<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Alzheimer's Disease Help]]></title><description><![CDATA[Articles]]></description><link>http://alzheimer.liveok.com/</link><copyright><![CDATA[Copyright Alzheimer's Disease Help]]></copyright><generator>sNews CMS</generator><item><title><![CDATA[Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease]]></title><description><![CDATA[  You’ve probably done it yourself, more times than you care to count; forgetting what it was that you walked into the room to get.  Or how about all those times when you’ve set your keys down for just a moment and, for the life of you, you just can’t find them?  You could have sworn that you set them down there, right in plain sight, and yet they seem to have vanished into thin air.  It can be insufferably frustrating, angering you until you want to scream (not to mention making you late) and, other times, it can be almost frightening and confusing when it happens, making you feel as if you’re acting stupid or, worse yet, losing your mind.  

  In most cases, we see these common mental slips and think nothing of them.  At times, the brain just doesn’t seem to want to engage when you ask it a question like, “What are six times three?”  Not only is it a natural happening throughout life, but we also attribute it to old age - as time goes by, you tend to get a bit more forgetful.  “Seniors tend to be somewhat absent-minded,” some might say and, for the most part, it’s true.  Most people, who suffer brief lapses in memory or thought, are not suffering from Alzheimer’s disease but, for a select few, these very subtle signals can be just the tip of the iceberg.    

  Alzheimer’s disease can be much like a cat, stalking a mouse.  At first, its approach is barely noticeable and easily overlooked; victims suffer minor memory lapses, where they forget details of recent events, twist things around or, sometimes forget names, faces, or directions.  Math and spelling may cause the occasional pause but, generally, these ‘spells’ are short-lived in those who are in the first stages of Alzheimer’s.    Making things even more difficult is the fact that Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia have no specific test that can be given to reveal their presence.  In fact, the only way that a doctor can be 100% on a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, to date, is for an autopsy to be performed on the patient, after s/he has passed away.  While a doctor may suspect or speculate that the diagnosis is Alzheimer’s disease, he can never be 100% sure of this.  There is no test that may be performed, that will diagnose this condition.  

  As the condition progresses, the patient becomes more confused and their forgetfulness now begins to interfere with their daily activities and routines.  The person suffering from the second stages of Alzheimer’s disease may forget to brush his teeth or will leave the house without brushing his hair.  Sometimes, it can be more drastic, like the person trying to walk out of the house without clothing or heading out into the snow in their bare feet.    

  Quite often, it is at this stage when the patient will begin to lose substantial memories, such as not recognizing loved ones.  Suddenly finding themselves in strange surroundings, one can only imagine how frightening it must seem, having a stranger come up and try to insist that they are your son or daughter and trying to touch you.  Naturally, it comes as little surprise that Alzheimer’s patients, at this stage of the dementia, are also prone to becoming anxious or aggressive and, if left unattended, will commonly wander from where they are supposed to be.    

  Sadly, there is no     cure for Alzheimer’s     disease, nor is there any way of reversing its effects on those who fall victim to it.  Believed to stem from a disruption in the nerve cells and chemical transmitters in the brain, this condition will continue until the patient not only loses the memories of friend and family, but also memories of learning how to talk, walk, use the restroom, and so on.  In time, they have no other option than having to have full time, and total, care.    

  In the final stages of Alzheimer’s disease, the patient has usually lost their ability to communicate and has forgotten simple things that we take for granted, like how to swallow or the ability to breathe.  While people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease have been known to live for 20 years after being diagnosed with it, the average amount of remaining time is usually about 8 years.  Watching a loved one slip away over several years can be devastating to a family and crushing for loved ones.  The fourth most common cause of death amongst our elderly, Alzheimer’s is a serious condition and researchers continue to study it, in hopes of finding ways to beat it.  ]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 07 Jun 2007 09:40:07 +0000</pubDate><link>http://alzheimer.liveok.com/stages-of-alzheimers-disease/stages-of-alzheimers-disease-/</link><guid>http://alzheimer.liveok.com/stages-of-alzheimers-disease/stages-of-alzheimers-disease-/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Alzheimer’s Causes]]></title><description><![CDATA[  Dementia is marked by loss of memory, impaired cognitive abilities, and behavioral and mood changes that interfere with a person’s daily life. Dementia also refers to a progressive worsening of these symptoms and is not usually signified by a sudden onset of problems. There are many causes of dementia. A doctor determines the specific cause, after a series of neurological, psychological, and laboratory tests.  

