ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common of all memory disorders and an estimated 4.5 million Americans currently have the disease. Over 360,000 new cases are expected to occur each year. In many cases, when diagnosed and treated early, patients can maintain their quality of life longer and outlive the disease. Thanks to today’s improved methods of diagnosis including greater access to neuropsychiatric testing, CT and/or MRI scanning of the brain and electroencephalograhy, more rapid diagnosis is often available.
The primary symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease involve progressive memory loss. Personality changes, depression, confusion, and disorientation also occur in the middle to moderate stages prior to the more significant deterioration that occurs later in the disease. As the disease progresses, patients become almost completely unaware of time, place, family members, and usually require constant care. Typically the disease progresses slowly in individuals over the age of 65, but some younger cases have been reported (less than 10% in their 50s or younger.) The impact of the disease is so significant that family members are also deeply affected, feeling powerless as their loved ones become lost while their physical being remains relatively healthy, especially during the early stages.
Though there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there are ways to delay its progression. For many Alzheimer’s patients, medication is available to help improve memory and slow the progression of the disease. The neurologists of Sunrise Medical Group are experienced in working with both the patient and their families to help control the disease in the most effective manner possible.
