Alzheimer's Club

Looking into the past becomes gradually impossible for those suffering from Alzheimer's disease - family faces become those of strangers and names are forever forgotten.

You know the face, but not the name. You've misplaced your glasses. Because it's happening more frequently as you age, you may be wondering, "Is this how Alzheimer's starts?"

Forgetting names or losing car keys occasionally should be no cause for concern, said Dr. Ron Petersen, director of the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and a member of the Alzheimer's Association Medical and Scientific Advisory Council. In addition, according to Harvard University research, the key genes affecting learning and mental function start declining after age 40.

As we age, "We have to pay more attention and concentrate more when we're learning new information and events," said Dr. Petersen. "If we spend more time and are more mindful when we learn someone's name to try to get it more firmly in our memory, we can do it."

The greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer's is increasing age. The likelihood of developing Alzheimer's approximately doubles every five years after age 65. After age 85, the risk reaches nearly 50 percent.

And as we age, most of us eventually notice some slowed thinking and problems remembering certain things. However, serious memory loss, confusion and other major changes in the way our minds work are not a normal part of aging.

Possible causes of memory problems include: depression; medication side effects; excess use of alcohol; thyroid problems; poor diet; vitamin deficiencies; certain infections; and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Anyone experiencing significant memory problems should see a doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and intervention methods are improving dramatically, and treatment options and sources of support can improve quality of life.

In 1980, when the Alzheimer's Association was established, there were not any available treatments. Now, 26 years later, the Association has funded extensive research into finding more treatments that can alleviate Alzheimer's symptoms and investigation into finding the cause and a cure.

If a means of prevention is not found, the number of people affected in the United States may grow from 4.5 million to 16 million by 2050. Because 70 percent of those with Alzheimer's live at home, the impact of the illness extends to millions of family members, friends and caregivers.

Lighting the path for people affected by Alzheimer's is the Greater Maryland Chapter. The Chapter serves more than 85,000 families touched by this devastating disease and its regional office in Salisbury serves more than 8,500 families living on the Eastern Shore. Services include a 24/7 telephone helpline, support groups, Safe Return Program, Family Care Program and Respite Care. Educational programs include: Professional training programs; workshops and conferences; community awareness; family education; speaker's bureau; book and audiovisual loan; and newsletter.

Annual fundraising events help support Eastern Shore families who are facing the emotional, physical, and financial challenges of Alzheimer's, as well as, critical research efforts.

On Saturday, March 17, spirits will run high when the 8th annual St. Paddy's Day 5K event kicks off at 3 pm at the Salisbury Elks Lodge near the zoo. More than 300 participants are expected.

Source: Dee Myers. Serious memory loss and confusion are signs of possible Alzheimer's. (26 Feb 2007) [FullText]

Dee Myers is public Awareness/Development Coordinator for the Alzheimer's Association, Greater Maryland Chapter

Labels: What is Alzheimer's Disease