  Alzheimer’s disease is the number one cause of dementia, representing 50-60% of all cases. In the majority of cases, Alzheimer’s disease appears over the age of 65, though doctors usually include Alzheimer’s in their lists of possible causes of dementia after the age of 40. Although Alzheimer’s disease cannot be confirmed until after death, with an examination of brain tissue, doctors can diagnose the illness in a patient with 90% accuracy.

The second most likely cause of dementia is known as vascular dementia. Vascular dementia, which accounts for approximately 20% of dementia cases, occurs when a patient has suffered a series of mini-strokes. The strokes usually are not detected at the time, but each stroke does damages brain cells. Eventually, the damage will accumulate, and a patient will begin to show symptoms of dementia. Vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease sometimes come in tandem.  

  Dementia with Lewy bodies ties for the second most likely cause with vascular dementia, representing another 20% of dementia cases. Like Alzheimer’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies cannot be confirmed until after death. The term Lewy bodies refers to abnormal concentrations of protein in brain nerve tissue. A patient with dementia with Lewy bodies usually shows a loss of the ability to concentrate, language issues, an inability to judge distances or problem solve, and occasionally they will experience visual hallucinations. Patients with Lewy bodies often develop Parkinson’s disease in addition to their dementia.  

  Pick’s disease, or frontal lobe dementia, is another possible culprit behind the symptoms. This type of dementia usually occurs earlier than the other kinds of dementia, with onset common in the 40s. Because the frontal lobe, which controls behavior and emotion, is affected, Pick’s disease is usually characterized by personality or behavioral changes.  

  Patients with late stage Huntington’s disease often show signs of dementia, as the disease begins destroying brain cells. Parkinson’s disease in some patients leads to dementia in its last stages as well.  

  HIV infection can cause dementia as soon as two days after exposure to the virus. This type of dementia is called AIDS Dementia Complex (ADC). Another possible virus linked to dementia is Creutzfeldt-Jakobs Disease (CJD). CJD gained notoriety in the 1990s in the UK as so called “mad cow disease” and the fear over contaminated beef causing the disease. The actual evidence of mad cow disease causing a CJD outbreak is tenuous at best – in fact, at this point, scientists are not even sure CJD is actually caused by a virus, or if that virus is caused by mad cow disease.  

  Other causes of dementia are easier to identify and in some cases, even avoid. Alcohol dependency can lead to dementia as a disease called Korsakoff’s syndrome. Korsakoff’s syndrome leads to short-term memory loss and is thought to be caused by a vitamin B1 deficiency in alcoholics. Long-term drug addiction may also cause dementia, and even some over the counter drugs cause dementia if a patient has a bad reaction to them. Hormone imbalances, such as those caused by Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis/hypothyrodism, can cause dementia, as can vitamin imbalances. Severe cases of depression cause patients to experience memory related problems, and any variety of infection or virus present in a patient’s system, including encephalitis, meningitis, or syphilis, can present symptoms of dementia. Additionally, head injury victims may also experience dementia.  

  Determining the root cause of a patient’s dementia is of the utmost importance to physicians, so they can implement the best course of treatment. Though some dementias are curable and some are not, all types of dementia benefit from early diagnosis. Sometimes the progression of the dementia can at least be slowed with the help of medication. Because so many types of dementia share overlapping systems, a doctor will need to conduct a full battery of tests and view the results with a complete knowledge of the patient’s medical history to develop the full picture. 
   

  Learn more about:     Alzheimer's Medical Research   ]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 07 Jun 2007 09:11:59 +0000</pubDate><link>http://alzheimer.liveok.com/alzheimers-causes/alzheimers-causes/</link><guid>http://alzheimer.liveok.com/alzheimers-causes/alzheimers-causes/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Alzheimer&#039;s Caregiver]]></title><description><![CDATA[  Time-Outs for the Caregiver – Knowing When to Take a Break  

  Caregivers are a blessing for the patient who is no longer able to perform many of the daily tasks of life for him or herself.  In addition to the foregoing, the services of a dedicated caregiver will become more and more important as an illness progresses and further impairs a patient’s ability to manage even the simplest aspects of daily living.  Yet while caregivers are such important people, they have a lot more to deal with than meets the eye.  

