Alzheimer's Disease
What it is, & how we can help in the fight against it
What is Alzheimer's?
Symptoms of Alzheimer's:
Alzheimer's Disease can do many things to impact those who have it. Here are a few symptoms of Alzheimer's:
-Memory Impairment
-Difficulty concentrating
-Problems finishing daily tasks
-Confusion with location or time
-Visual difficulties like not understanding the right driving distance, or loosing things easily
-Language and speech problems
-Poor judgment
-Withdrawing from events or social gatherings
-Mood changes, like depression
Fact: Alzheimer's is one of the most common diseases in the U.S.
Life expectancy with Alzheimer's
If you or a someone you know contracts Alzheimer's, there is a wide range of how long you can live. It differs from male and female and from younger to older people. Women who have Alzheimer's usually live an average of 4 and a half years after getting their diagnoses, while men usually only live about 4 years. Yet, these are just averages from previous patients, and there is really no telling on the person's life expectancy. They could live years beyond their diagnoses. We just go by the facts. On the other hand, age also matters in life expectancy. The older you are when you get the disease, the less time you are likely to live. For example, if a 90 year old woman got Alzheimer's, she may only have a few years to live. Meanwhile, if a 65 year old woman got it, she could live up to possibly 10 years after her diagnoses. It all just depends on the personal situation you are in when diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
Medications for Alzheimer's:
Here are several medications that are available for people with Alzheimer's:
Namenda XR
Namzaric
Exelon
Aricept
Razadyne ER
These are just a few medications for Alzheimer's. There are many more, but these are just some of the common ones.
Alzheimer's Foundation of America Information:
Email: cfuschillio@alzfdn.org
Website: http://www.alzfdn.org/
Phone: 866-232-8484
More Details About Alzheimer's
Tests To Check For Alzheimer's:
There are several tests your doctor can use to see if you, or someone you know has Alzheimer's. They can:
-Check if you have impaired memory or thinking
-See if you have mood changes or swings
-See how your problems with thinking affect your daily life
-Check the cause of you symptoms
-Interview family members or friends for any signs of the disease
-Give you a Mental Status Test and or a Nureopsychological Test
Other Organizations For Alzheimer's:
- Alzheimer's Association
- Family Caregiver Alliance
- Caregiver Action Network
- Children of Aging Parents