Alzheimer’s Disease 0

WHAT IS ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE?

The occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) 

is not normal aging. Alzheimer’s disease is 

characterized by a gradual loss of memory, 

decline in the ability to perform routine tasks, 

disorientation, difficulty in learning, loss of 

language skills, impaired judgment and ability 

to plan, and personality changes. Over time, 

these changes become so severe that they 

interfere with an individual’s daily 

functioning, eventually requiring total 

assistance with daily activities. The disease can 

last from 3 to over 10 years after the onset of 

symptoms. Alzheimer’s disease affects as 

many as 5.1 million Americans. Most people 

diagnosed with AD are older than 60. 

However, it is possible to be diagnosed with 

early-onset AD between the ages of 30 and 60. 

SYMPTOMS 

Alzheimer’s disease manifests itself slowly 

with the first symptoms often appearing to be 

mild forgetfulness. From time to time, we all 

forget where we have put our keys, but people 

with early stage AD may notice that they tend 

to forget things more often. They may have 

trouble finding words or have poor judgment. 

As the disease progresses, the symptoms 

become serious enough to cause people with 

AD or their family members to recognize that 

the person’s ability to function in social 

situations or on the job is seriously impacted. 

As the disease progresses further, people with 

AD eventually forget how to do simple tasks 

like brushing their teeth, or combing their hair. 

They also have problems speaking, 

understanding, reading or writing. Later on, 

people with AD may become anxious or 

aggressive when their needs are not met and 

may wander away from home. Near the end, 

the person may be in bed most or all of the 

time as the body shuts down. 

DIAGNOSIS

Early and careful evaluation is important, 

because it can help determine whether 

symptoms are from AD or another cause, such 

as stroke, sleep disturbances, side effects of 

medication or other conditions, including some 

that are treatable or reversible. There is no 

single test to identify AD. A comprehensive 

exam should be conducted by your physician 

including a complete health history and 

physical exam, neurological and mental status 

assessments, as well as other lab tests (like 

blood tests) and brain scans. 

TREATMENT AND CARE

While there is no known cure for AD, 

scientists have found a few medications which 

may help control some of the symptoms. 

People with AD must work closely with their 

doctor to determine which drugs and activities 

are best for them because response to 

medications varies for each person.

As researchers continue to learn more about 

the disease, new possibilities arise.

Information about cutting-edge treatments

and new scientific discoveries is available 

from physicians and the sources listed 

under ‘Additional Information& Resources’. 

Through the Alzheimer’s Disease Supportive 

Services Program, a grants program funded by 

the Administration on Aging (AoA), new 

dementia-specific approaches to communitybased care have been developed. These
projects have been especially targeted to 

working with low-income, ethnic minority 

and rural families.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & 

RESOURCES 

For more information about AD services and 

resources contact:

ALZHEIMERS.GOV

http://www.alzheimers.gov/ 

Provides information about AD, such as 

symptoms, treatment, caregiver resources, 

and National Alzheimer’s Project Act. 

Includes web links to many other resources 

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE SUPPORTIVE 

SERVICES PROGRAM

http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/AoA_Programs/

HPW/Alz_Grants/index.aspx Provides 

information on the program, current projects, 

and resources for professionals who work in 

the field of AD or dementia.

NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING

Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral 

Center (ADEAR)

Information Specialists- 1-800-438-4380 

http://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers. Provides 

comprehensive and thoroughly researched 

information on AD, including its causes, 

treatment, cures, and diagnostic tools. 

NATIONAL ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION

24-hour Toll-Free Nationwide Helpline:

1-800-272-3900 

http://www.alz.org/

Provides information on care and support for 

those with AD and their caregivers and AD 

related research.

OLDER AMERICANS ACT PROGRAMS 

http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/AoA_Programs/

HCLTC/index.aspx Provides information on 

Older Americans Act programs that help older 

adults maintain independence in their homes 

and communities and information on funding 

for caregiver supports.

HOME AND COMMUNITY BASED 

SERVICES

http://www.medicaid.gov/Medicaid-CHIPProgram-Information/By-Topics/Long-TermServices-and-Support/Home-and-CommunityBased-Services/Home-and-Community-BasedServices.html

Provides information on HCBS programs for 

Medicaid beneficiaries to receive services in 

their homes or community based settings. 

For more information about ACL

U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Community 

Living, Washington DC 20201 

Phone: (202) 357 – 3566

Fax: (202) 357 – 3555 

Email: ACLinfo@acl.hhs.gov

Web: http://www.ACL.gov