Alzheimer’s is not just a disease for older people

http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_early_onset.asp?WT.mc_id=enews2013_06_04

Younger-onset Alzheimer’s (also known as early-onset) affects people younger than age 65. Of the more than 5 million Americans with Alzheimer’s in the United States, it is estimated that more than 200,000 people have younger-onset. If you have younger-onset Alzheimer’s, you are not alone — we can provide information support and referrals.
Learn more about younger-onset Alzheimer’s >>

Alzheimer’s is not just a disease of old age. Younger-onset (also known as early-onset) Alzheimer’s affects people younger than age 65.  Nearly 4 percent of the more than 5 million Americans with Alzheimer’s have younger-onset. 

Who gets it?
Diagnosis

Causes
Resources

Who gets early onset Alzheimer’s?

Many people with early onset are in their 40s and 50s. They have families, careers or are even caregivers themselves when Alzheimer’s disease strikes. In the United States, it is estimated that more than 200,000 people have early onset.

Diagnosing early onset Alzheimer’s

Since health care providers generally don’t look for Alzheimer’s disease in younger people, getting an accurate diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer’s can be a long and frustrating process. Symptoms may be incorrectly attributed to stress or there may be conflicting diagnoses from different health care professionals. People who have early onset Alzheimer’s may be in any stage of dementia – early stage, middle stage or late stage. The disease affects each person differently and symptoms will vary.

If you are experiencing memory problems:

• Have a comprehensive medical evaluation with a doctor who specializes in Alzheimer’s disease. Getting a diagnosis involves a medical exam and possibly cognitive tests, a neurological exam and/or brain imaging. Call your local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association for a referral.
• Write down symptoms of memory loss or other cognitive difficulties to share with your health care professional.
• Keep in mind that there is no one test that confirms Alzheimer’s disease. A diagnosis is only made after a comprehensive medical evaluation.

Learn more: Steps to Diagnosis, Finding the Right Physician, Medical Tests,Signs and Symptoms

If you have early onset Alzheimer’s, you are not alone.

The Alzheimer’s Association can provide information, support and referrals. Find your local chapter.

Causes of Early Onset Including Genetics

Doctors do not understand why most cases of early onset Alzheimer’s appear at such a young age. But in a few hundred families worldwide, scientists have pinpointed several rare genes that directly cause Alzheimer’s. People who inherit these rare genes tend to develop symptoms in their 30s, 40s and 50s. When Alzheimer’s disease is caused by deterministic genes, it is called “familial Alzheimer’s disease,” and many family members in multiple generations are affected.

Learn more: Alzheimer’s and Genetics, Genetic Testing Fact Sheet

Help is available for early onset Alzheimer’s
& Dementia

If you have early onset Alzheimer’s you are not alone. There are many ways to stay active and involved.

• Call our 24/7 helpline.
• Join an Alzheimer’s Association support group. Some groups are just for people with early-onset. Find a support group in your area.
• Be part of AlzConnected, our message boards and online community.
• Go to our free online tool, Alzheimer’s Navigator, to receive a customized action plan and step-by-step guidance on topics including driving and home safety.

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People with Alzheimer’s may mimic emotions of those around them

http://consumer.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=676754

People with Alzheimer’s disease or early thinking and memory problems may sometimes mirror the emotions of those around them, a new study shows. The researchers said this transfer of emotions, known as emotional contagion, appears heightened in people with Alzheimer’s and related mental decline.
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Seniors are living longer, but health care crisis may loom

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/05/28/senior-citizens-health-care-report/2354635/

An aging nation that’s living longer but with growing rates of diseases such as Alzheimer’s faces an emerging health care crisis, according to a new report that analyzes seniors’ health status state-by-state. America’s Health Rankings Senior Report focuses on numerous measures of senior health, including physical inactivity, obesity, self-reported health status, poverty and drug coverage. A spokesperson for the report said people turning 65 today are “more likely to live longer than their parents and grandparents, and much more likely to live sicker for a longer period of time.”
Read the article >>

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Separate the realities of Alzheimer’s from the myths

http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_myths_about_alzheimers.asp?WT.mc_id=enews2013_05_08

Memory loss is a natural part of aging. True. Alzheimer’s is not fatal. False. Do only older people get the disease? Some common myths surround Alzheimer’s — learn what’s true and what’s false.
Learn more about Alzheimer’s myths and realities >>

Myth 1: Memory loss is a natural part of aging.

