Alzheimer’s Disease

“In Alzheimer’s disease the mind dies first: Names, dates, places - the

interior scrapbook of life - fade into mists of no recognition.”

What is Alzheimer’s?

• Progressive brain disease • It is NOT normal aging

Symptoms

Multiple cognitive deficits Aphasia Apraxia Agnosia

Stages of Alzheimer’s• Stage 1: No impairment• Stage 2: Very mild decline• Stage 3: Mild decline• Stage 4: Moderate decline • Stage 5: Moderately severe decline• Stage 6: Severe decline • Stage 7: Very severe decline

Normal Aging or AD?

Alzheimer's disease symptoms

•Forgets entire experiences

•Rarely remembers later

•Is gradually unable to follow written/spoken directions

•Is gradually unable to use notes as reminders

•Is gradually unable to care for self

Normal Aging or AD?Normal age-related memory changes

•Forgets part of an experience

•Often remembers later

•Is usually able to follow written/spoken directions

•Is usually able to use notes as reminders

•Is usually able to car

Prevalence

• 5.2 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer 痴 disease in 2008

• Most prevalent cause of dementia• Doubles every five years for people between

the ages of 65 and 85• More prevalent in women

Treatment Options

•There is no cure

•Medications treat the symptoms

•Drug side effects

•Physical discomfort

•Uncorrected Problems with vision or hearing

•Changes in sleep pattern

Treatment

Cholinesterase inhibitors

Support communication among nerve cells by keeping acetylcholine levels high.

On average, delay worsening of symptoms for 6 to 12 months for about half the people who take them.

Alternative Treatments

Holistic approaches are not approved by the FDA Coral calcium Ginkgo Omega-3 fatty acids

Alternative Therapy

Music Creates a desired mood Music can be used to be reminiscent of past

events With singing encourages group activity

Art Builds communication Provides an outlet for expression

Pet