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Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia, is a progressive degenerative disease that attacks the brain and causes impaired memory, thinking and behavior. Current estimates indicate 4 million people in the United States suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. AD usually has a gradual onset. Problems remembering recent events and difficulty performing daily tasks are early symptoms. Other symptoms may include confusion, behavior or personality changes, difficulty following directions or finding words when speaking. How quickly these changes occur vary from individual to individual, but the disease eventually leaves its victims completely unable to care for themselves. The cost of caring for these 4 million victims is $100 billion annually. Caregivers spend 70 to 100 hours each week in hands-on care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease or a related dementia. WHAT IS DEMENTIA? Dementia is the loss of intellectual abilities (like thinking, reasoning, remembering) that is great enough to interfere with a person’s daily activities. Dementia is not a disease itself—it is a group of symptoms that may accompany certain other diseases or conditions. The causes of dementia vary and can include Alzheimer’s Disease, multi-infarct dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Pick’s disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Lou Gehrig’s disease and multiple sclerosis. Other things can bring on dementia, including thyroid disorders, infections, depression, head injuries and alcoholism. Some of these are treatable or reversible. Alzheimer’s Disease is not. Anyone who is suspected of having dementia should see a physician who is experienced in the diagnosis of dementing disorders. Having a diagnosis will help the patient obtain treatment for any reversible conditions and help the patient and family plan for medical assistance. |
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Alzheimer’s of Glynn/Brunswick, Inc. |
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Be an Angel for Alzheimer’s |
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To contact us: |
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Phone: 912-264-0777 |
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What is Alzheimer’s Disease? |
