ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

What It Is
Alzheimer’s is a terminal disease that gradually kills brain cells, resulting in a loss of memory, severely reduced mental functioning, and altered behavior. It is not a normal part of aging. Increasing age and a family history of the disease or dementia are the two primary risk factors, and high blood pressure, high cholesterol, head injuries, and poor heart health may also play a role.

Symptoms
Impaired memory and thinking, disorientation and confusion, misplacing things, trouble performing familiar tasks, changes in personality and behavior, decreased or poor judgment, inability to follow directions, communication difficulties, impaired visual and spatial skills, abnormal sleeping patterns, losing interest in things previously enjoyed

Standard Treatments
Drugs
Donepezil (Aricept), Rivastigmine (Exelon), Galantamine (Razadyne), and Memantine (Namenda), are approved to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer’s and may help slow the progression of the disease for some patients. Antidepressants, anxiolytics, and antipsychotic medicines are available to treat the behavioral and psychiatric symptoms of the disease.

Lifestyle changes
Regular exercise, a healthy, well-balanced diet, and taking brain-friendly supplements like omega-3s, all help to keep the brain healthy. Regular contact with friends, family and learning or doing new things may also slow the progression.

Living With Alzheimer’s
Learning you or a loved one has Alzheimer’s can be devastating. Luckily, Philadelphia has a wealth of resources for those struggling with a way to cope, from top doctors and hospitals to caring support groups.