Living With Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) causes a decline in the mental functions that control memory, thinking, language, personality, and behavior. Collectively, these symptoms are referred to as “dementia”. AD usually affects people age 65 and older. In fact, about 1 in every 10 people over 65 is diagnosed with this disease, and for every 10 years of life after 65, the chances of developing it doubles. Between 5% and 10% of people with AD have a family history of the disease, and begin to show signs of it earlier in life.

AD results from certain chemical and structural changes that occur in the brain tissue of some people as they age. There is a loss of nerve cells (called “neurons”) in the areas of the brain that are vital to memory and other abilities. There is also a reduction of the chemical “messengers” that carry complex information back and forth between neurons, thereby disrupting normal thinking and memory.

The early symptoms
The symptoms of AD vary from person to person and change as the disease progresses. White almost everyone experiences some memory loss as they age, the forgetfulness that occurs in the early stages of AD tends to be more severe. Forgetting people’s names or the location of familiar items is typical. The attention span becomes more difficult. As the disease progresses, memory loss increases, and there may be difficulty understanding written material. The person may start to displace or lose valuable objects and forget important recent events and personal history. Short-term memory is usually severely affected. Not surprisingly, people having these symptoms may experience feelings of depression and anxiety.

How AD is diagnosed
While there is no diagnostic test for Alzheimer’s disease, doctors can determine the likelihood of someone’s having it in 80% to 90% of cases. This is accomplished with a physical exam; a thorough evaluation of symptoms and general health history; and memory testing for attention span, counting, problem solving, and language. The doctor will ask about any problems the person is having with daily activities, and may want to speak with their family or friends to get more information. Additional tools to help in the diagnosis include blood tests and brain scans to determine whether there may be another reason for the decline in the brain function that can be treated.

How AD is treated
AD is a progressive disease, and although research is ongoing, there is no cure at this time. There are, however, things that can be done to help preserve mental and physical function as much and for as long as possible. Overall general physical health is very important. This includes good nutrition, regular exercise, and appropriate activities. Certain medications, taken in the early stages of the disease, may be helpful in slowing memory loss. There are also symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. Discuss these options, along with any other questions you may have, with your doctor.

Can AD be prevented?
At this time, there are no known ways to prevent AD. But recent advances in our understanding of how the disease works raise hopes that a cure and a means of prevention can be developed. In the meantime, people with a family history of AD should be checked by their doctor on a regular basis. Early diagnosis will allow those who are affected to take advantage of future medial advances as they become available.

Resources and services to help families cope with AD and its affects are probably available in your community. You can arrange for various support services through your doctor’s office or through your local county health department or visiting nurses association. Social Workers will work with patients and family members to identify and coordinate services. Home health care agencies provide the services of nurses, medical social workers, physical and occupational therapists, and home health aides. Out-of-home services include adult day care centers; mental health services (include support groups for patients and family caregivers), transportation, and nursing homes.

It is important that the person with AD participate in decision-making about his or her care while this is still possible. Being involved in this way can help reduce feelings of anxiety about the future and provide reassurance that his or her preferences are being acknowledged and respected.

Caring for the caregiver
A delicate balance must be maintained between the needs of the person with AD and the needs of caregivers-spouses, friends, and family-who should join support groups as soon as possible after diagnosis of the disease. Caregivers will become emotionally drained and physically exhausted when there is nowhere to turn for help or support.

For further information on coping with this disease, the Alzheimer’s Association has chapters nationwide that provide educational programs and support groups for caregivers and family members. For more information, contact the Alzheimer’s Association’s national offices at 1 (800) 272-2900.



Supported as an educational service by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. This information is not intended for use as medical advice. You should discuss this information with your doctor.

Avaraham Henoch, MD
564 West 160th Street
New York, NY 10032
Phone: (212) 740-6400