Caring for a victim of Alzheimer's is a 24-hour task. Patients tend to wander at night, and they frequently run into things. Also, insurance companies may not help individuals with the disease. ADRD is currently incurable, but various treatments can slow memory loss or remedy psychological problems associated with the disease. These drugs, however, can cause complications in the liver and have other negative side effects.
Genetic predispositions interact with other risk factors.
Risk factors include advancing age, Down's syndrome, head injury, a low level of education or the presence of certain chemicals in the body. The Heart of Iowa Chapter in Ames wants to help students who may have a friend or relative suffering from the disease and have provided a telephone Help line. Copyright 1997 by the Iowa State Daily Publications Board. All rights reserved. No redistribution without the express written consent of the Iowa State Daily Editor in Chief.