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June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month

Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease - A Closer Look

There are some misconceptions about Alzheimer’s disease. Even though this type of dementia affects millions of people in the U.S., many of us still don’t understand this condition. Let’s take a closer look so you can learn to recognize the signs and the resources available to you.

Before we get to Alzheimer’s it’s important to know a little about dementia. Dementia is not a disease. It’s a word used to describe different symptoms associated with memory decline or other thinking skills that keep a person from completing everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60% to 80% of dementia cases.

Alzheimer’s disease causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Signs of the disease often start slowly but worsen over time. Eventually, they become bad enough to affect daily tasks. The disease kills nerve cells and tissue in the brain. Over time, anywhere from four to 20 years, the brain shrinks severely. That change affects almost all of the brain’s functions.

There is no known cause for Alzheimer’s disease. But there are some factors that can help predict who will get it. For example, age and family history of the disease raises the risk. While you can’t control those things, there are ways to lower your risk:

  • Avoid serious head injuries.
  • Take care of your heart.
  • Stay at a healthy weight.
  • Avoid tobacco use and alcohol.
  • Make friends so you stay social.
  • Exercise your body and your mind.

Keep in mind, that signs usually first show up after age 60, such as:

  • Memory loss
  • Hard time making plans or solving problems
  • Trouble with daily tasks
  • Confusion with time and place
  • Difficulty with images or spatial relationships
  • Problems speaking or writing
  • Putting things in the wrong place
  • Poor judgment
  • Not wanting to work or to be social
  • Changes in mood or personality

There are some drugs that can slow down Alzheimer’s symptoms and many of the changes in behavior can be treated. The goal is to help keep patients safe and comfortable. If you or a loved one are diagnosed, talk to your doctor about what would work best.

For more information on understanding Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, read here.

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Useful Links:

  1. Alzheimer's Disease (illinois.gov)
  2. Memory Changes? Learn When to Seek Help - Connect Community - BCBSIL
  3. Dementia Prevention & Treatment | Aetna
  4. Take action against Alzheimer’s. - Hally Health
  5. Understanding Alzheimer’s disease | CVS Specialty
  6. Dental health care for Alzheimer's patients | Delta Dental (deltadentalins.com)
  7. Spotting the Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease - Connect Community - BCBSIL
  8. Memory Changes? Learn When to Seek Help - Connect Community - BCBSIL