Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is a neurological disease characterized by dementia and the loss of mental abilities which are severe enough to interfere with normal daily living (Robinson, 1999). In the United States, it is estimated that between two and four million people have the disease, and as the aging population soars, this number is expected to increase rapidly. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia in old people and it affects the parts of the brain that control thought, memory and language (Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet, 2001). The disease usually starts after age 65 but it is not a normal part of the aging process. About three percent of men and women between the ages of 65 and 74 have Alzheimer's disease, but there is an early-onset form of the disease which begins in the 40s and 50s (Robinson, 1999).

Alzheimer's disease comes on slowly, usually beginning with memory loss, which increases with time. Alzheimer's disease patients have trouble remembering recent events, names, familiar things, and are unable to do simple math problems (Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet, 2001). As the disease progresses, they become unable to perform familiar tasks, maintain employment, become disoriented in time and space, lose initiative, and can no longer reason and exercise judgment (Robinson, 1999). Communication ability, mood and personality may also be affected. They may develop aphasia, apraxia, and visuospatial dysfunction (Alzheimer's disease, 1998). Most p

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nd mental status evaluation, and a brief screening of cognitive function, such as the Mini-Mental State Examination for cases where Alzheimer's disease is suspected. The Functional Activities Questionnaire and the Revised Memory and Behavior Problems checklist can be used to identify memory impairment and cognitive deficits. It is important to differentiate patients with Alzheimer's disease from those with other forms of dementia. The Alzheimer's Association has issued a list of 10 warning signs of Alzheimer's disease: memory loss that affects job skills; difficulty performing familiar tasks; problems with language; disorientation to time and place; poor or decreased judgment; problems with abstract thinking; misplacing things; changes in mood or behavior; changes in personality; and loss of initiative (Alzheimer's, 2000). While Alzheimer's disease is incurable, for some people in the early or middle stages of the disease, tacrine may alleviate some cognitive symptoms, and psychotropic medications can be used to control such symptoms as sleeplessness, agitation, wandering, anxiety and depression (Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet, 2001). Donepezil hydrochloride is the only other drug, which has been approved by the Food and Drug

Category: Medical - A