| 1> | | | | Dementia can be caused by a series of strokes so |
| More than 5 million Americans suffer from memory | | | | small as to be undetected. Depression can also cause |
| loss or dementia. While there are no definitive tests for | | | | memory lapses. Parkinson’s disease, a |
| Alzheimer’s, find out here what science knows | | | | degenerative nerve disorder, can also be a cause of |
| now about this incurable disease. There are more than | | | | dementia. And some medications, especially in older |
| 5 million people in the United States today who have | | | | patients, can cause fuzzy thinking and memory loss. |
| Alzheimer's disease. In the over-65 population, 1 in 8 | | | | Even a fever or a head injury can result in memory |
| people has the disease. For those over 85, roughly | | | | problems, as can dehydration or malnutrition. |
| 50% have Alzheimer's or some degree of dementia. | | | | Late-stage syphilis is yet another cause of dementia. |
| And it’s estimated that 500,000 Americans | | | | Blood tests can help eliminate these and other possible |
| under the age of 65 have already been diagnosed | | | | causes of memory loss, such as thyroid disorders or |
| with Alzheimer’s | | | | vitamin deficiencies. |
| Imagine what will happen to these numbers when | | | | More extensive neuropsychological testing may be |
| more than 72 million American baby boomers enter | | | | given to the patient. These tests assess the |
| the senior population. But how is Alzheimer's disease | | | | patient’s memory, problem-solving abilities, |
| diagnosed? | | | | attention span and skills involving numbers and |
| Unfortunately, there are no actual tests for Alzheimer's. | | | | language. Psychological tests can also be useful in |
| It’s only diagnosed by the process of elimination. | | | | diagnosing Alzheimer's disease. |
| What science knows now is that there are a number | | | | A vaccine was developed that reduces the deposits in |
| of medical issues that can cause memory-related | | | | the brain associated with Alzheimer's. However, it was |
| problems. These include thyroid disorders, small | | | | found to have dangerous side effects, and the clinical |
| strokes, drug interaction, depression, and pernicious | | | | trial was abandoned. |
| anemia. Science also knows that the earlier the | | | | Genetic testing for Alzheimer's is still in the beginning |
| diagnosis, the better chance for developing an | | | | phase. Researchers have identified several genes that |
| appropriate treatment plan. | | | | are associated with Alzheimer's disease. It must be |
| | | | | mentioned here that recent studies have shown that |
| The diagnostic procedure begins with your health | | | | only 30% of cognitive decline is the result of genetics. |
| practitioner evaluating your medical history, as well as | | | | The remaining 70% is the result of lifestyle choices. |
| that of your parents, siblings and grandparents. Other | | | | What science knows now is that Alzheimer's disease |
| possible causes of memory impairment are then ruled | | | | is not a normal part of the human aging process. |
| out. A physical examination and blood tests will help | | | | There is always a cause. Although physicians have no |
| eliminate these possibilities. | | | | definitive tests for Alzheimer's, you should not ignore |
| A cognitive test may also be administered, in which the | | | | any early symptoms of mental decline. |
| patient is asked to perform simple memory and | | | | There are many other tests and screenings that can |
| processing tasks. The patient may then be referred | | | | be used to eliminate possible causes of memory loss. |
| for more complex medical screenings. Several types | | | | And fortunately, there are drug therapies that can slow |
| of brain imaging tests, such as CAT scans, MRIs and | | | | down the progression of this frightening disease. |
| PET scans, are used to rule out strokes or tumors. | | | | |