Some people with arthritis need knee replacements because of severe disease, others can still play tennis. People with Alzheimer's disease can continue working at a full-time job or become bedridden, depending on the severity of illness. In Alzheimer's, as with other chronic illnesses, early treatment can help slow progression of the illness. There are currently medications available and approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of Alzheimer's, as well as other medications that have been shown to be effective. There are behavioral treatments that may slow progression of the illness, just as specific exercises can help someone with arthritis continue to play tennis.
Accurate diagnosis is important.
Vitamin deficiencies, hormone imbalances, strokes and chronic infections can mimic Alzheimer's symptoms. However, treatment of the deficiency would treat the symptoms and this is why a good diagnostic work-up is important. Alternatively, other dementias due to Lewy Bodies, Parkinson's, hydrocephalus and other conditions need to be ruled out. Such a work-up would rule out reversible causes of memory difficulties and improve the accuracy of diagnosis. As we grow older, we will begin to lose more of our mobility and functioning.