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Health & Fitness

The More You Know: Alzheimer's Disease FAQs

Knowing the treatment options and the road that lies ahead helps many patients cope better with an Alzheimer's diagnosis.

Alzheimer’s disease is a life-altering illness. However, the more a person knows about the disease, the more prepared he or she can be to handle the symptoms, treatments, and lifestyle changes that go along with it. In turn, family members, caregivers, and close friends will also know what to expect as the disease progresses. I wanted to share the answers to these frequently asked questions about Alzheimer’s disease:

What causes Alzheimer’s disease?

  • It is not yet fully understood what causes Alzheimer’s disease. For most people, the disease is likely brought on by a combination of several genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that affect each person differently. Scientists have discovered that chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, diet, exercise, and social engagement may all play a role in whether or not a person develops Alzheimer’s

How is Alzheimer’s disease diagnosed?

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  • Physicians can correctly diagnose Alzheimer’s disease approximately 90% of the time based on mental and behavioral symptoms, a physical exam, blood and urine tests, and neuropsychological tests. A 100% definitive Alzheimer’s diagnosis can only be confirmed during an autopsy.

 Are there treatments available for Alzheimer’s?

  • There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are medications that help control some symptoms of the disease, such as depression, aggression, and hallucinations. Because some medications for Alzheimer’s may react badly with one another, it is important to discuss the pros and cons of medications with the doctor before making a decision.

For more educational resources on Alzheimer’s disease, click here.

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Knowing the treatment options and the road that lies ahead helps many patients cope better with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. For more information about how in-home care can help Alzheimer’s patients live safely and independently at home, contact Heartwarming Care in the UP area at (253) 460-1574.

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