Genesee County Health Department
Better Life Through Better Health
Is It Alzheimer's
Disease?
I'm worried about by my
husband's sudden short memory
and mood swings. Could he have Alzheimer's?
Alzheimer's Disease is a
progressive disease that attacks the brain. It impairs the memory and
disrupts thinking. The beginning of the disease is gradual and eventually
ends with death.
An estimated 5 million Americans are affected by the disease. Alzheimer's
Disease most commonly affects people over the age of 65. Symptoms of the
disease include:
- forgetfulness
- trouble with names and faces or recent events,
- confusion
- difficulty completing simple tasks or getting lost on a familiar
route
- personality changes, moodiness or unexplained anger
- trouble finding words to express ordinary events
How quickly these changes occur in a patient with Alzheimer's
Disease will vary from person to person. Eventually, it leaves those with
the disease unable to care for themselves. Many jokes are made about
forgetfulness. However, loved ones with real symptoms of the disease
should be checked by a doctor. Sometimes the cause of the symptoms are not
Alzheimer's Disease, but other
treatable diseases or problems with medicine. Finding out is important in
any case.
Currently, Alzheimer's
Disease can only be diagnosed by eliminating other possible diseases.
Research and advances in science are bringing us closer to answers that
could lead to prevention and treatment. For more information about
Alzheimer's Disease, contact the
Alzheimer's Association of East
Central Michigan at (810) 767-3737.
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