  Considering that many caregivers are close family members, oftentimes grown up children caring for their parents, the change in the parent child relationship is quite often devastating for the caregiver.  It is indeed hard to look at a parent whose health is failing, who is no longer able to care for her or himself, needs help with feeding and perhaps even toileting, and then remembering the strong individual this person used to be.  Sometimes grown children are not ready for this transition and wish it were progressing slower, or are simply afraid of the inevitability of the patient’s fate.  Of course, the patient, very often the parent, may not be ready for this transition in the parent-child relationship either, and in addition to the physical and metal impairments may experience severe emotional distress that finds no outlet but against the caregiver.  

  As you can see, these care giving situations are a potential breeding ground for anger, frustration, discord, and great emotional upheaval, and there are times when a caregiver literally needs a time-out.  Yet how will you know when to take a break?  Here are four tried and true tips that will help you to ascertain when it is time to step back for a breather.  

  If you find that emotionally or physically your well being is beginning to suffer, it is time to take a break.  For example, if you suffer from health challenges yourself but have them under control, yet suddenly they flare up worse than ever before you know that your role as caregiver is beginning to affect your health.  Similarly, if you suddenly realize that you are suffering from a bout of depression or clinical anxiety, or if you find your relationships with others marred by withdrawal, irritability, or sudden angry outbursts, you know that it is time to step back.  Obviously you cannot do away with your care giving, yet this may be the time to either find a support group that will allow you to channel and vent your anger in a safe environment, or perhaps you may wish to find a relief caregiver who can come in when you need a break.  Ideally, these two combined will help you preserve your emotional and physical health.   

  The change in the relationship is a tough road to navigate for many a caregiver.  Suddenly privy to the most intimate facts of the loved one’s life, you will have access to financial records and many other documents that may bring to light carefully guarded secrets.  In addition to the foregoing, because of some of the secrets that you may uncover, you will not feel comfortable going to friends and family for support. Sometimes these revelations are more than you feel you can cope with, and the support of a group of likeminded individuals is invaluable.   

  Unfortunately, the change in the caregiver to patient relationship is irreversible and this knowledge will very often contribute to a caregiver’s sinking into a severe depression her or himself.  If you find that you are having nagging doubts about your self worth, or carry excessive guilt about your inability to meet your loved one’s needs better, if you are unable to sleep well, notice severe changes in your appetite and subsequent your weight, if you are consistently tired and moody, then you may need to take some time out and visit a doctor who will be able to help you through this bout of depression.  This is not an unusual experience for caregivers, but left unchecked, it will severely decrease your quality of life.  Your physician may suggest your joining a support group, enter into some “talking therapy” and perhaps also prescribe some medication to help with the worst of the symptoms.  

  A very serious problem that is experienced by patients is that of abuse.  Sadly, it is often a caregiver who is the abuser, and sometimes the caregiver may not even realize what she or he is doing.  Some kinds of abuse are obvious, for example physical abuse that causes injury or emotional abuse that evidences itself in verbal threats or verbal assaults.  Yet there are some kinds of abuse that are a lot harder to detect and that are not being done because the caregiver is trying to abuse the patient, but simply to help her or him cope with the situation, for example unnecessary confinement, when the loved one is restrained longer than needed simply to give the caregiver a break.  If you find that you are snapping at your loved one, treating her or him more roughly than necessary, and simply wish she or he would just stay in her or his room for a few hours, you need a break.  Your feelings are entirely normal and this is the time to enlist other to help in the care giving to give you a day or afternoon off.   

