Aging Brain Aging Mind
(Part 1)

Dementia is a progressive decline in the part of the brain that controls memory, thought and language. Alzheimer's Disease (AD) makes up 70% of all dementia. Dementia from strokes makes up 15%. The other 15% is comprised of Parkinson's Dementia, Aids Dementia and others. Over 5,000,000 Americans currently have AD and that number is expected to grow as the population continues to age!

There are two types of AD. Familial AD (10%) has a genetic predisposition and is diagnosed before age 60. Sporadic AD (90%) has an unknown cause and doesn't occur until after age 60. Both types of AD have three stages: early AD, moderate AD, and advanced AD.

In early AD there is moderate short-term memory loss, minor language problems and depression. Moderate AD is characterized by severe short-term memory loss, minor long-term memory loss, moderate language problems, and wandering, aggression or hallucinations may be present as well. There is complete loss of memory and intellect in advanced AD. Usually the patient is bedridden in a vegetative state and most likely will die from something else like pneumonia.

Although scientists are unsure of the exact cause of AD, three factors seem to play a part in the disease. An increase in brain free radical production, chronic brain inflammation and accelerated protein (ß-amyloid) deposition into neuritic plaques. Together they lead to progressive cognitive impairment of AD.

Early diagnosis helps families prepare for the future as well as beginning treatment to slow the progression and/or treat symtoms. Autopsy is the only definitive test but at specialized centers doctors can diagnose AD correctly up to 90% of the time. This is usually through a complete medical history, medical tests, neurological examination, MRI or CT Scanning, genetic testing for genes that cause "familial" AD, and possibly CSF testing (cerebral spinal fluid).

Part 2 "The Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease."

by Carol Glasscock, MS,PT