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About Alzheimer's Disease
The following is a list of questions to ask your doctor About Alzheimer's Disease  as well as tips for preparing for these conversations.

What is Alzheimer's disease?

Alzheimer's disease is a brain disorder that causes problems with memory, communication, thinking and mood. Although the exact cause is unknown, protein deposits called "plaques" and nerve tissue "tangles" cause gradual loss of brain function. Some changes in memory are a normal consequence of aging, but when changes in memory, spatial navigation, and concentration are affecting activities of daily living, then you may be experiencing some type of dementia. AD is just one form of dementia and dementia is just one reason for changes in memory. AD may have a genetic component so your doctor may ask you questions about family members.

How you can prepare for this discussion

  • List examples of problems with memory or thinking
  • List activities that were affected by forgetfulness
  • Learn your family history of AD or other forms of dementia

How is Alzheimer's disease diagnosed?

There are some medical conditions and medications that can cause changes in thinking, so your doctor will investigate any other potential causes of your cognitive problems. The only way to confirm AD is to examine brain tissue directly. Since this is not practical, doctors use interviews with the patient and a group of tests to determine the likelihood that the disease is present. This evaluation includes a detailed medical history, medication history, physical examination, and mental status and memory exams. Your doctor will perform some standard medical tests in addition to a series of psychological exams to see what is causing memory problems. Brain scans and blood tests will also be used to help rule out other causes of dementia.

How you can prepare for this discussion

  • List any past or current medical conditions and their treatments
  • List all the prescription, over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements you are taking
  • Gather any available medical records, laboratory tests and procedures reports performed in the past

Are there any early warning signs?

People with AD may show mild impairments early on. Doctors refer to this as mild cognitive impairment (MCI). It is unclear whether people with this condition will go on to develop AD. But the medical community believes that people with these mild changes should be monitored closely. Presence of the following may indicate some form of cognitive impairment.
  • Forgetting important appointments, people's names or numbers
  • Finding belongings in unusual places
  • Difficulty in doing everyday things or simple tasks
  • Difficulty finding and getting to familiar places
  • Difficulty following a story or conversation
  • Retelling stories over and over
  • Asking other people to help you make decisions
  • Heightened vigilance or paranoia
  • Lack of interest in things you once enjoyed
  • Avoidance of social situations
  • Depressed mood
  • Complaints from family members or friends

How you can prepare for this discussion

  • Ask family member if they have noticed anything different about your behavior
  • List any events that may indicate a problem

What changes in behavior or mental capacity can be expected over time?

AD is a progressive brain condition, so it is likely that symptoms will worsen over time. AD gradually moves through three phases: mild, moderate and severe. Eventually every aspect of cognition¾thinking, judgment and behavior¾will be compromised. In the later stages, movement, speech, bowel and bladder control may be affected. Doctors use a measurement tool called a global deterioration scale to determine the level of impairment and to see if the disease is advancing.

How you can prepare for this discussion

  • Review results of prior cognition tests and note any changes
  • Keep all your medical records in a binder and bring it with you to all medical visits

What treatment is available?

Although there is no cure for AD, there are treatments that can help with memory impairment and improve mental functioning and to help stabilize symptoms. Early intervention with medications can slow the cognitive decline and improve symptoms and thereby help delay admission to a nursing home.

How you can prepare for this discussion

  • Note the name, dosage and side-effect experience(s) you have had for all current medications
  • List all current symptoms and note any changes
  • List any drug allergies or difficulties with medications in the past
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