Alzheimer’s DiseaseBy: Candice Carlson & Josh Edwards

What is Alzheimer’s?Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia

Problems with memory, thinking, and behavior.

Symptoms develop slowly, worsen over time.

Alzheimer’s accounts for 50 to 80 percent of dementia cases.

The sixth leading cause of death in the United States.

Progressive DiseaseWorsens over time

Mild memory loss Decreased ability to carry on a normal

conversationRespond to environment

SurvivalRange from four to 20 yearsNo cureMedications to improve quality of life.

SymptomsDisorientationMood and behavior changesConfusion about events, time and placeUnfounded suspicions about family, friends,

and professional caregivers.Serious memory loss.Difficulty speaking, swallowing, and walking

Risk FactorsAgeFamily historyGenetics Head traumaHeart-head connectionGeneral healthy aging

Avoid tobacco, excess alcoholStay socially connected Exercise mind and body

SignsMemory loss that disrupts daily life.

Challenges in planning or solving problems

Difficulty completing familiar tasks

Confusion with time or place

Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships

Signs Continued..New problems with words in speaking or

writing

Misplacing things and inability to retrace steps.

Poor judgment

Withdrawal from work or social activities

Changes in mood and personality

StagesStage one: No impairment

Normal functionStage two: Very mild cognitive decline

Occasional memory lapsesStage three: Mild cognitive decline

Misplacing objects, trouble organizing, remembering names of new people

Stage four: Moderate cognitive declineForgetfulness of recent events, one’s own

personal history, and becoming moody or

Stages Continued..Stage five: Moderately severe cognitive decline

Confused about day/location, unable to recall own address or telephone number

Still remember significant details about self and family, no assistance with eating or restroom

Stage six: Severe cognitive declineLose awareness, difficulty with personal history,

remembering names of friends and familyTrouble controlling bowels and bladder, need help

in restroomTend to wander or become lost

Stages Continued..Stage seven: Very severe cognitive decline

Inability to respond to environment, carry on a conversation, and control movement

Need help with personal care Loss of ability to smile, sit without support, or

hold heads up

Treatment

NO CURE!!!