Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease
In the Resource Center, we get asked a lot of questions about Alzheimer’s Disease–what it is, what the signs are, and even how to care for a loved one with the disease. Alzheimer's Disease is a progressive type of dementia that impairs memory, thinking, and behavior, eventually impacting the ability to perform daily tasks. Early symptoms may be subtle, such as word-finding difficulties or misplacing items, which can be mistaken for typical aging. Recognizing these changes early is key for symptom management and treatment.
Stages of Progression
- Early Stage (Mild): Individuals may still function independently but notice cognitive changes like forgetfulness and trouble with complex tasks. They may still work and drive despite this.
- Middle Stage (Moderate): People may need more help performing daily tasks as memory loss grows and mood swings intensify. They may become confused about where they are or what day it is, have trouble controlling their bladder or bowels, or experience changes in their sleeping habits.
- Late Stage (Severe): At this stage, people require round-the-clock care and will lose the ability to live independently. They’ll experience significant personality changes; consistent trouble with walking, talking, and eating; and extreme difficulty communicating. This can also be the most difficult stage for caregivers to experience.
Causes and Diagnosis
It’s not clear what causes Alzheimer’s, but some research shows that proteins called beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles can build up and damage nerve cells. Diagnosing Alzheimer’s involves brain imaging techniques like MRI for detecting tissue damage and PET scans for observing brain cell activity.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but researchers have found ways to lessen a person's symptoms through medication. Some are only effective in the early stages of the disease, which is another reason why it is important to seek a diagnosis as early as possible.
