Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting as many as four million Americans and is the fourth leading cause of death in adults—after heart disease, cancer and stroke.  It is a progressive, degenerative disease that attacks the brain. Similar to a watch that no longer keeps correct time, the brain damage caused by Alzheimer's disease can result in impaired memory, thinking, and behavior.

Alzheimer's Disease Symptoms

If someone you know has several of these symptoms, encourage him/her to see a physician for a complete examination.

• Increasing memory loss
  Forgetting things more often and not remembering them later.

• Difficulty performing familiar tasks
  Such as preparing a meal and not only forgetting to serve it, but forgetting you made it.

• Language problems
  Forgetting words, using inappropriate words or incomprehensible sentences.

• Disorientation of time and place
  Getting lost on your own street and not knowing how to return home.

• Poor or decreased judgment
  Not remembering regular responsibilities (such as a child in your care) or dressing inappropriately (wearing several shirts.)

• Problems with abstract thinking
  Such as forgetting what numbers are and how you use them.

• Misplacing things
  Putting things in inappropriate places, such as an iron in the freezer.

• Rapid mood or behavior changes
  From calm to tears to anger, for no apparent reason.

• Personality changes
  Becoming extremely confused, suspicious, or fearful.

• Loss of initiative
  Becoming very passive, requiring prompting to stay involved in conversations, etc.

Source: Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota – North Dakota Chapter, www.alzmndak.org, Information Helpline: 1-800-232-0851.

Resources & More Information

• Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center: www.alzheimers.nia.nih.gov
  P.O. Box 8250
  Silver Spring, MD 20907-8250
  1-800-438-4380
• Eldercare Locator: www.eldercare.gov
  1-800-677-1116
• National Alzheimer's Association: www.alz.org
  225 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1700
  Chicago, IL 60611-7633
  1-800-272-3900
• National Institute on Aging: www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/adfact.htm
• United Way 2-1-1™ is a free and confidential 24/7 helpline that can connect you to over 40,000 community resources.  Just dial 2-1-1 or 651-291-0211.