Managing Alzheimer's disease

AD gets worse over time, and the course of the disease varies from person to person. Some people have the disease for only the last five years of their lives, while others may have it for as long as 20 years. The most common cause of death in people with Alzheimer's disease is infection.

n managing the disease, physical exercise and social activity are important, as are proper nutrition, health maintenance, and a calm and well-structured environment.

The economic and social burden of AD is very high; it is estimated that $80 billion to $100 billion is spent annually on the care of AD patients, and the cost per family is over $200,000 for each affected patient. Caregivers spend an average of 70 to 100 hours per week providing care and are more likely to require medical care themselves, including treatment for depression.

What to expect

When you get an illness like bronchitis or the flu, you know you will be feeling better and functioning normally within a week or so. Alzheimer's disease is different. It will never go away and can change your life and lifestyle in many ways.

Disability and fatigue may become a frequent part of your day. Physical and mental changes from Alzheimer's disease may occur and affect your mood and even your appearance. These changes may diminish your positive self-image. When you don't feel good about yourself, you may prefer isolation and withdraw from friends and social activities.

Alzheimer's disease also can influence your ability to function and get around at home. Confusion, as well as impaired judgment and disorientation, may require you to modify your work activities and environment. Decreased work ability and the increasing cost of care can lead to financial difficulties.
Specific tasks may take much longer to accomplish. You may need the help of your spouse, a relative, or a home healthcare provider. As your life changes, you may feel a loss of control and more anxious from the uncertainty of what lies ahead.
Stress can build and influence how you feel about life. Prolonged stress can lead to frustration, anger, hopelessness, and, at times, depression--all of which can worsen the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. The person with the illness is not the only one affected. Family members are also influenced by the persistent health changes of a loved one.

Axonyx Reports Phenserine Associated with Significant Amyloid ...Genetic Engineering News - Larchmont,NY,USA... of beta-amyloid- a peptide thought to play a key role in causing the alterations in the brain which lead to the symptoms and progression of Alzheimer's disease ...

Based on laboratory research, scientists at Georgetown University Medical Center have a new theory as to why people with Alzheimer's disease have trouble performing even the simplest memory tasks, such as remembering a family member's name. Click link to read more.
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