| Has someone you love recently been diagnosed with | | | | their level of functioning. At this point, your doctor will |
| Alzheimer's disease? If so, you probably have many | | | | be able to give you more in depth Alzheimer's |
| questions about the disease and are concerned about | | | | disease information relating to long term prognosis. |
| getting the best Alzheimer's disease information | | | | Once the diagnosis is made, your doctor may start |
| available. | | | | your loved one on one of a several medications that |
| In the early course of Alzheimer's your affected | | | | have been shown to slow down progression of the |
| family member or loved one may have only mild | | | | disease by acting on certain brain biochemicals. While |
| impairment of their thought processes which may | | | | these medications may delay progression of |
| manifest as problems with short term memory and | | | | Alzheimer's symptoms, they're not a cure. Thus, it will |
| lapses in judgement. You may notice subtle changes | | | | be important to plan for the long term welfare of the |
| in their general personality and mood on a daily basis | | | | patient.To do this, your doctor may recommend |
| with occasional periods of agitation or withdrawal. At | | | | additional specialists such as a psychiatrist, therapist, |
| first these symptoms may be mild but over time | | | | or counselor along with consultation with a neurologist |
| they will likely become more pronounced as the | | | | to help you get the best care for your family |
| disease progresses. Up-to-date Alzheimer's disease | | | | member. They can make recommendations as to |
| information is critical early in the course of the illness | | | | what level of care the patient will need. |
| in order to make the right decisions regarding long | | | | Other resources for Alzheimer's information relating |
| term care of your loved one. | | | | to care of your loved one include Alzheimer's support |
| Alzheimer's disease may progress at a variable rate | | | | groups where you can interact with other family |
| depending on the individual. An affected person may | | | | members dealing with Alzheimer's disease, your local |
| have only mild symptoms and maintain a fairly normal | | | | chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, as well as the |
| lifestyle for many years. Others will progress rapidly, | | | | Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center. |
| requiring constant monitoring and around the clock | | | | These groups can provide you with the support you |
| care early on. It's important that your affected loved | | | | need to get through the challenges of caring for an |
| one undergo a thorough physical exam, mental status | | | | Alzheimer's patient. |
| exam, and functional status evaluation to determine | | | | |