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Alzheimer's Disease FAQsBy: Does Alzheimer's disease affect only the elderly? While most Alzheimer's victims are more than 65 years old, it can strike men and women in their 40s and 50s. How many people are afflicted with Alzheimer's disease? It affects an estimated 4 million American adults. It is the most common form of dementing illness. Can an Alzheimer's patient die of the disease? More than 100,000 die of complications from Alzheimer's disease annually, making it the fourth-leading cause of death in adults, after heart disease, cancer and stroke. Does the disease strike one gender more than the other? The disease knows no social or economic boundaries and affects men and women almost equally. What are the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease? Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease include a gradual memory loss, decline in ability to perform routine tasks, impairment of judgment, disorientation, personality change, difficulty in learning and loss of language skills. Do all the symptoms appear at the same time? No. There is a variation in the rate of change from person to person. The disease can eventually renders its victims totally incapable of caring for themselves. What is the cause of Alzheimer's disease? The cause of Alzheimer's disease is not known and is currently receiving intensive scientific investigation. Suspected causes include a genetic predisposition, a slow virus or other infectious agents, environmental toxins and immunologic changes. There are other factors under investigation. How is Alzheimer's disease diagnosed? There is no single clinical test to identify Alzheimer's disease. Before diagnosis of the disease is made, other conditions must be excluded such as depression, adverse drug reactions, metabolic changes, nutritional deficiencies, head injuries and stroke. Is there a cure for Alzheimer's disease? 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. Are there any medications or treatments to lessen the symptoms and effects of Alzheimer's disease? 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. What is the life expectancy of a person afflicted with Alzheimer's disease? The course of the disease usually runs from two to 10 years, but can take as long as 20 years. During the later stages of the disease, 24-hour care may be required with regard to daily activities such as eating, grooming and toileting. What are the warning signs of Alzheimer's disease?
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