  Read here :     Alzheimer's Treatments      ]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 07 Jun 2007 09:07:55 +0000</pubDate><link>http://alzheimer.liveok.com/dementia-caregiver/alzheimers-caregiver-/</link><guid>http://alzheimer.liveok.com/dementia-caregiver/alzheimers-caregiver-/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Alzheimer&#039;s Caregiver Tips]]></title><description><![CDATA[  A Caregiver’s Advice about Bath Time for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Patients  

  If you know someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s, you might say, “It is the least I can do.” You may feel that he or she gave so much of his or her time in you youth when you were a baby, and then on into you teenage years, as well. You might even think about the times when even into young adulthood he or she still lent me his or her time and understanding.  When your loved one develops Alzheimer’s (a form of dementia) it is devastating to the family.  As the disease gets worse, he or she may become unable to carry out basic activities and daily routines.  Before long, he or she might be unable to clothe him or herself or bathe and will become totally dependent upon the family  

  Some caregivers might say something like, “I took care of him for several years before his death and I did have to regularly bathe him.  It was a difficult situation, and so I understand what many people are going through right now, whether you’re a family member that has taken in a relative with Alzheimer’s disease, or another form of dementia, or if you’re just a caregiver that gives generously of your time”.  You might have to read up on the subject and get a lot of advice when the disease was first diagnosed.  It is a new experience for most, and it might be hard to understand the idea of giving a full-grown person a bath.  Of course, you might have bathed your children in years past, but this is different.  What is the most dignified way to handle this situation?  Are there any safety issues you should know about?    

  Education and experience are the best teachers in this case.  You should look up a professional caregiver’s advice, but also put your heart into the job and learn new things along the way.  One of the first things that you might learn is that the experience is whatever you put into it.  You do not want it be a forced chore that makes you both uncomfortable.  Do your best to make the activity enjoyable and relaxing.    

  You must remember that you as the caregiver are the one required to set up the schedule of bath time.  A patient with dementia may forget to take bath, may not recognize the need or even forget how to do it.  So it’s not only a caregiver’s job to bathe a person, but also to schedule convenient and regular times to do so.  You have to set the routine and stick to it  

  Sometimes it might be a test to get your loved one motivated into wanting to take a bath.  There are times when he or she will resist, which make the experience frustrating.  What you can learn, however, is that when you associate bath time with a social activity, it can prompt a person to want to wash.  You may tell him or her that you have to wash first before he or she goes out to dinner or has a visitor over.  That positive reinforcement makes him or her more agreeable to bathing.  You should not force your loved one to wash; just try to make it an enjoyable experience.  Rather than criticize a patient because of their cleanliness, try and use praise and encouragement to get them to wash  

  Some advice is to not use showers for bath time unless the patients have been used to it for quite a while.  A shower can be alarming and the person’s comfort is the most important factor.    

  As far bathing goes, it is important to simplify the process.  Let them do as much as they can.  Sometimes patients know they need a bath but may have forgotten how to wash.  If that happens, gently remind them of the required steps to take and as much as possible let them wash alone if possible.  It’s important to let the patients do as much as they can. Your loved one might be proud and independent-minded and never wanted anyone to do him or her favors.  You might imagine some of your patients or loved ones feel the same way.  That’s why the advice is to allow the patient as much dignity as possible and let them feel proud of the effort they put forth, even if it’s just a little.  

  It’s possible that in such an intimate situation as bath time, an Alzheimer’s or dementia patient will feel embarrassed.  This is perfectly natural and it is advisable that if they feel very self-conscious to go ahead and cover private areas of their body with a rag or towel.  If will help them feel comfortable and will help establish trust with your patient, so it is worth doing.    

  There may come some times when your patient refuses to take a bath and can’t be reasoned with.  If that happens, don’t try and force him or her to follow your orders.  It’s best that you just let it go, let the patient feel comfortable again, and then try at a later time when their mood might have changed.  This usually works, but if you notice it becoming a persistent problem then you may have to seek professional support and get someone else to do it.    

  Be sure and keep the bathroom a safe place.  Bathrooms are a wet and slippery place to be and the patient’s safety, as well as the caregiver’s, is a concern.  A good idea would be to buy some grab rails, a non-slip mat and an extra chair for support.  Just a few extra dollars spent can prevent some very serious accidents.  

  Yes, it is the least you can do for your loved one-- to give back some of the expense and hardship he or she once showed you when you were a baby.  While these situations were not always pleasant, let them show you that they serve reminders that you have unconditional love for your family.  If you are a caregiver, while you might not be personally dealing with a family member, always remember that these are full grown human beings you’re dealing with, with real feelings and hearts.  Many of them had children at one time and probably sacrificed a great deal for them.  When you show as much love and patience as you can, even in such personal matters like bath time, you are showing your patients that you care.  It’s important for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients to know that it’s a caregiver’s will, not just his job, to provide help.    

