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[From
the Shared Experiences: Suggestions for those with
Alzheimer's disease booklet and audiotape by the Alzheimer
Society of Canada. To get a copy, contact your local
Alzheimer Society.]
Learning
what you can about Alzheimer's disease and how it progresses
may help you adjust to the changes that you are experiencing.
The changes are due to the disease; they are not your
fault. Encourage your family members and friends to also
learn about Alzheimer's disease. Your family doctor and
the local Alzheimer Society are
good sources of information.
Some
questions you may have about Alzheimer's disease
What
is Alzheimer's disease?
Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging. Symptoms include
having difficulty remembering things, making decisions
and performing tasks. These changes can affect the way
a person feels and acts. There is currently no way to
stop the disease but there is hope that research will
find a cure.
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information... (Use your Back button to
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What
causes Alzheimer's disease?
We
do not yet know what causes Alzheimer's disease but researchers
have identified risk factors associated with it.
- Age: Alzheimer's disease usually affects people over the age of 65,
although some people may be diagnosed at an earlier
age. The older you are, the greater the risk.
- Family
history: People with a parent, brother or sister
with Alzheimer's disease have a greater chance of developing
the disease than those with no family history.
- Other
factors: Research is being done on other factors
such as existing diseases or conditions that the
person may have, infections, toxins in the environment,
education level, alcohol and tobacco use, diet and
exercise.
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information... (Use your Back button to
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Are
there treatments for Alzheimer symptoms?
Several
medications are now available to treat some Alzheimer
symptoms. These drugs are not a cure for the disease.
They do not stop its progression. Ask your doctor if
there is a treatment suitable for you.
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information... (Use your Back button to
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Will
my children get Alzheimer's disease?
The
majority of people with the disease have a common form
called Sporadic Alzheimer's Disease. Researchers
are trying to determine what role heredity plays in this
form.
A
very small percentage of people have an inherited form
of the disease. This rare form is called Familial
Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer's Disease. In certain
families, it passes directly from one generation to another.
Having more than one family member with Alzheimer's disease
does not necessarily mean that your family has the inherited
form.
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information... (Use your Back button to
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Is
there genetic testing for Alzheimer's disease?
Genetic
testing for the disease is not widely available in Canada.
It is usually limited to people with a strong family
history of the disease who are enrolled in specific research
studies. Some testing is also done on referral from a
family physician. You cannot request genetic testing
on behalf of another family member.
How
does Alzheimer's disease progress?
The
progression of the disease varies from person to person.
The average length of the disease is between eight to
12 years. However, some people may have it for a longer
time, others for a shorter time.
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information... (Use your Back button to
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