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Facts
About Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders
Contributed by
Elayne Forgie ~ Elder Care Resource Center
www.eldercareresourcecenter.com
Click Here to learn more about Multi-infarct Dementia, Parkinson's
Disease, Huntington's Disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, Picks
Disease, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, Depression
Alzheimer's disease (pronounced Altz-hi-merz) is a progressive,
degenerative disease that attacks the brain and results in impaired
memory, thinking and behavior. It is the most common form of dementia
that affects over 4 million Americans. More than 100,000 die of
Alzheimer's Disease annually, which makes it the fourth leading cause
of death in adults, after heart disease, cancer and stroke.
The disease, first described by Alois Alzheimer in 1907, knows no
social or economic boundaries and affects men and women almost
equally. Most victims are over 65; however, Alzheimer's Disease can
strike in the 40s and 50s. Most Alzheimer's Disease victims are cared
for at home, although many persons in nursing homes have dementia.
Alzheimer's Disease is devastating for both victims and their families
and has been called "the disease of the century."
The cause of Alzheimer's Disease is not known and is currently
receiving intensive scientific investigation. The National Institute
on Aging heads up the federal government efforts. Suspected causes
include a genetic predisposition, a slow virus or other infectious
agents, environmental toxins, and immunological changes. Other factors
also are under investigation. Scientists are applying the newest
knowledge and research techniques in molecular genetics, pathology,
virology, immunology, toxicology, neurology, psychiatry, pharmacology,
biochemistry and epidemiology to find the cause, treatment, and cure
for Alzheimer's Disease and related disorders.
Symptoms include a gradual memory loss, decline in ability to perform
routine tasks, disorientation in time and space, impairment of
judgment, personality change, difficulty in learning, and loss of
language and communication skills. As with all dementia's, the rate of
disease progression in Alzheimer's patients varies from case to case.
From the onset of symptoms, the life span of an Alzheimer's victim can
range anywhere from 3 to 20 or more years. The disease eventually
leaves its victims unable to care for themselves. While a definitive
diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is possible only through the
examination of brain tissue, which is usually done at autopsy, it is
important for a person suffering from any symptoms of dementia to
undergo a thorough clinical examination. There is no single clinical
test to identify Alzheimer's Disease. Before diagnosis of the disease
is made, other conditions must be excluded. These include potentially
reversible conditions such as depression, adverse drug reactions,
metabolic changes, nutritional deficiencies, head injuries and stroke.
In fact, after a proper medical evaluation, approximately 20% of
suspected Alzheimer's cases prove to be a medical condition other than
Alzheimer's, sometimes treatable. For more information on related
dementias, visit our page on Other Dementias.
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Each person with possible Alzheimer's Disease symptoms should have a
thorough evaluation. The evaluation should include a complete health
history, thorough physical examination, neurological and mental
status assessments, and diagnostic tests including blood studies,
urinalysis, electrocardiogram and chest x-rays. Other studies often
recommended include: computerized tomography (CT Scan),
electroencephalography (EEG), removal from medication, formal
psychiatric assessment, neuropsychological testing, and
occasionally, examination of the cerebrospinal fluid by spinal tap.
While this evaluation may provide a clinical diagnosis, confirmation
of Alzheimer's Disease requires examination of brain tissue, which
is usually performed at autopsy.
Although no cure for Alzheimer's Disease is available at present, good
planning and medical and social management can ease the burdens on the
patient and family. Appropriate medication can lessen agitation,
anxiety and unpredictable behavior, improve sleeping patterns and
treat depression. Physical exercise and social activity are important,
as are proper nutrition and health maintenance. A calm and
well-structured environment may help the afflicted person to maintain
as much comfort and dignity as possible.
Other Dementias and Related Disorders
What is Dementia?
Dementia is the loss of intellectual functions (such as thinking,
remembering and reasoning) of sufficient severity to interfere with a
person's daily functioning. It is not a disease in itself, but rather
a group of symptoms which may accompany certain diseases or physical
conditions. The cause and rate of progression of dementias vary. Some
of the more well-known diseases that produce dementia include
Alzheimer’s disease, Multi-infarct dementia, Huntington’s disease,
Pick’s disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Parkinson’s diseases, and
depression. Other conditions which may cause or mimic dementia
include depression, brain tumors, nutritional deficiencies, head
injuries, hydrocephalus, infections (AIDS, meningitis, syphilis), drug
reactions and thyroid problems. It is imperative that all persons
experiencing memory deficits or confusion undergo a thorough
diagnostic workup. This requires examination by a physician
experienced in the diagnosis of dementing disorders and detailed
laboratory testing. The examination should include a re-evaluation of
all medications. This process will help the patient obtain treatment
for reversible conditions, aid the patient and family in planning
future care, and provide important medical information for future
generations.
