If elderly people have a problem with their memory is it possible
that they may be developing Alzheimer's Disease?
Simple forgetfulness should not be confused with memory loss due to a disease. The
American Alzheimer's Association has developed these "10 warning signs" to
look for to see if a person maybe developing this disease.
1.Is memory loss affecting job skills?
2.Does it affect the ability to perform familiar tasks?
3.Are there problems with language, such as finding the right words for familiar objects?
4.Is there frequent disorientation as to where and what time of day it is?
5.Is judgment poor or decreased?
6.Are there consistent problems with abstract thinking?
7.Are familiar objects frequently misplaced?
8.Are there noticeable changes in mood or behavior?
9.Are there noticeable changes in personality?
10.Is there a loss of initiative?
If these are the signs then one should consult and take the advice of the most experienced
physician possible.
Alzheimer’s disease is not the only cause of memory loss and / or confusion. Other
disorders, including depression, reactions to certain drugs, a series of small strokes
(called multi-infarct dementia), hearing problems, vitamin deficiencies, and certain
tumors and infections may look just like Alzheimer’s disease to friends and
relatives, but are much more treatable. |
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Why does one have to detect Alzheimer's Disease at an early
stage?
While there is no definite cure as yet available for Alzheimer's, new drugs are available
that allow the patients to think more clearly and remember better. Most experts believe
that the best time to begin taking these drugs is early in the course of the disease,
while there is still some thinking ability to preserve. An accurate diagnosis and
treatment can relieve the patients of the experience of living in a haze and help them
think clearly all day
Some research indicates that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, called NSAIDS, like
ibuprofen may prevent or slow the progress of Alzheimer’s disease if they are started
early. Daily doses of vitamin E, selenium or other antioxidants may have a similar effect.
Consult your doctor before taking any of these drugs.
The other reasons are that while the memory is clear one can decide to make important
decisions like making a will or legal and financial arrangements and make arrangements for
their health-care when they are no longer capable of making decisions. |
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Alzheimer's
and Related Disorders Society of India is a registered national voluntary
organisation dedicated to persons with dementia and their carers. Dementia is degenerative
disease that affects brain and results mainly in memory loss. Generally it affects people
above 65 years. There are different forms of dementia, the most common being Alzheimer's
Disease and Parkinson's Disease. Once Alzheimer's Disease completely takes hold of a
person, he/she becomes completely dependent on the care-giver.
ARDSI provides services like day care, home care, memory clinic, support services to the
care-givers and information services. It is running a community Geriatric Nursing School
and is also engaged in research on various aspects of this disease.
It is estimated that around 3 million people in India having dementia. Since it is a
disease that affects the whole family, the total number of people who will be suffering
from the effects of this disease will be more
than 3 times bigger than this. For more info: http://www.alzheimerindia.org
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