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Alzheimer’s
disease is a progressive, degenerative disease that attacks the
brain and results in impaired memory. Alzheimer’s disease (AD)
is the most common form of dementia. Dementia is a loss of intellectual
function (thinking, remembering and reasoning) so severe that it
interferes with a person’s daily functioning. AD is the fourth
leading cause of death in adults after heart disease, cancer and
stroke. Men and women are affected almost equally.
The disease was first described by Dr. Alois Alzheimer in 1906.
Since then, researchers have developed a deeper understanding of
the changes in the brain (plaques and tangles) and behavioral changes
that characterize the disease. Identified risk factors are age and
family. Most people diagnosed with AD are older than 65. However,
AD can occur in people in the 40’s and 50’s.
Symptoms
Symptoms of AD can include gradual memory loss, decline in the ability
to perform routine tasks, disorientation, difficulty in learning,
loss of language skills, impairment and planning and personality
changes. Communication becomes difficult as the person with AD struggles
to find words, finish thoughts or follow directions. The rate of
progression varies from person to person. The time from onset of
symptoms until death ranges from three to 20 years with the average
being eight years. Eventually persons with AD become totally incapable
for caring for themselves. (For more information on symptoms,
click here.)
Diagnosis
Early and careful evaluation is important because many conditions
including some that are treatable or reversible can cause dementia.
Potentially reversible conditions include depression, adverse drug
reactions, metabolic changes and nutritional deficiencies.
There is no single clinical test to identify AD. A comprehensive
evaluation to establish diagnosis will include a complete health
history, physical examination, and neurological and mental status
assessments and other tests including analysis of blood and urine,
electrocardiogram (EKG) and chest x-rays. Documenting symptoms over
time will help physicians understand the person’s illness.
The physician may order additional tests as needed including: computerized
topography (CT Scan), electroencephalography (EEG), formal psychiatric
assessment, and/or neuropsychological testing. You will often hear
that a diagnosis is made after a physician “rules out”
other problems. While this type of evaluation may provide a diagnosis
of AD, confirmation of AD requires examination of brain tissue,
which is usually done by an autopsy. (For more information on
autopsy diagnosis, click here.)
Alzheimer’s Disease Statistics
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative disease
of the brain. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s.
Approximately four million Americans have AD. In Alaska, approximately
four thousand individuals are diagnosed with AD.
- 14
million Americans will have AD by the middle of the next century
if a cure is not found.
- One
in 10 persons over 65 and nearly half over 85 have AD.
- U.S.
society spends at least $110 billion a year on AD. Neither Medicare
nor most private health insurance covers the long-term care most
patients need.
- More
than 7 of 10 people with Alzheimer’s disease live at home.
Family and friends provide almost 75% of the home care. The remainder
is “paid” care costing an average of $12,500 per year.
- Alzheimer’s
disease is the third most expensive disease in the United States,
after heart disease and cancer.
For further information on statistics, please contact the Benjamin
B. Green-Field library at (313) 335-9602.
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