on the brain, leading to shrinkage in a key memory area, hampering nerve cell growth, and increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Yet simple stress management tools can minimize its harmful effects and protect your brain.

Breathe! Quiet your stress response with deep, abdominal breathing. Restorative breathing is powerful, simple, and free!

Schedule daily relaxation activities. Keeping stress under control requires regular effort. Learning relaxation techniques such as meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, or yoga can help you unwind and reverse the damaging effects of stress.

Nourish inner peace. Regular meditation, prayer, reflection, and religious practice may immunize you against the damaging effects of stress.

Make fun a priority. All work and no play is not good for your stress levels or your brain. Make time for leisure activities that bring you joy, whether it be stargazing, playing the piano, or working on your bike.

Keep your sense of humor. This includes the ability to laugh at yourself. The act of laughing helps your body fight stress.

Women And Alzheimers Risk

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Women are about twice as likely as men to develop Alzheimers disease. Researchers believe this higher risk can be linked to a decrease in fertility and the onset of menopause in middle age. As a woman, the drop in estrogen not only triggers symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, but it can also affect your brain. Since estrogen protects brain cells from aging, a large decrease during menopause may make you more vulnerable to Alzheimers later in life.

Hormone replacement therapy can carry risks, but theres evidence to suggest that taking supplemental estrogen before menopause may help lower your chances of developing dementia. Using the seven pillars in middle age can also be beneficial, especially adopting a healthy diet. Eating foods rich in antioxidants such as fruit, leafy green vegetables, and nuts may help protect your brain, while flaxseeds, soy, nuts, red wine, and fruits such as strawberries, peaches, and apricots can help naturally boost estrogen levels.

While research into the menopause-Alzheimers link is still at an early stage, the more preventative steps you can start taking in your 40s and 50sor even earlierthe more youll lower your risk of developing Alzheimers as you age.

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Psychological Changes For Dementia Patients

  • Changes in mood: Frequent mood swings, increased sensitivity to change, and increased anxiety and agitation.
  • Personality changes: Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities and sometimes completely changed personality and behaviors.
  • Hallucinations or paranoia: In later stages of dementia, sufferers may believe that even close friends or family are dangerous or “out to get them”.
  • Neglecting safety, personal hygiene, exercise, or nutrition. May display decreased judgement skills involving money, like careless purchases or giving away large sums of money.
  • Socially inappropriate behavior: Making rude or explicit sexual comments publicly or to strangers.

Growing Numbers Of People With Alzheimers In The Us

About 6.2 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimers disease. Of the total U.S. population, more than 1 in 9 people age 65 and older has Alzheimers. The percentage of people with Alzheimers increases with age: 5.3% of people ages 65 to 74, 13.8% of people ages 75 to 84, and 34.6% of people 85 and older.

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What Is Mild Cognitive Impairment

Mild cognitive impairment, or MCI, is a condition in which people have more memory problems than normal for their age but are still able to carry out their normal daily activities. A doctor can do thinking, memory, and language tests to see if a person has MCI. People with MCI are at a greater risk for developing Alzheimers disease, so its important to see a doctor or specialist regularly if you have this condition.

Memory And New Information

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Possible signs of Alzheimers disease or vascular dementia

Forgetting something you were told a while ago

Forgetting something you were only recently told. You may ask for the same information repeatedly for example, ‘Are the doors locked?’

Misplacing things from time to time for example, your phone, glasses or the TV remote but retracing steps to find them

Putting objects in unusual places for example, putting your house keys in the bathroom cabinet

Taking longer to work out new tasks, such as how to set up and use a new appliance or device

Being unable to learn new tasks, like setting up and using a new appliance or device

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Whats The Difference Between Dementia And Alzheimers Disease

Dementia is a description of the state of a persons mental function and not a specific disease. Dementia is an umbrella category describing mental decline thats severe enough to interfere with daily living.

There are many underlying causes of dementia, including Alzheimers disease and Parkinsons disease. Alzheimers disease is the most common underlying cause of dementia.

Research And Statistics: How Many People Have Alzheimers

More than six million people in the United States are living with Alzheimers, and 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimers or another dementia, according to the Alzheimers Association

As the number of older Americans rises, reflecting advances in medicine and the aging of the baby boomers, the number of people with Alzheimers is expected to more than double to as many as 13 million by 2050, barring any significant medical breakthroughs.

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