Central Carolina HEALTH - Spring 2011 - (Page 9)

QRA: Alzheimer’s Brain Matters Get the facts on alzheimer’s, from risk factors and early warninG siGns to how the disease is diaGnosed Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, a brain disorder, among older people. Alzheimer’s affects the parts of the brain that control thought, memory and language. As many as 5.3 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s. Age is the most important known risk factor for Alzheimer’s, which usually begins after age 60 with risk increasing with age. In fact, the number of people diagnosed with the disease doubles every five years beyond age 65. While heredity may play a role in many cases, only 15 percent of people have the specific form of a gene that may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s. The gene in question makes apolipoprotein E (ApoE), a protein that helps carry cholesterol in the blood. Mohan Deochand, MD, board-certified neurologist on staff at Central Carolina Hospital, answers some common questions about Alzheimer’s disease. If you k no have A w someone who m lzheim ay er ’s Centra l Caroli disease, call na Hos physic pital’ ian 800-4 referral line s a 83-63 85 to fi t a p hy s nd ician. Help Is Availab le I’ve been forgetful lately. Could It be alzheImer’s? While forgetfulness is common as we age, Dr. Deochand says there are specific things that are attributed to dementia. “In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, a person may forget something that happened just yesterday but remember in great detail an event of his or her childhood. The person may ask the same question or tell a story over and over again, or he may have trouble performing simple tasks at home such as how to use the microwave he or she has been using for years. The disease progresses until the person eventually loses awareness and the ability to respond to his or her environment.” What happens to the braIn WIth alzheImer’s? The cause of Alzheimer’s is still unknown. The brain has 10 billion nerve cells each connecting to form a communication network. It’s believed that in Alzheimer’s patients, abnormal structures called plaques and tangles damage and kill nerve cells. Dr. Deochand says while plaque and tangles are normal in most people, there seem to be a higher number as well as a predictable pattern in people with Alzheimer’s. When the nerve cells are damaged, the memory fails, the personality changes, and activities of daily living become a challenge. hoW do you test for alzheImer’s? Dr. Deochand says an early, accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer’s offers the best chances to treat the symptoms of the disease. “We use several tools to help us diagnose the probability of Alzheimer’s. We ask the patients about their medical history and see if they can perform normal activities of daily living; we test their memory, problem solving, attention, counting and language skills; we test their blood, urine or spinal fluid; and we may order a brain scan.” Thyroid problems, dehydration, poor nutrition, vitamin deficiencies, drug reactions, depression, brain tumors and blood vessel diseases in the brain can cause Alzheimer’slike symptoms. Therefore, Dr. Deochand recommends seeing if any of those illnesses are attributing to the memory loss instead. While there is no treatment to stop the progression of Alzheimer’s, some medicines may help control or slow down the symptoms. Treating some of the behavioral symptoms, such as sleeplessness, agitation, wandering, anxiety and depression, often makes patients more comfortable and makes their care easier for caregivers. online resources Mohan Deochand, MD, Neurology, board certified SPRING 2011 | 9 •Alzheimer’s Association: www.alz.org • Alzheimer’s Disease Research: www.ahaf.org/alzheimers •National Institutes of Health: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus http://www.alz.org http://www.ahaf.org/alzheimers http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Central Carolina HEALTH - Spring 2011

Central Carolina HEALTH - Spring 2011
From the CEO
Contents
Health Beat
Step By Step
Q+A
The Sun and Your Skin
Heart Smart
Beneath the Surface

Central Carolina HEALTH - Spring 2011