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Alzheimer's Disease (cont.)

What are the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease?

The onset of Alzheimer's disease is usually gradual, and it is slowly progressive. Memory problems that family members initially dismiss as "a normal part of aging" are in retrospect noted by the family to be the first stages of Alzheimer's disease. When memory and other problems with thinking start to consistently affect the usual level of functioning; families begin to suspect that something more than "normal aging" is going on.

Problems of memory, particularly for recent events (short-term memory) are common early in the course of Alzheimer's disease. For example, the individual may, on repeated occasions, forget to turn off an iron or fail to recall which of the morning's medicines were taken. Mild personality changes, such as less spontaneity, apathy, and a tendency to withdraw from social interactions, may occur early in the illness.

As the disease progresses, problems in abstract thinking and in other intellectual functions develop. The person may begin to have trouble with figures when working on bills, with understanding what is being read, or with organizing the day's work. Further disturbances in behavior and appearance may also be seen at this point, such as agitation, irritability, quarrelsomeness, and a diminishing ability to dress appropriately.

Later in the course of the disorder, affected individuals may become confused or disoriented about what month or year it is, be unable to describe accurately where they live, or be unable to name a place being visited. Eventually, patients may wander, be unable to engage in conversation, erratic in mood, uncooperative, and lose bladder and bowel control. In late stages of the disease, persons may become totally incapable of caring for themselves. Death can then follow, perhaps from pneumonia or some other problem that occurs in severely deteriorated states of health. Those who develop the disorder later in life more often die from other illnesses (such as heart disease) rather than as a consequence of Alzheimer's disease.



Next: Ten warning signs of Alzheimer's disease »

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More Alzheimer's Disease Resources on WebMD

Alzheimer's Disease Symptoms

In Alzheimer's disease, nerve cells in the brain die gradually. This makes it increasingly difficult for your brain's signals to be sent properly.

Alzheimer's disease symptoms may be hard to recognize at first. You may assume that symptoms such as mild forgetfulness or an occasional loss of focus are normal signs of aging. But as the disease progresses, Alzheimer's disease symptoms become more than "normal" changes. They become frightening, incapacitating, and dangerous. In the latter stages of disease, persons with Alzheimer"s disease often require round-the-clock care.

What are the early, middle, and late symptoms of Alzheimer's disease? If you notice any of these symptoms of Alzheimer's disease what should you do?

Learn more about alzheimer's disease symptoms »

More Alzheimer's Disease Resources on eMedicineHealth

Alzheimer's Disease FAQs

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive and fatal brain disorder that gradually destroys a person's memory and ability to learn, reason, communicate, and make judgments.

Who gets Alzheimer's disease?

Approximately 4.5 million Americans and more than 30 million people worldwide have Alzheimer's disease.

The disease affects all races and ethnic groups.

Alzheimer's disease seems to affect more women than men.

Alzheimer's disease mainly affects people aged 60 years and older. The risk of developing Alzheimer's disease increases with age.

What exactly causes Alzheimer's disease is not known in most cases. Most often, a number of factors, rather than a single cause, come together in certain people to cause the disease.

Learn more about alzheimer's disease faqs »

More Alzheimer's Disease Resources on RxList

Aricept (donepezil hydrochloride)

This drug may be one drug prescribed for or symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease.

ARICEPT® is indicated for the treatment of dementia of the Alzheimer's type. Efficacy has been demonstrated in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's Disease, as well as in patients with severe Alzheimer's Disease.

Learn more about the drug Aricept »



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