November 11, 2002
Alzheimer's: Frequently Asked Questions
___What is Alzheimer's disease?
___First described by Dr. Alois Alzheimer in 1906, Alzheimer's disease (pronounced Alts'-hi-merz) is a degenerative brain disease that usually begins gradually, causing a person to forget recent events or familiar tasks. How rapidly it advances varies from person to person, but it usually causes confusion, personality and behavior changes and impaired judgment.
___Isn't memory loss a natural part of aging?
___Yes and no. Many healthy individuals are less able to remember certain kinds of information as they get older. But thesymptoms of Alzheimer's disease involve more than simple lapses in memory. People with Alzheimer's experience difficulties in communicating, learning, thinking and reasoning. Alzheimer's destroys brain cells, which is not a normal part of aging.
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___What causes Alzheimer's disease?
___Scientists still are not certain. Age and family history have been identified as potential risk factors. Researchers are exploring the role of genetics in the development of Alzheimer's, but most agree the disease is likely caused by a variety of factors.
___Does Alzheimer's disease run in families?
___The evidence is not clear. Cases where several members of a single family have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's are rare. Much more common is the situation where a single family member is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease late in life.
___What treatment is available?
___There is no medical treatment currently available to cure or stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease. However, certain drugs may temporarily relieve some symptoms of the disease.
___Source: Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association, Inc. For more information, go to www.buckner.org or www.alz.org.
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