What is Alzheimer’s?

What we will cover• How is Alzheimer’s disease different from normal aging and dementia?

• How do I know when to go to the doctor?

• Can I lower my risk of memory problems and Alzheimer’s disease?

• Are there resources to help?

True or FalseDementia and Alzheimer’s are the same thing.

FALSE

Dementia vs Alzheimer’s

DEMENTIA

Alzheimer’sLewy Bodies

Dementia

FrontotemporalDementia

Vascular Dementia Parkinsons

Huntington’s

Dementia: a term to describe the problems caused by diseases and conditions affecting the brain

There are more than 100 different causes of dementia.

Mixed Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease

• 6th leading cause of death• Plaques and tangles damage

the way the brain works• Damages the brain’s ability to:

remember, think, make decisions• Memory declines, affecting

judgment, and abilities

Signs of Alzheimer’s diseaseOverlooked Signs• Finding it hard to remember

things that just happened• Asking the same question

over and over• Having trouble paying bills

or solving simple math problems• Getting lost• Losing things or putting

them in odd places

Obvious Signs• Forgetting how to brush

your teeth or comb your hair• Being confused about

time, people, and places• Forgetting the name of

common things such as table, house, or apple• Wandering away from

home

Stages of Alzheimer’sIt is a progressive disease with several stages.

Early stage: difficulty with multi-step tasks, trouble recalling current or historical events, increasingly withdrawn.

Mid-stage: Assisted care becomes necessary with more difficulty with memory of important things like your own phone number and address. May become delusional, irrational.

Late-stage: Need help with simple tasks such as bathing and eating. Unable to recognize loved ones, communicate, walk

True or FalseForgetting is a normal part of aging.

TRUE

Normal aging vs Alzheimer’sMaking bad decisions once in a while vs Making poor judgements and

decisions a lot of the time

Losing things from time to time vs Misplacing things often and being unable to find them

Missing a payment vs Problems taking care of monthly bills

Forgetting which day it is and remembering later

vs Losing track of the date or year

Sometimes forgetting which words to use

vs Trouble having a conversation

What can cause memory problems?• Bad reaction to certain

medicines• Depression• Poor eating habits• Not getting enough vitamins

and minerals• Drinking too much alcohol• Blood clots or tumors in the

brain• Head injury• Kidney, liver or thyroid

problems

“It turns out she had depression and not Alzheimer’s. After seeing a counselor, taking medicine, and eating better, she seems less confused and more like herself”

True or FalseAlzheimer’s doesn’t run in my family, so I won’t

get it.

FALSE

What can increase my risk?

• Age• Gender• Genetics• High blood pressure• Diabetes• Head injury• Depression• Stress• Lifestyle

What can I do to reduce my risk?

When should we go see the doctor?

• A visit to the doctor will help you find the cause of your forgetfulness

• Finding the disease early gives you and your family more time to plan for treatment and care

“The doctor said it was good that she came in now instead of waiting so we could start figuring out what the problem might be”

How do we prepare for a doctor’s visit?

•Be honest• List all medications• Prescribed• Over the counter• Vitamins and supplements

• List all symptoms• What? When? How often?

How long?•Advocate for yourself

How are memory problems evaluated?• Medical check up• Family health history• Ask how well you do everyday tasks• Drive• Shop for food• Pay bills

• Talk to family members• Memory assessment• Laboratory exams• Brain scans

Are there treatments for Alzheimer’s?

• No cure

• Address the symptoms through prescribed medications• Aricept, Exelon, Razadyne,

and Namenda

• Managing behaviors• IDEA!

True or FalseThere is no point in going through all the trouble of getting a diagnosis because there is no cure

FALSE

What to do after a diagnosis?• Talk about it

• Acknowledge your feelings

• Take care of yourself

• Plan for the future

• Contact Alzheimer’s Greater Los Angeles

We’re here for YOU

24/7 HELPLINE844.HELP.ALZ(844-435-7259)

www.alzgla.org