FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions):

What is Alzheimer's disease?

Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative disorder of the brain that causes progressive deterioration of memory, comprehension, intellectual function and behavior. Eventually, most people with this disease become totally impaired and need constant care.

What causes Alzheimer's?

The exact cause is unknown, however, there are many theories. Some of these include: decreased or altered levels of certain neurotransmitters within the brain, a blood protein known as apoE that appears to be altered, leading to nerve cell damage, the possible interaction of this protein with heavy metals such as aluminum, mercury, and other elements such as iron, zinc and calcium leading to plaque formation, as well as an imbalance of brain chemicals.

A strong argument has also been made regarding free radical formation and the role of oxidative stress. It is unclear if this is a cause or just an effect of the disease, however, there is no doubt that a reduction in oxidative stress can slow progression of the disease.

What are symptoms of this disease?

Symptoms of Alzheimer's can include significant lapses in memory, dramatic mood changes, emotional outbursts, inability to retain new information, difficulty performing familiar everyday tasks, impaired judgment, decision-making abilities and other cognitive functions, general disorientation and confusion, and overall personality change. The symptoms gradually develop and become progressively worse. Eventually, the person is unable to care for him/herself.

Who does this disease affect?

Alzheimer's is non-specific to gender or race, however, it does affect a small percentage more females than males. It usually develops in people over the age of 60, however, onset has been seen in some patients as early as age 40.

How is Alzheimer's diagnosed?

A “probable” diagnosis can be made with 90 percent accuracy by using some diagnostic tools to rule out other forms of dementia.

A complete medical history and physical exam are performed. Since memory is affected early in the disease progression, including information from family members is usually helpful.

Blood and urine samples are tested to determine if another disease may be causing symptoms, and neuropsychological testing to determine memory, attention span, and other cognition skills. A brain scan may be performed to determine if any abnormalities are present.

The only sure way to diagnose Alzheimer's is to examine the brain tissue after death during an autopsy.

Is there a test available to determine if I will develop it in the future?

Unfortunately, there are no tests available to determine a predisposition of developing this disease.

What types of treatments are available?

There are several medications, such as antidepressants and tranquilizers, which can be used to help control depression, anxiety, aggression and agitation. Nutritional supplements containing Glutathione may also be beneficial in fighting against oxidative damage and slowing progression of the disease.

What is the prognosis?

Unfortunately, prognosis is poor. This disease progresses steadily and development of total disability is common. Eventually the Alzheimer's patient requires some type of nursing care, either by family members or a nursing home facility. Death normally occurs not from the disease itself, but usually from an infection such as pneumonia, or the failure of other body systems.

My neighbor has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and is still driving. Should he be doing this?

In the early stages of the disease when symptoms are mild, people with Alzheimer's can drive safely, however, when the disease progresses and more symptoms become apparent, they should no longer be permitted to drive.

I suspect that my dad has Alzheimer's, although he's never had an "official" diagnosis. Lately, we've noticed that his forgetfulness and agitation gets worse in the evening. Is this common and is it something we should be concerned about?

It is so common that it even has a name -- Sundowner's Syndrome. There is no known cause for Sundowner's Syndrome, but just ask anyone who works with Alzheimer's patients and they'll have stories to tell that will probably be very similar to with your experience with your father.

One theory is that sensory stimulation builds up from the day and gradually overwhelms the person by the time evening rolls around. But there are some things that you can do to minimize this behavior so nighttime is less stressful for both your dad and his caretaker.

The most important thing is to maintain routine. Daily structure is critical. New information, change, and surprises are hard to cope with for those who experience loss of memory. Keep this in mind when things such as holidays, special events, or even doctor's appointments crop up, and try to pad such days with lots of rest.

Make sure the house is well lit in advance of the setting sun. It may help to close the curtains early too, easing the transition from light to dark. A few rest periods during the day, even after routine tasks such as dressing and meals, will alleviate the fatigue that can contribute to this evening anxiety.

Try to make this time quiet and distraction-free, allowing for a mental break and an opportunity to process incoming information from the day.

It might be helpful to you and your family to obtain the "official" diagnosis that you mention, and find out if your suspicions are true. Although there is no known cure at this time, there are some things your dad could try that may slow the progression of his condition -- such as glutathione augmentation.

But more important, there is extensive information available that could help increase your family's awareness of how to cope in the coming months and years.

Caring for someone with Alzheimer's can be a physically and emotionally draining job that no family should have to bear alone.