  Learn more here:     Alzheimer's disease medication      ]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 07 Jun 2007 08:20:52 +0000</pubDate><link>http://alzheimer.liveok.com/alzheimers-caregiver/alzheimers-caregiver-tips/</link><guid>http://alzheimer.liveok.com/alzheimers-caregiver/alzheimers-caregiver-tips/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[8 Signs &amp; Symptoms that a Loved One May Have Alzheimer’s Disease]]></title><description><![CDATA[  There is no clear-cut line between what distinguishes normal aging tendencies and the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease.  A good idea is to check with a doctor should the suspected Alzheimer’s patient begin to vary from their basic behaviorisms, regular routines, or if their level of functioning seems to change.  What are some common signs that you can look for; when you suspect Alzheimer’s disease and how do you differentiate them from normal behavior?  Read on to learn about 8 different signs that can help determine if a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease.  

  1. Memory Loss - Problems with the short-term memory and forgetting recently learned information is one of the more common, early signs of Alzheimer’s disease.  Unfortunately, with normal aging, it’s also quite common to forget names or miss appointments on occasion.  People with Alzheimer’s disease begin to forget more and more often and are unable to recall the information at a later date.  Another good way to determine if this is Alzheimer’s related or merely a sign of aging is that it’s common for people to forget parts of events, whereas the Alzheimer’s patient will commonly forget the event in its entirety.  

  2. Difficulty Following Routines - Those suffering from dementia frequently finds it difficult to perform tasks that should be familiar to them.  What might have once been common routine now seems strangely alien.  While it’s normal to forget why you’ve entered a room, or what it was that you intended to tell someone, people with dementia often lose track of steps in things that come as second nature, like dressing, preparing a meal, or the act of changing the channels on the television.  

  3. Problems With Language Or Numbers - People who have dementia often find difficulty verbalizing their thoughts, forgetting words, or they substitute other words for what they mean.  This often makes their speech and/or writing difficult to understand.  Similarly, numbers also give them trouble, making it hard to figure out what the numbers are used for or finding they are unable to add up even the simplest of sums.  A person who is suffering from Alzheimer’s may very well demand “the black thing” when referring to a comb, or “food” when they really want a drink.  

  4. Disorientation - This is a very common symptom of advanced dementia.  People with Alzheimer’s disease have frequently become confused and lose track of time or are easily lost.  They may get turned around in their own neighborhood and have no idea where they are, or they may forget regular routes, like how to get to the grocery store, even if they have taken the same path for years.  

  5. Poor Judgment - Alzheimer’s patients tend to suffer from a poor or, at least decreased, sense of judgment.  They may not dress warm enough for a cold winter’s day, or they may put on layers and layers of clothing to go take a walk on a hot summer’s day.  They easily fall victim to scam artists and telemarketers, and may even try to give large sums of money away to televangelists, charities, or the homeless man on the street, leaving them with no money to live.  While all people may, at one time or another, make debatable or questionable decisions from time to time, the Alzheimer’s patient will commonly fall victim to colossal blunders if they are not carefully watched.  

  6. Misplacing Things - It’s not uncommon to misplace one’s keys, sometimes losing track of an item almost as soon as you set it down.  The Alzheimer’s patient, however, takes this to a new extreme, often misplacing the items in a strange place, such as putting a toothbrush in the freezer, or storing a favorite diamond ring in the sugar bowl… with the sugar.    

  7. Mood Swings or Changes in Personality - These are common in a person that is suffering from dementia.  In the beginning stages, Alzheimer’s patients are often easily frustrated by lapses in memory, or angered by the helplessness that they feel.  As the disease progresses, the anger can become mingled with confusion and fear, especially when one begins losing their grasp on familiar faces and their surroundings.  

  8. Loss of Motivation and Initiative - It’s not uncommon for a person to be tired after a busy day at work, but a person who has Alzheimer’s disease may have a stronger tendency to become more disinterested in their surroundings, and more passive.  They may spend hours sitting in the living room alone, content to spend all their time alone, just watching the television.   Some Alzheimer’s patients sink into depressions and refuse to even leave their room or beds.  

