Introduction

Alzheimer’s disease (pronounced AHLZ-hi-merz) is a complex disease that affects the brain. Approximately 4.5 million Americans have this disease. Although many things about Alzheimer’s remain a mystery, research continues to bring us a better understanding of the disease, more accurate diagnoses, and more effective treatments.

Alzheimer's disease is one of several disorders that cause the gradual loss of brain cells. It was first described in 1907 by a German physician, Alois Alzheimer who observed a slow decline in memory, thinking, judgment, and language in one of his patients. The disease has probably always been with us, but because our population is aging and public awareness of Alzheimer's disease has increased, we are seeing more and more diagnosed cases. Alzheimer's disease is an enormous public health problem.  It's the fourth leading cause of death among adults in the United States and affects over 4,000,000 persons. It's also an expensive disease with the average family spending over $170,000 on medical care, long-term care and lost wages/opportunity costs.

What does the word dementia mean?

Dementia is the term doctors use to describe any disorder that causes symptoms of memory loss, confusion, diminished problem solving and judgment, and declines in language skills. Dementia is Latin for "away from mind." It is not a diagnosis in and of itself. Instead it is a general term. You should ask your doctor what type of dementia is involved. Alzheimer's disease is the leading cause of dementia in older persons, followed closely by multi-infarct or mini strokes.Today it is important to get a good medical evaluation since new drugs are coming out that may be effective for specific types of dementia and ineffective or even counterproductive for other types of dementia. For more information, see Related Disorders.

Alzheimer's disease is now considered treatable

While there is not yet a cure for Alzheimer's disease, a number of new medications have proven to be effective in enhancing cognitive skills for a period of time. Current approved medications include: Aricept, Reminyl, and Exelon and Memantine HCI. For more information on these drugs, see Research.

Some physicians also recommend 2000 I.U. of Vitamin E daily for persons with early Alzheimer's disease.

We also believe that a good care plan, and behavioral approaches can reduce challenging behaviors and help caregivers and patients operate at their best.  Coaching a caregiver, for example, not to argue, correct or over-explain to a person who cannot remember or problem solve can greatly improve the caregiving environment.

Key steps if you suspect a problem

Contact the Alzheimer's Association for assistance. Also contact your physician for a good workup or evaluation. There may be a treatable problem so it is always important to get a medical evaluation.