Every 67 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s disease. An estimated 5.1 million seniors age 65 and older are currently living with the disease, and another 200,000 Americans under age 65 have developed early onset Alzheimer’s. But what, exactly, is Alzheimer’s disease, and what does it mean for those who have it?
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The Alzheimer’s Association defines Alzheimer’s as a progressive form of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms are usually slow to develop and gradually worsen over time.
Scientists have linked the presence of Alzheimer’s disease to microscopic changes in brain cells that prevent them from functioning properly, damaging the cells and eventually causing them to die. The result is irreversible changes in the brain: memory failure, personality changes, difficulty carrying out daily activities and other symptoms.
While no cure currently exists for Alzheimer’s, researchers have developed several treatments that have been shown to temporarily slow the worsening of dementia symptoms and improve the quality of life for those suffering from Alzheimer’s.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved two types of medications– called cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine –to help with cognitive symptoms like memory loss, confusion and problems with thinking or reasoning. Some doctors prescribe high doses of Vitamin E, which has also been shown to have cognitive benefits for those with Alzheimer’s.
Organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association can provide a number of resources for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, while assisted living communities like Oakmont of Santa Clarita– set to open later this year –offer special programs dedicated to the care of seniors with Alzheimer’s.
Called Traditions Memory Care, an entire wing of the SCV Oakmont community will be dedicated to seniors living with Alzheimer’s and staffed with care providers who have participated in specialized dementia education and training. Those in the earlier stages of Alzheimer’s can participate in physical and “brain fitness” activities designed to help maintain memory and enhance cognition, while seniors with advanced memory loss can benefit from a soothing environment and specialized activities based on music, sensory and tactile stimulation.
While much remains to be known about Alzheimer’s disease, researchers continue to push on in their quest for answers, making marked progress with every passing year.
To help advance Alzheimer’s support, care and research, the Alzheimer’s Association hosts an annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s in more than 600 communities across the nation. SCV residents can join hundreds of thousands of Americans nationwide in September when the walk comes to Bridgeport Park in Valencia, rallying on behalf of those whose lives have been affected by Alzheimer’s and helping the Alzheimer’s Association move toward its ultimate vision: a world without Alzheimer’s disease.
Do you have a news tip? Call us at (661) 298-1220, or drop us a line at community@hometownstation.com.Article Sources: Alzheimer’s Association, Oakmont of Santa Clarita