As new Alzheimer’s treatments gain traction, there is growing interest in the availability of these treatments and what it means for people living with early-stage Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association is encouraged by these recent advancements along with the 400,000 individuals living with Alzheimer’s and their 1 million caregivers here in Texas.
However, many individuals still have questions about the disease and want to become more knowledgeable as the prevalence of Alzheimer’s continues to grow. By 2050, the number of individuals living with the disease will increase 50 percent — from 6.5 million today to nearly 13 million nationwide.
Andrea Taurins, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association Capital of Texas Chapter, answered some of the common questions she receives about Alzheimer’s and dementia.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior and is the most common cause of dementia. Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging. The loss of memory and other cognitive abilities are serious enough to interfere with daily life, where normal aging causes mild memory loss and most individuals still live their day-to-day lives without interruption. The symptoms gradually worsen over time and most individuals live 4 to 8 years after a diagnosis.
What is the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia?
Alzheimer’s is a specific disease where dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, accounting for an estimated 60 to 80 percent of cases, but there are several other types of dementia.
What are the warning signs of Alzheimer’s?
The most common early symptom of Alzheimer's is difficulty remembering newly learned information. As Alzheimer's advances through the brain it leads to increasingly severe symptoms, including disorientation, mood and behavior changes. Individuals will become confused about events, time and place. Some individuals show unfounded suspicions about family, friends and professional caregivers. In later stages, more serious memory loss and behavior changes occur in addition to difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking.
Is Alzheimer’s or dementia hereditary?
Research shows that those who have a parent or sibling with Alzheimer's are more likely to develop the disease. Those who have more than one first-degree relative with Alzheimer’s are at an even higher risk.
How can I reduce my chances of getting Alzheimer’s or dementia?
There is growing evidence to suggest that adopting healthy lifestyle habits may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline including eating a heart healthy diet, exercising regularly, and staying cognitively and socially engaged. Visit alz.org/healthyhabits to learn more.
What should I do if I have concerns about memory and thinking for myself or a loved one?
There are lots of things that could be causing these changes, and dementia may or may not be one of them. The sooner the individual or family member knows what’s causing these problems, the sooner the concerns can be addressed. Talking to a doctor will enable a proper evaluation and timely diagnosis. It can also provide peace of mind. The Alzheimer’s Association is also here to help and offers disease related information at alz.org or by calling our 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.