Symptoms and treatment of Alzheimer's disease depends largely on how far the disease has progressed. Alzheimer's disease symptoms typically begin with loss of memory. While it is normal to misplace something, or even to go into a room and forget what you were looking for, a person with Alzheimer's disease suffers more than a fleeting loss of memory.

Loss of recent memory is one of the first symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, which gradually gets worse. They begin to forget the order of everyday tasks such as making a list or even getting dressed. Common words escape them and they may substitute them with something like, "Where's that thing we use to sweep the floor?"

As Alzheimer's disease symptoms progress, the patient may become easily disoriented and can even get lost in their own home. They may put things in odd places like clothes in the refrigerator. Following simple directions become difficult and they may experience severe mood swings, turning very sad or angry for no apparent reason, becoming argumentative.

Alzheimer's is diagnosed by diagnostic testing, neurological examination, and symptoms. Other conditions such as stroke and Parkinson's disease must be ruled out before a treatment option is considered. The patient will be asked questions to determine memory function and reasoning capabilities. Families will be asked about the patient's past and present behavior patterns.

The treatment for Alzheimer's disease is generally dependent upon the individual needs of the patient and their family. With proper care and medication, the patient may be able to function better and perhaps even slow the progress of the disease, giving them a better quality of life.

The physician will prescribe the appropriate Alzheimer's disease medication once the diagnosis has been made, which will hopefully slow the memory loss. For patients experiencing mood swings, an antidepressant medication may be suggested. If the patient is anxious and argumentative, there are anti-anxiety medications which help to calm their moods.

In cases of delusions or bouts of aggression, the physician may prescribe an anti-psychotic medication. Vitamin E has been known to be very effective in improving damaged cells. Furthermore, cholinesterase inhibitors have been used to improve cognitive abilities. Of course, all treatment options should be decided by the treating physician.

The side effects of Alzheimer's medications are generally mild and may include:

- Mild to moderate headache
- Sleeping disorders
- Intestinal problems
- Loss of appetite
- Vertigo
- Fatigue/lethargy

There are a number of resources for Alzheimer's disease information right at your fingertips. Some of the most helpful sites include:

Alzheimer's Association:

U. S. National Institutes of Health:

Mayo Clinic:

John Hopkins Research Center:

Counseling

If you or a loved one is experiencing memory loss which goes beyond the typical memory lapses common to aging, it could be the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Any primary care physician can refer a patient to a doctor that specializes in Alzheimer's disease. Early diagnosis and Alzheimer's medication can greatly reduce symptoms and perhaps slow or stabilize the progress of the disease. With the advancement of modern medicine, those suffering from Alzheimer's disease can increase their quality of life and prolong the need to be placed in a nursing home.

Learn more about this author, Pat Lunsford.
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