ALZEIMERS DISEASE & DEMENTIA

Alzheimer's disease is a brain disease that makes it hard to remember things, think clearly and do everyday tasks. Right now, there is no way to stop or cure Alzheimer's disease. This is why the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at Mayo Clinic works hard to learn more about aging-related diseases that affect memory.

Dementia is not one specific disease. It is a group of symptoms that make it hard to remember, think and interact with others. Dementia means having trouble with at least two brain functions, such as memory, making decisions or speaking. It also can make it hard to do daily activities such as paying bills or driving.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. In Alzheimer's, brain cells die, leading to a steady loss of memory and other abilities that affect daily life. Medicines for Alzheimer's can help with memory and thinking for a while, but they do not stop the disease from getting worse.

Doctors and researchers at Mayo Clinic are experts at helping people with Alzheimer's and other dementia conditions. They work together from different fields like neurology, neuroscience, psychology and psychiatry to provide the best care.

About Alzheimer's disease and dementia from The Mayo Clinic

Alzheimer's Disease update: Mayo Clinic Radio

Mayo Clinic Minute: Alzheimer’s disease risk and lifestyle

Mayo Clinic Minute: Hope for Alzheimer's disease

Mayo Clinic Minute: Caring for Those with Alzheimer's Disease

Signs and symptoms of dementia

Depending on the cause of dementia ― and there are many ― some of its symptoms are reversible. While dementia generally involves memory loss, this symptom alone doesn't mean that a person has dementia. Some treatable medical conditions can cause dementia-like symptoms.

Symptoms of dementia include:

- Changes in thinking skills

- Changes in behavior and language

- Decline in memory

- Decreased focus and attention

- Poor judgement and reasoning skills

Signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease

While dementia is a general term, Alzheimer's disease is a specific brain disease. It's marked by symptoms of dementia that gradually get worse over time. Alzheimer's disease first affects the part of the brain associated with learning, so early symptoms often include changes in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. As the disease progresses, symptoms become more severe, including confusion, behavior changes and other challenges.

Early signs of Alzheimer's disease include:

-Changes in mood, such as depression or other behavior and personality changes

-Confusion with location or passage of time

-Difficulty concentrating, planning or problem-solving

-Having visual or space difficulties, such as not understanding distance in driving, getting lost or misplacing items

-Language problems, such as difficulty remembering events

-Problems finishing daily tasks at home or at work, such as writing or using eating utensils

-Using poor judgement in decisions

-Withdrawing from work events or social engagements

Diagnosing dementia and Alzheimer's disease

Diagnosing dementia and identifying the type of dementia can be challenging. Your healthcare team will evaluate the pattern of the loss of skills and function, and determine what abilities the person has.

Diagnosing Alzheimer's disease involves the self-reporting of symptoms, as well as administering tests to assess memory and thinking skills. While this can be difficult, there are multiple diagnostic tools that can help detect dementia and determine with relatively high accuracy whether Alzheimer's disease or another condition is the cause.

Treating dementia and Alzheimer's disease

Although there’s no cure for most types of dementia or Alzheimer's disease, managing symptoms is possible. Medications can help with memory symptoms and other cognitive changes.

Dementia and Alzheimer's disease can be unpredictable and move progressively, so those with the diagnosis should be prepared as the condition changes over time.

Some ways to enhance the well-being of someone with dementia or Alzheimer's disease include:

-Making sure they are eating well

-Encouraging regular exercise

-Having the person's hearing checked

-Keeping them involved with social activities

Many communities have in-person or online support groups for caregivers and people with mild to mid-stage memory disorders. For more information, contact your healthcare team or county human services department.

NUTRITION & TIPS FOR PATIENTS WITH ALZEIMERS & DIMENTIA

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