Alzheimer’s Disease Explained

Alzheimer’s Disease shows itself as worsening memory, thinking things through and behavior.  Early on this common form of dementia appears to be an exaggeration of what everyone experiences at time – losing things, difficulty finding the right word, slowness to respond to questions and withdrawal in company.

As the disease progresses, whether slowly over months or years, or more rapidly, confusion sets in and people have trouble with simple daily tasks and experience out of character mood changes.  Eventually, sufferers cannot care for themselves.

Alzheimer’s risk increases with age – 5% of those over 65 years and 20% of those over 80.There are many other causes of dementia, but Alzheimer’s Disease causes about 65% of cases.

Not everyone who forgets something is heading for Alzheimer’s Disease even though forgetfulness with age gets many wondering! Unaffected people can still get on with the activities of daily life, even though memory loss can be brought on by stress or perhaps depression, stroke and alcoholism.

Your doctor is happy to discuss your concerns, review your medical history and examine you (which may include a thinking and memory test or even a blood test and a brain scan).

What about medications?  These cannot cure Alzheimer’s disease but they have been shown to slow its progression in some people.  Some medications are subsidised on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), if circumstances are right but because of all can cause side effects, prescribing is best discussed with your doctor.

Research is continuing to examine ways of reducing the risks of Alzheimer’s Disease.  Regular exercise seems beneficial as does “mental” exercise (learning new tasks, doing crosswords etc).  Fish oils may be helpful as does maintaining an adequate intake of vitamin D.

For help ring 1800 100 500 or visit www.alzheimers.org.au

The Dementia Advisory service at Mona Vale is a great local resource 9979 7677