Delaying AD also would make the quality of life better for older people and lead to savings in health care costs. Other research is aimed at helping both patients and caregivers cope with the patients' loss of abilities and the stress this causes. For example, researchers are studying ways to manage problem behaviors in patients, such as wandering and agitation. Still other scientists are evaluating services and programs for patients and caregivers, including respite care. Respite care covers a variety of situations in which someone else cares for the patient for a period of time, giving family caregivers temporary relief.
AD is a slow disease, starting with mild memory problems and ending with severe mental damage.
The course the disease takes and how fast changes occur vary from person to person. Some people only have the disease for 5 years, while others may have it for as many as 20 years. Also, some medications may help control behavioral symptoms of AD such as sleeplessness, agitation, wandering, anxiety, and depression. Treating these symptoms often makes patients more comfortable and makes their care easier for caregivers. Scientists are testing new drugs for AD at many large hospitals and universities.