Alzheimer's Disease - Tear Sheet Pad

Medically relevant promotional products from Nucleus are just what the doctor ordered. Physicians love to use our URAC approved, scientifically accurate tear sheet pads for patient education and compliance. Perfect for waiting room or exam room displays, with infinitely customizable designs. CALL for pricing information and samples - 800-333-0753. Product Specifications: 8.5 x 11 inches or 5.5x 8.5 inches; 50 tear sheets, two-sided information (full color front side, one-color back side), printed on white stock, sturdy cardboard back, detailed medical illustrations in color and continuous tone, space available for overprinting of contact information or product may be customized with new artwork or text (additional charge may apply). This tear sheet pad contains the following information: Alzheimer's disease is a progressive condition that destroys brain cells and structures. People with Alzheimer's disease slowly lose the ability to learn, function and remember. Causes The cause of Alzheimer's disease is not yet known. Studies suggest that two main mechanisms may result in the clinical picture of the disease: Plaques - abnormal deposits of a substance called beta amyloid in different areas of the brain Neurofibrillary Tangles - twisted fibers within nerve cells Risk Factors A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. * Age: 65 and older * Down's syndrome * Down's syndrome in a first-degree relative * Family history of Alzheimer's disease * Lower educational achievement * Previous serious, traumatic brain injury * Smoking * Women under 35 who give birth to a child with Down's syndrome Researchers are studying the following to see if they are related to Alzheimer's disease: * Certain viral infections * Excess metal in the blood, especially zinc, copper, aluminum, and iron * Exposure to electromagnetic fields * Poor nutrition and vitamin deficiency in childhood Symptoms Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease come on gradually. They begin as mild memory lapses, and progress to profound loss of memory and function. Alzheimer's disease is divided into three stages: Early, Intermediate, and Severe. Symptoms include: * Difficulty with daily life tasks such as bill paying and house-keeping * Inability to remember the date, time of day, season * Increasing trouble remembering things, such as o Getting lost in familiar surroundings o How to get to familiar places o How to perform tasks, such as cooking, dressing, bathing, etc. o Simple math o The names of friends and family members o Where common objects are usually kept * Mood swings * Poor coordination * Slow, shuffling walk * Slowness and then loss of purposeful movement * Trouble completing sentences, due to lost or forgotten words (progresses to a complete inability to speak) * Trouble concentrating on tasks * Withdrawal, loss of interest in usual activities Diagnosis The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. There are no tests to definitively diagnose Alzheimer's disease. The doctor will ask many questions to rule out other causes of your symptoms. Tests to rule out other medical conditions may include: * Blood tests and urine tests * CT scan - a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the brain * Electroencephalogram (EEG) - a test that measures electrical currents in the brain * MRI scan - a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of the brain * Neurological exam * Psychological and mental status testing Treatment There are no treatments to cure Alzheimer's disease and no certain ways to slow its progression. Four medications have received FDA approval for the treatment of Alzheimer's dementia. Researchers are studying various drugs to see if they can manage the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease or slow its course. Medications for Symptoms and Disease Progression Medications being used and studied include: * Anti-inflammatory agents * Anti-oxidants (vitamin E) * Cholinesterase inhibitors * Estrogen * Gingko biloba (herbal supplement) * NMDA receptor antagonist Lifestyle Management Managing the disease includes: * Creating an environment in which you can receive the care you need * Encouraging family and close friends to visit frequently * Helping yourself learn to deal with the frustration of your uncontrollable behavior * Keeping yourself safe * Light, appropriate exercise to reduce agitation and relieve depression * Optimizing your quality of life * Playing quiet music * Providing a calm, quiet, predictable environment * Providing appropriate eyewear and hearing aids, easy-to-read clocks and calendars Psychiatric Medications Medications to treat the psychiatric symptoms that may occur with Alzheimer’s Disease include: * Antidepressants - to treat depression * Antipsychotics - to treat severe confusion, paranoia, and hallucinations * Anxiolytics - to treat anxiety Caregiver Support Caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease is extremely difficult and exhausting. The primary caregiver needs emotional support, as well as regular respite. Prevention There are no guidelines for preventing Alzheimer's disease because the cause is unknown.