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The Pinecone
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September 2016 • 5 •
ALZHEIMER’S
Under s tandi ng
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive,
degenerative disorder that attacks the
brain’s nerve cells, or neurons, resulting
in loss of memory, thinking and language
skills, and behavioral changes. These
neurons, which produce the brain chemical,
or neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, break
connections with other nerve cells and
ultimately die. For example, short-term
memory fails whenAlzheimer’s disease first
destroys nerve cells in the hippocampus,
and language skills and judgment decline
when neurons die in the cerebral cortex.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common
cause of dementia, or loss of intellectual
function, among people aged 65 and
older. Although every case of Alzheimer’s
disease is different, experts have identified
common warning signs of the brain disease.
Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of
aging, and it is important to look for signs
that might indicateAlzheimer’s disease versus basic forgetfulness. WithAlzheimer’s disease, these systems gradually increase and become
more persistent. If someone is exhibiting theses symptoms, the person should check out his or her concerns with a healthcare professional.
Awareness of these warnings is not a substitute for a structures screening or consultation with a primary care provider.
Typical warning signs include: Memory loss, especially of recent events, names, placement of objects, new information, confusion about
time and place, and struggling to complete familiar actions, such as brushing teeth or getting dressed. Also trouble finding the appropriate
words, completing sentences, and following directions and conversations are signs. There are changes in mood and personality, such as
increased suspicion, rapid and persistent mood swings, withdrawal, and disinterest in usual activities.
Clinicians can now diagnose Alzheimer’s disease with up to 90 percent accuracy. But it can only be confirmed by an autopsy, during
which pathologists look for the disease’s characteristic plaques and tangles in brain tissue. Clinicians can diagnose “probable”Alzheimer’s
disease by taking a complete medical history and conducting lab tests, a physical exam, brain scans and neuropsychological tests that
gauge memory, attention, language skills and problem-solving abilities. Proper diagnosis is critical
since there are dozens of other causes of memory problems. Some memory problems can be
readily treated, such as those caused by vitamin deficiencies or thyroid problems. Other
memory problems might result from causes that are not currently reversible, such as
Alzheimer’s disease. The sooner an accurate diagnosis of “probable” Alzheimer’s
disease is made, the easier it is to manage symptoms and plan for the future.
Alzheimer’s disease typically progress over 2 to 20 years, and individuals live
on average for 8 to 10 years from diagnosis. Individuals with Alzheimer’s
disease are likely to develop co-existing illnesses and most commonly die
from pneumonia. Alzheimer’s disease is among the top 10 leading causes of
death in the U.S. It is estimated that as many as 5.1 million Americans may
have Alzheimer’s disease. The numbers of people age 65 and older will more
than double between 2010 and 2050 to 88.5 million or 20 % of the population;
likewise, those 85 and older will rise three-fold, to 19 million, according to the
U.S. Census Bureau.
Please join our wellness coordinator Katie on September 12th in the PAC at 9:00 am
for a more comprehensive inservice on this topic. Note the new time will be 9:00 am.