Alzheimer’s is a disease of the brain that causes it to lose nerve cells, leading to problems with memory, thinking, feeling and everyday living. Memory loss that disrupts everyday life is not part of the normal aging process. It is a symptom of dementia; Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia.
As many as 4˝ million people in the United States may have Alzheimer’s disease. It sometimes affects people between the ages of 65 and 69, or even younger, but is more common in older adults. It affects all races. About 1 in 10 people over the age of 65 have Alzheimer's. As many as 5 in 10 people over the age of 85 have Alzheimer's. Because people are living longer than in the past, more and more Americans are becoming affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
Though the exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not yet known, it symptoms can be treated. That is why it is important to learn as much as possible about the disease. Knowing and recognizing the early symptoms can give you time to make medical, financial and legal plans for the future.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
As memory loss increases, changes also appear in personality, mood and behavior. The person may take longer to complete a chore that was previously routine or repeat already answered questions.Judgment, concentration, speech and physical coordination may also be affected. Symptoms can vary from person to person, but there are many patterns in the type, severity and sequence of mental changes in this illness. The symptoms are usually progressive, but there is a great variation in the rate of change from person to person. In a few cases, there may be rapid decline but, more commonly, there are long periods with little change. Although the person with Alzheimer’s is often unaware of, or may deny the full extent of his or her limitations, the illness is a source of deep frustration for those afflicted and for their loved ones.
For more information on Alzheimer's disease, call the Office 903-223-8021 or toll-free 1-877-312-8536.
