GERIATRIC SYNDROMES. NEUROLOGIC DISEASE: Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life

Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging, although the greatest known risk factor is increasing age, and the majority of people with Alzheimer's are 65 and older.

Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, where dementia symptoms gradually worsen over a number of years.

SYMTOMS:

People in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease may experience lapses of memory and have problems finding the right words. As the disease progresses, they may: become confused and frequently forget the names of people, places, appointments and recent events xperience mood swings, feel sad or angry, or scared and frustrated by their increasing memory loss become more withdrawn, due either to a loss of confidence or to communication problems and they have difficulty carrying out everyday activities

As the disease progresses, people with Alzheimer's will need more support from those who care for them. Eventually, they will need help with all their daily activities.

While there are some common symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, it is important to remember that everyone is unique. No two people are likely to experience Alzheimer's disease in the same way.

Alzheimer's has no current cure, they can temporarily slow the worsening of dementia symptoms and improve quality of life for those with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.