Reality: As people age, it’s normal to have occasional memory problems, such as forgetting the name of a person you’ve recently met. However, Alzheimer’s is more than occasional memory loss. It’s a disease that causes brain cells to malfunction and ultimately die. When this happens, an individual may forget the name of a longtime friend or what roads to take to return to a home they’ve lived in for decades.

It can be difficult to tell normal memory problems from memory problems that should be a cause for concern. The Alzheimer’s Association has developed information to help you tell the difference. If you or a loved one has memory problems or other problems with thinking and learning that concern you, contact a physician. Sometimes the problems are caused by medication side effects, vitamin deficiencies or other conditions and can be reversed with treatment. The memory and thinking problems may also be caused by another type of dementia.

Myth 2: Alzheimer’s disease is not fatal.

Reality: Alzheimer’s disease has no survivors. It destroys brain cells and causes memory changes, erratic behaviors and loss of body functions. It slowly and painfully takes away a person’s identity, ability to connect with others, think, eat, talk, walk and find his or her way home.

Myth 3: Only older people can get Alzheimer’s

Reality: Alzheimer’s can strike people in their 30s, 40s and even 50s. This is called younger-onset Alzheimer’s. It is estimated that there are more than 5 million people living with Alzheimer’s disease in the United States. This includes 5.2 million people age 65 and older and 200,000 people younger than age 65 with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Myth 4: Drinking out of aluminum cans or cooking in aluminum pots and pans can lead to Alzheimer’s disease.

Reality: During the 1960s and 1970s, aluminum emerged as a possible suspect in Alzheimer’s. This suspicion led to concern about exposure to aluminum through everyday sources such as pots and pans, beverage cans, antacids and antiperspirants. Since then, studies have failed to confirm any role for aluminum in causing Alzheimer’s. Experts today focus on other areas of research, and few believe that everyday sources of aluminum pose any threat.

Myth 5: Aspartame causes memory loss.

Reality: This artificial sweetener, marketed under such brand names as Nutrasweet and Equal, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in all foods and beverages in 1996. Since approval, concerns about aspartame’s health effects have been raised.

According to the FDA, as of May 2006, the agency had not been presented with any scientific evidence that would lead to change its conclusions on the safety of aspartame for most people. The agency says its conclusions are based on more than 100 laboratory and clinical studies.Read the May 2006 FDA statement about aspartame.

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Myth 6: Flu shots increase risk of Alzheimer’s disease

Reality: A theory linking flu shots to a greatly increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease has been proposed by a U.S. doctor whose license was suspended by the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners. Several mainstream studies link flu shots and other vaccinations to a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease and overall better health.

• A Nov. 27, 2001, Canadian Medical Journal report suggests older adults who were vaccinated against diphtheria or tetanus, polio, and influenza seemed to have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease than those not receiving these vaccinations. The full text of this report is posted on the journal’s Web site. 
• A report in the Nov. 3, 2004, JAMA found that annual flu shots for older adults were associated with a reduced risk of death from all causes. The abstract of that report is posted on PubMed.

Myth 7: Silver dental fillings increase risk of Alzheimer’s disease

Reality: According to the best available scientific evidence, there is no relationship between silver dental fillings and Alzheimer’s. The concern that there could be a link arose because “silver” fillings are made of an amalgam (mixture) that typically contains about 50 percent mercury, 35 percent silver and 15 percent tin. Mercury is a heavy metal that, in certain forms, is known to be toxic to the brain and other organs.

Many scientists consider the studies below compelling evidence that dental amalgam is not a major risk factor for Alzheimer’s. Public health agencies, including the FDA, the U.S. Public Health Service and the World Health Organization, endorse the continued use of amalgam as safe, strong, inexpensive material for dental restorations.