  In order to protect yourself or a loved one, know the warning signs and, should you detect them, be sure to contact your doctor immediately. The key to attempting to     beat Alzheimer’s disease     is to receive an early diagnosis for getting appropriate treatment and care, enlisting the help of support services and caregivers.  When in doubt, talk to your physician.  
]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 07 Jun 2007 08:11:30 +0000</pubDate><link>http://alzheimer.liveok.com/alzheimers-symptoms/8-signs-symptoms-that-a-loved-one-may-have-alzheimers-disease/</link><guid>http://alzheimer.liveok.com/alzheimers-symptoms/8-signs-symptoms-that-a-loved-one-may-have-alzheimers-disease/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Alzheimer&#039;s Disease Diagnosis &amp; Testing]]></title><description><![CDATA[  Alzheimer’s disease can be notoriously difficult to diagnose. In fact, an Alzheimer’s diagnoses cannot be confirmed until after death, when the brain can be autopsied and shown to possess damage on a cellular level. The first problem in achieving diagnoses can be the patient themselves. Patients often attribute the symptoms of Alzheimer’s to simply “getting old,” or in extreme cases, they may be unaware of the changes in their behavior. When a patient does approach their doctor about memory problems, the doctor must sift through all the evidence to determine if Alzheimer’s disease is present, or if it is one of the myriad conditions that produce similar symptoms. Despite the fact that doctors must rule in Alzheimer’s after they have ruled everything else out, diagnoses of the disease are thought to be close to 90% accurate.  	

  The first step a doctor will take in diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease is to take a full patient history and profile. They will need to take into account the patient’s medical history, any relevant family medical history, and any other medical problems the patient is experiencing or for which they are receiving treatment. Next, the physician will interview the patient in detail about the problem that brought them to the office – the level of memory loss, the types of things that are being forgotten, and any other behavioral changes that have accompanied the onset of the memory loss. The doctor will also need to ask questions to determine a patient’s mental state, as diseases such as depression can cause many symptoms similar to Alzheimer’s. To complete the picture, the doctor may also put the patient through a Mini Mental State exam – a short test of problem solving skills, attention span, and counting skills – that can suggest to the doctor if there is damage in any particular area of the brain.  

  The next piece of the puzzle is the physical exam. The physical exam will include everything from vital signs and weight to reflexes and eyesight. Any abnormalities the doctor finds during the physical exam can lead to uncovering a disorder with symptoms that mirrors Alzheimer’s disease, thereby allowing the physician to rule out Alzheimer’s. The absence of any abnormalities during the physical exam can, on the other hand, signal to the doctor that a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s should not be taken off the table.   

  A series of lab tests can also be useful in diagnosing Alzheimer’s. Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans both allow doctors to see a “picture” of the brain that can flag up other causes of memory loss, such as stroke, or show atrophy or structural changes in the brain that are present in advanced Alzheimer’s. An electroenecephalogy (EEG) analyzes electric activity in the brain and can help a doctor exam various brain functions, such as memory, emotion, and language. EEGs are also useful for ruling out non-Alzheimer’s related memory problems. An electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) also measures electrical activity, this time in the heart, and is also used to rule out other disorders. A chest X-Ray may also be ordered if a heart/lung problem that might be disrupting blood flow to the brain is suspected.   

  Neurological testing is the last tool available to doctors in making a determination about Alzheimer’s disease. This testing involves patient interview, a series of memory, problem solving and language tests, and an evaluation of emotional health. Neurological testing can identify a battery of behavioral and/or psychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease.   

  The diagnosis process for Alzheimer’s disease is long and involves a certain amount of trial and error, but it is critical to get it right. If another cause for memory loss is uncovered, like depression or hypothyroidism, than these diseases can be treated. If Alzheimer’s is diagnosed, the earlier it is detected, the better the outlook becomes. Though Alzheimer’s disease cannot be cured, some of its behavioral symptoms can be treated, and with early detection, a patient can take medication that helps improve their brain functioning. This kind of treatment allows an Alzheimer’s patient to remain active, at home, and functioning in their lives for longer than if the disease had been allowed to develop unchecked.   

