Johns Hopkins The Science of Alzheimer's
The Science of Alzheimer’s
Making Choices, Finding Ways Forward • As research improves our understanding of dementia, patients and families have new options.
1 UNDERSTANDING ALZHEIMER’S • As the leading cause of dementia, Alzheimer disease affects memory, thinking, and behavior. There is no cure, but researchers are pursuing many promising treatments.
Defining Dementia • Dementia is a broad term that refers to a group of symptoms, such as forgetfulness and difficulty reasoning, that are caused by different illnesses. Alzheimer’s is a specific disease that can cause dementia.
AN ALZHEIMER’S PRIMER • The disease develops gradually and, for people over 65, is diagnosed by the progression of symptoms.
Assessing the Risks • Some lifestyle choices, such as regular exercise, could lower your chances of developing Alzheimer’s. But other factors, including genetics and the environment, are beyond your control.
Symptoms to Watch For • Alzheimer disease will progress differently in different people, but early signals can include forgetfulness, difficulty with language, and overreacting.
The State of the Science • While there is no cure for Alzheimer disease, researchers are making progress in understanding and treating it. Here’s a look at the latest developments.
Q&A What Do I Need to Know About Alzheimer Disease? • There are 100 different diseases that cause dementia. Here, a leading expert answers questions about what distinguishes Alzheimer’s.
2 LIVING WITH ALZHEIMER’S • Understanding the disease will help dispel your fears and worries, and help you plan to care for your loved one.
Embracing Their Reality • As a caregiver, it’s important to understand that a person with Alzheimer disease may no longer see the world as you do.
Managing the Early Stages • At a certain point, your loved one may begin finding it hard to keep working, manage money, or drive safely. Here’s advice for helping them adjust.
KEEPING YOUR LOVED ONE ENGAGED • People with Alzheimer disease want to feel useful. Ask them for help with washing dishes, folding laundry, and changing the channel on the television.
Safety at Home • For a person with dementia, everyday tasks can be challenging. Make things easier by keeping their surroundings secure.
MEALS, SNACKS, AND COOKING • While the goal of food-centered activities is to make sure the person living with Alzheimer disease eats and drinks, they can also be used to foster a sense of autonomy and independence.
The Importance of Exercise • Stretching, weight training, and other physical activities can contribute to the overall well-being of a person living with Alzheimer disease.
Art and Creativity • