What
You Need To Know
Alzheimer's Disease
What
is Alzheimer's Disease?
Alzheimer's
disease is a type of dementia. Dementia is a general term
for ongoing problems with memory and other mental
functions. It is not a normal part of aging and it is not
just memory loss. Alzheimer's disease causes the brain to
lose its ability to work normally and the person
gradually becomes unable to continue with day-to-day
living. The symptoms of this disease get worse over time.
However, Alzheimer's disease can be managed.
What
are the signs and symptoms?
The disease
usually begins with small changes in a person's behaviour
and memory. Some of the signs that may be present
include: memory loss that affects day-to-day function,
difficulty performing familiar tasks, problems with
language, disorientation regarding time and place, poor
or decreased judgement, misplacing things, changes in
mood or behaviour, changes in personality, loss of
interest or initiative.
What
are the management options?
Alzheimer's
disease cannot yet be cured, however, the disease can be
managed. This usually includes an overall management
plan, regular visits to your physician, appropriate
medications and professional counselling and support.
A management plan includes
family and/or caregivers, physician, medication and
professional counselling and the support for the person
with Alzheimer's disease and their family. It means
making sure the person's physical and social living
conditions are suitable for them.
What
causes Alzheimer's disease?
Although
acetylcholine (a chemical in the brain) is believed to
play a role in Alzheimer's disease, the exact cause of
the disease is not well understood. Researchers believe
the cause may be a combination of several factors and are
working to find out more about the causes of Alzheimer's
disease.
Who
can develop Alzheimer's disease?
Alzheimer's
disease tends to occur most often in people over age 65.
The older you are, the more likely you are to develop the
disease. But people as young as 40 can be affected.
Today, more than 200,000
Canadians have Alzheimer's disease. This disease is
becoming more common as the population gets older.
Are
there any support services?
The Alzheimer
Society of Canada provides information and support
materials for those living with the disease and for their
caregivers. To find out more about these services, you
can call toll-free at 1-800-616-8816 or visit The
Alzheimer Society's website at www.alzheimer.ca
 The information in this publication is presented as an educational
service. It is not intended as a substitute for medical
advice from your physician.
Your PharmAssist(tm)
pharmacist is available to discuss any questions or
concerns you may have. To locate the PharmAssist(tm)
pharmacist nearest you, please call 1-877-378-4100 or
e-mail: pharmacist@pharmassist.ca
|
