Alzheimer's Disease - 1st Stage

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that

gradually destroys brain cells. The result of this massive

destruction of the brain effects a person's memory, ability to learn,

reason, make judgments, communicate and carry out daily activities.

The steady onslaught of this dreaded disease affects both physical

and emotional responses. As Alzheimer's progresses, individuals may

also experience changes in personality and behavior, such as anxiety,

suspiciousness or agitation, as well as delusions or hallucinations.

Alzheimer's disease advances at widely different rates depending on the

individual. The duration of the illness may vary from 3 to 20 years.

The areas of the brain that control memory and thinking skills are affected

first. Cells die that affect other regions of the brain.

Eventually, the person with Alzheimer's will need complete care. If the

individual has no other serious illness, the loss of brain function

itself will cause death. New research however provides hope that

effective treatment for this disease may be on the horizon.

There are treatment plans for Alzheimer's disease when the

diagnosis is made in the early stages of the disease. An

effective treatment plan is key to slowing the progression of symptoms.

Effective care and support can improve the quality of life for individuals

over the course of the disease.

When a person first starts to experience any of the symptoms associated

with the 3-stages of Alzheimer's, a doctor should be contacted immediately.

Medications are available to treat and slow the symptoms of the disease.

These medications do not cure Alzheimer's disease but they have been shown

to slow the progression of the disease.

The chance of having Alzheimer's disease increases with age. Individuals

younger than age 60 rarely have this disease. Alzheimer's disease affects

up to 50 percent of people older than 85. For each year over 85, the risks

of having Alzheimer's disease will increase.

The first symptom to look for in a person who fits the age category is

confusion. Individuals suffering from Alzheimer's disease are often confused.

These individuals have trouble making a mental connection with the familiar

world around them. Memory loss may be a sign of aging but the depth of

memory loss for individuals in the latter stages of Alzheimer's is

severe

In the normal course of aging, grandmothers and grandfathers seem to lose some

touch with the real world. They may forget addresses and phone number but

can remember in detail events that happened twenty years before.

In the same moment they may forget where they put their coffee cup.

In many cases, this is a normal part of aging. Short term memory is

impacted in older people.

But with Alzheimer's disease, the basic mechanics of life become

difficult. There is a disconnect from basic tasks, people, places

and things. Sometimes these patients cannot determine what a key

is used for Or they do not remember where the bathroom is located

in their own house. Caregivers and family member are often caught off

guard when the full blown results of the disease appear.

It often takes time for an observer to realize that something is wrong.

The memory loss is often attributed to age. The first stage symptoms

of Alzheimer's include forgetfulness and confusion and memory loss that

take place in normal aging. It's important to track behavioral changes and talk

with the doctor about Alzheimer's treatment options.

Early diagnosis and effective treatment of Alzheimer's may delay the progression

of the disease.