MULTI-INFARCT DEMENTIA
Multi-infarct dementia (MID), or vascular dementia, is a deterioration
of mental capabilities caused by multiple strokes (infarcts) in the
brain. The onset of MID may be relatively sudden as many strokes can
occur before symptoms appear. These strokes may damage areas of the
brain responsible for a specific function is well as produce
generalized symptoms of dementia. As result, MID may appear similar to
Alzheimer's disease. Multi-infarct dementia is not reversible or
curable, but recognition of an underlying condition (high blood
pressure) often leads to a specific treatment that may modify the
progression of that disorder. Multi-infarct dementia is usually
diagnosed through neurological examination and brain scanning
techniques, such as computerized tomography (CT scan) or magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI), in order to identify strokes in the brain.
PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive disorder of the central
nervous system which affects more than one million Americans.
Individuals with PD lack the substance dopamine, which is important
for the central nervous system's control of muscle activity.
Parkinson's disease is often characterized by tremors, stiffness in
limbs and joints, speech impediments and difficulty in initiating
physical movement. Late in the course of the disease, some patients
develop dementia and eventually Alzheimer's disease. Conversely, some
Alzheimer patients develop symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Medications such as levodopa, which converts itself into dopamine once
inside the brain and depreynl, which prevents degeneration of
dopamine-containing neurons, are used to improve diminished or reduced
motor symptoms in PD patients but do not correct the mental changes
that occur.
HUNTINGTON'S DISEASE
Huntington's disease is an inherited, degenerative brain disease which
affects the mind and body. The disease usually begins during mid-life,
and is characterized by intellectual decline, and irregular and
involuntary movements of the limbs or facial muscles. Other symptoms
of Huntington's disease include personality change, memory
disturbance, slurred speech, impaired judgement and psychiatric
problems. Huntington's disease currently affects more than 25,000
Americans. The diagnostic process for Huntington's disease includes an
evaluation of family medical history, recognition of typical movement
disorders and CAT brain scanning. A genetic marker linked to
Huntington's disease has been identified on chromosome 4 and
researchers are working on locating the gene itself. Although there is
no treatment available to stop the progression of the disease, the
movement disorders and psychiatric symptoms can be controlled by
drugs.
CREUTZFELDT-JAKOB DISEASE
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) is a rare, fatal brain disorder caused
by a transmissible infectious organism, probably a virus. Early
symptoms of CJD include failing memory, changes in behavior, and a
lack of coordination. As the disease progresses, usually very rapidly,
mental deterioration becomes pronounced, involuntary movements
(especially muscle jerks) appear, and the patient may become blind,
develop weakness in the arms or legs, and ultimately lapse into a
coma. The death of CJD patients is usually caused by infections in the
bedridden, unconscious patient. Like Alzheimer's disease, a definitive
diagnosis of CJD can be obtained only through an examination of brain
tissue, usually at autopsy.
PICKS DISEASE
Pick's disease is also a rare brain disorder which, like Alzheimer's
disease, is usually difficult to diagnose. Disturbances in
personality, behavior and orientation may precede and initially be
more severe than memory defects. Like Alzheimer's disease, a
definitive diagnosis is usually obtained at autopsy.
NORMAL PRESSURE HYDROCEPHALUS
Normal pressure hydrocephalus is an uncommon disorder which involves
an obstruction in the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid. This
blockage causes a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid on the brain.
Symptoms of normal pressure hydrocephalus, include dementia, urinary
incontinence and difficulty in walking. Presently, the most useful
diagnostic tools are the neuroimaging techniques (ie., MRI). Normal
pressure hydrocephalus may be caused by any of several factors
including meningitis, encephalitis and head injuries. In addition to
treatment of the underlying cause, the condition may be corrected by a
neurosurgical procedure (insertion of a shunt) to divert the fluid
away from the brain.
DEPRESSION
Depression is a psychiatric disorder marked by sadness, inactivity,
difficulty in thinking and concentration, feelings of hopelessness,
and sometimes suicidal tendencies. Many severely depressed patients
will have some mental deficits including poor concentration and
attention. When dementia and depression are present together,
intellectual deterioration may be exaggerated. Depression, whether
present alone or in combination with dementia, can be reversed with
proper treatment. |
