ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE 

A Disease that attacks without warning

Although forgetfulness accompanies the aging process it is a sign that tells us that our brain functions are starting to slow down. One often finds that they need a little more time to remember things that once came at the snap of a finger. Even though this doesn't stop you from going on with living a normal and productive life, you are aware of the forgetfulness.

Although forgetfulness can be a part of normal aging, with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia, the individual often has that eerie feeling that something is not quite right but they cannot pinpoint what the problem is.

Years ago, senility and dementia were synonymous but now they know that there is a difference. Although senility is a loss or decline in mental faculties associated with old age, dementia is a medical term for a syndrome that involves a collection of signs and symptoms. Dementia involves a decline in intellectual and social skills of significance, more then what is expected to occur with normal aging. The symptoms are more severe, such as memory loss, disorientation, and personality changes.

One of the most common causes of dementia is Alzheimer's disease. Before one is diagnosed with AD, they should go through a complete medical exam in order to determine if the symptoms of dementia is the result of “reversible” causes such as metabolic disturbance, hormonal imbalance, vitamin deficiency or other reasons which can be easily remedied. When all of the options have been ruled out, that is when one needs to look at the possibility of Alzheimer's disease or one of the dementia that are NOT reversible.

The lecture we offer explains the dementia associated with the disease process versus normal aging.

The brain is complex organ with many different areas responsible for maintaining life. It seems almost impossible that a three pound mass has the ability to dictate how our body functions. But it does. This is where AD strikes and it affects the hippocampus portion of the brain first. Alzheimer's disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. Although the risk of developing AD increases with age – individuals that develop AD, the symptoms will first appear after age 60. Because AD is not a part of normal aging process it is considered a fatal disease that affects the brain.

When Alzheimer's disease strikes, a communication problem develops among the neurons cells of the brain. If the brain is to function properly, communication between the brain cells is vital. The loss of this communication causes a decline in your cognitive skills, such as the ability to remember, think, and reason .

This lecture is free to caregivers caring for those afflicted with dementia. Anyone wishing to donate to our effort may do so here.

This training course is dedicated in memory of my husband, Rick.
-Linda