  Read more info:     Alzheimer's Treatments      ]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 07 Jun 2007 08:03:05 +0000</pubDate><link>http://alzheimer.liveok.com/alzheimers-disease/alzheimers-disease-diagnosis-testing/</link><guid>http://alzheimer.liveok.com/alzheimers-disease/alzheimers-disease-diagnosis-testing/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Differences between Alzheimer’s and Dementia]]></title><description><![CDATA[  With so many myths about mental illnesses being spread today, one area of uncertainty lies in the differences between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.  Alzheimer’s disease is defined as “a form of degenerative brain disease resulting in progressive mental deterioration with disorientation, memory disturbance and confusion.”  Some definitions of Alzheimer’s disease even include the word dementia, so it is easy to see why a distinction between the two is not always made.  

  Dementia is defined as a “progressive brain dysfunction that eventually leads to the restriction of daily activities.”  Symptoms of this condition include loss of memory, changes in behavior and other skill and orientation problems.  Sounds like Alzheimer’s disease, some might say.  So what are the differences between the two conditions?  

  First of all, dementia can develop in a person for a number of reasons.  Forms of infection, strokes, head injuries, abuse of drugs and nutritional deficiencies can cause dementia.  In addition to those, other medical diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Pick’s disease, brain tumors and even some cases of HIV or syphilis, can lead to dementia.  Some diseases that cause dementia are curable, and some symptoms of dementia are least partially reversible with proper treatment.  

  Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia.  Studies showed that in nearly 70% of people who suffered from dementia, Alzheimer’s disease was the cause.  In this disease, abnormal protein deposits in the brain destroy cells in other important areas that control memory and mental functions.  People with Alzheimer’s disease also have lost some levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, which further affects the thinking process.  This disease causes not only dementia but also a gradual intellectual deterioration and is not reversible.  Despite some foolish claims to the contrary, no cure exists for Alzheimer’s disease.  

  Dementia itself is not a disease.  Rather, the word is a general description of progressive brain dysfunction.  It is a group of symptoms that may accompany other diseases or physical conditions.  Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of this condition, one of some fifty different causes of dementia, and a disease that in most cases develops unexpectedly and without certain explanation.  

  What does it mean when a patient suffering from dementia symptoms is diagnosed as having “probable Alzheimer’s disease” or “dementia of the Alzheimer type”?  Since there is no one quick and easy test for detecting Alzheimer’s, qualified physicians must make a diagnosis through the process of elimination.  After ruling out other forms of dementia, a 90% accurate diagnosis will be made that the patient is indeed suffering from an Alzheimer’s type of progressive brain dysfunction.  The only definitive way to diagnose the disease would be through the examination of brain tissue, which is usually only done in an autopsy.    

  It is true that both of these conditions are mainly found in elderly people.  Studies show that individuals over age of 60, about 6% suffer from dementia, and over the age of 80 about 20%.  Alzheimer’s disease, sometimes referred to as “senile dementia”, also is very likely to affect those over the age of 80 also with a 20% affected rate.  However, that’s not to say that only elderly individuals are at risk.  Not only can some types of dementia affect younger people whether due to poor health or unexpected medical conditions, but even Alzheimer’s disease has developed in people in their forties and fifties.   

  While the two terms are often linked with another, there are some notable differences.  Learning more about Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia is important, for the ones suffering the symptoms, as well as friends and family.  It is also important for one receive a proper diagnosis when serious symptoms start to appear.  Some forms of dementia can be treated if caught early and even for the ones that cannot, it is still important to get a diagnosis so that a plan of action can be set.  The more people learn about this subject, including the specifics like the differences between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, the more they will understand what is happening and the best way to deal with the situation if and when it develops.  The more people know the more people can help.  

    Learn more :       Natural Cure for Alzheimer's disease      ]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 07 Jun 2007 07:51:07 +0000</pubDate><link>http://alzheimer.liveok.com/alzheimers-disease/the-differences-between-alzheimers-and-dementia/</link><guid>http://alzheimer.liveok.com/alzheimers-disease/the-differences-between-alzheimers-and-dementia/</guid></item></channel></rss>