In time, while the person with Alzheimer's is still competent to make legal decisions, he or she should execute a power of attorney for medical and financial matters, including a living will, if desired. A family attorney or doctor may have information or forms for these. Because the cause of Alzheimer's disease is unknown, there are no known ways to prevent it. However, major advances have been made recently in identifying the brain chemistry and cellular processes that appear to be involved. These discoveries substantially raise hopes that a specific treatment or prevention strategy can be developed.
Active research continues in the areas of early diagnosis and early treatment of mental decline.
It is important for people who have a family history of Alzheimer's to see their physician on a regular basis. Early diagnosis of the disease will allow them to take advantage of medical advances as they become available. Developed by Clinical Reference Systems.