1. Alzheimer Disease: An Overview

2. What is Dementia? Dementia is a set of symptoms, which includes loss of memory, understanding, and judgment.

3. Dementia – not a disease, but a set of symptoms that accompanies a disease Alzheimer Disease Pick’s Lewy Body Vascular Creutzfeldt- Disease Disease Dementia Jakob Disease

4. Types of Irreversible Dementia Progressive disorders Vascular dementia Subcortical dementia Head trauma Infectious diseases

5. Types of Reversible Dementia Depression Medications Nutritional disorders Metabolic disorders Other

6. Alzheimer Disease is... damage from the disease increases over time brain cells degenerate or break down damage cannot be repaired; at present there is no known cure

7. Normal Forgetfulness Recognize people & places, even if cannot recall their names Remember the day & time Forget details of a recent experience, but not the experience itself Forget items, but will often remember later

8. Alzheimer Disease: 10 Warning Signs Memory loss affecting day-to-day function Difficulty performing familiar tasks Problems with language Disorientation of time and place Poor or decreased judgment

9. Alzheimer Disease: 10 Warning Signs Problems with abstract thinking Misplacing things Changes in mood and behaviour Changes in personality Loss of initiative

10. All Behaviour has Meaning Changes in behaviour are often seen as a result of a disease process Try not to take any behaviour personally Look for the person behind the disease Build on strengths and abilities Focus on the positive

11. Risk Factors Known to be associated with Alzheimer Disease: Age Family History

12. Risk Factors Under Investigation Increased Risk: Head injury Down Syndrome Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) Hormone Replacement Therapy Aluminum Decreased Risk: Anti-inflammatory Use Education Physical Activity

13. Progression of Alzheimer Disease

14. Early Stage May be aware of Changes Short-term Memory loss Communication Difficulties

15. Middle Stage Continued Memory problems Personality & Behaviour changes Assistance needed for daily tasks

16. Late Stage Significantly impaired memory Significantly impaired communication Significantly impaired ability to care for self

17. End-of-Life Complete withdrawal Total care required

18. Getting a Diagnosis It is important to understand that: There is no single test Getting a diagnosis is a lengthy process that may involve: - medical history - mental status exam - laboratory tests - neuropsychological evaluations - physical exam

19. Treatments The following medications are currently available in Canada to treat symptoms of Alzheimer Disease: Aricept Exelon Reminyl Ebixa These do not cure Alzheimer Disease.

20. Ongoing Research Causes of Alzheimer Disease Risk Factors Diagnostic Tools Treatments Improving Care

21. Thank you Some graphics in this presentation were used with permission from: Murray Alzheimer Research & Education Program

22. Keeping Your Memory Sharp Sleep well Breathe deeply Exercise Eat a balanced diet Drink water Don’t smoke Have your hearing checked Lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels RELAX

23. MEMORY TOOLS Get organized Use labels Write it down K. I. S. S Use lists Names and numbers with pictures

24. Neurobic exercises! Memorize Remembering Paper clips Floor plans Music (pictures) Name game Alphabet game Learn new info Learn new hobby Practice other- handedness