• March 1991, the Dental Devices Panel of the FDA concluded there was no current evidence that amalgam poses any danger.
• National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1991 funded a study at the University of Kentucky to investigate the relationship between amalgam fillings and Alzheimer’s. Analysis by University statisticians revealed no significant association between silver fillings and Alzheimer’s. The abstract for this study is posted on the Journal of the American Dental Association Web site.
• October 30, 2003, a New England Journal of Medicine article concluded that current evidence shows no connection between mercury-containing dental fillings and Alzheimer’s or other neurological diseases. The abstract for this study is posted on the New England Journal of Medicine Web site.

Myth 8: There are treatments available to stop the progression of Alzheimer’s disease

Reality: At this time, there is no treatment to cure, delay or stop the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. FDA-approved drugs temporarily slow worsening of symptoms for about 6 to 12 months, on average, for about half of the individuals who take them.

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Respite care helps those caring for Alzheimer’s to take a break

http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-caregiver-respite.asp?WT.mc_id=enews2013_05_08

Respite care provides someone caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease a temporary break from responsibilities, while the person with Alzheimer’s continues to receive care in a safe environment. Using respite services can support and strengthen your ability to be a caregiver.
Learn more about respite care >>

Everyone needs a break. Respite care provides caregivers a temporary rest from caregiving, while the person with Alzheimer’s continues to receive care in a safe environment. Using respite services can support and strengthen your ability to be a caregiver.

• Using respite care
• Types of respite care
• Overcoming concerns

Using respite care

Respite care can help you as a caregiver by providing a new environment or time to relax. It’s a good way for you to take time for yourself.

Respite care can provide:

• A chance to spend time with other friends and family, or to just relax

• Time to take care of errands such as shopping, exercising, getting a haircut or going to the doctor

• Comfort and peace of mind knowing that the person with dementia is spending time with another caring individual

Respite care services can give the person with dementia an opportunity to:

• Interact with others having similar experiences
• Spend time in a safe, supportive environment
• Participate in activities designed to match personal abilities and needs

Plan Ahead: Respite Care for Unexpected Situations

Emergencies, unplanned situations or unexpected trips can create a need for immediate care by an alternative caregiver. Try providers out in a non-emergency situation, so you’re ready if the need arises. Also, talk with people you trust — including family, friends and neighbors — about helping out in an emergency. It’s a good idea to have contact information for the person with dementia’s medical team as well as a list of all current medications (with dosage and frequency taken) easily accessible at all times.

Types of respite care

Respite care can be provided at home — by a friend, other family member, volunteer or paid service — or in a care setting, such as adult day care or residential facility.

In-home care services offer a range of options including:

• Companion services to the individual with companionship and supervised activities
• Personal care or home health aide services to provide assistance with bathing, dressing, toileting and exercising
• Homemaker or maid services to help with laundry, shopping and preparing meals
• Skilled care services to help with medication and other medical services

Adult day centers offer a place where the person with Alzheimer’s can be with others in a safe environment. Staff leads planned activities, such as music and art programs. Transportation and meals are often provided.

Residential facilities may offer the option for a stay overnight, for a few days or a few weeks. Overnight care allows caregivers to take an extended break or vacation while the person with dementia stays in a supervised, safe environment. The cost for these services varies and is usually not covered by insurance or Medicare.

TIP: Sometimes, a person with dementia may have difficulty adjusting to a new environment. Regular stays can allow the overall adjustment to become easier.

LEARN MORE:
In-Home CareAdult Day CentersResidential Care Facilities

Overcoming concerns

It’s normal to be apprehensive about trying something new. Common concerns caregivers have about using respite care include:

• Cost: You may be concerned about how to pay for services. Look into financial assistance such as scholarships, sliding scale fees or government programs. Contact your local Alzheimer’s Association to learn what kind of financial assistance may be available.
• Reliability: You may be concerned about the dependability of the aide or service. Those who work for an agency or facility should be reliable and well trained, and are often certified. Ask each individual and facility about training and qualifications. If hiring someone independently, interview the person thoroughly and check references.
• Guilt: You may believe that you should be able to “do it all. “Seeking help does not make you a failure. It’s important to remember that respite services benefit the person with dementia as well as the caregiver.

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