Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer's Disease is a type of dementia-causing problems with memory loss and other cognitive abilities. Symptoms usually develop slowly and worsen over time. In the early stages, memory loss is mild, but with late-stage Alzheimer's, individuals lose the ability to carry on a conversation. Alzheimer's disease is progressive, where dementia symptoms gradually worsen over a number of years. Currently, there is not a cure for Alzheimer's, but treatments for symptoms are available and clinical research continues.
There are an estimated 5.7 million people living with Alzheimer's disease in the United States. 5.5 million people with Alzheimer’s are 65 or older and approximately 200,000 under the age of 65 have younger-onset Alzheimer's. As the number of Americans grow older, so too will the number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s increase.
Facts about Alzheimer's Disease
• Alzheimer's disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States.
• 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer's or another dementia.
• Every 65 seconds someone in the United States develops Alzheimer's.
• One in 10 people age 65 and older has Alzheimer's disease.
• Two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer's are women.
• Hispanics are about one and one-half times as likely to have Alzheimer's as older Caucasians.
• Older African-Americans are about twice as likely to have Alzheimer's as older Caucasians.
Alzheimer's Warning Signs
Memory Loss - One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
Confusion - People with Alzheimer’s can lose track of dates and time.
Problem Solving - Difficulty concentrating and takes much longer to do things.
Misplacing Things - Misplace or lose things and are not able to find them again.
Poor Judgment - Experience changes in judgment or decision-making.
Talking and Writing - Struggle with vocabulary or have trouble following or joining a conversation.
Vision Problems - Difficulty with reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast.
Withdrawal - Remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports.
Personality Changes - Mood and personality changes. Become confused, depressed, fearful or anxious.
Alzheimer's Risk Assessment Test
A new saliva test carried out in a CLIA-accredited laboratory determines your risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Performed at any age and only available from our neurologists, this test analyzes thousands of genes that impact your risk and thereby provides you with better information regarding steps you can take to minimize your chances of developing dementia.
Treatment for Alzheimer's
Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. There are medicines that can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s. These medicines help individuals carry out their daily activities. They can also help with some behavioral and personality changes. However, the medications will not stop or reverse Alzheimer’s.
If you or a loved one is suffering from Alzheimer's, contact a Neurologist at First Choice Neurology today. We have several locations throughout Central, Eastern, and Southern Florida. We also have a list of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Support Groups.
Feel free to download the Alzheimer's Disease Guide for Patients and Families from the American Academy of Neurology.
Memory Cafe
First Choice Neurology’s Memory Cafe is a virtual community for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, caregivers, and family members. Our virtual Memory Cafe offers educational materials, videos, support groups, a list of Neurologists, a virtual library, clinical trials, and other resources for Alzheimer’s and dementia.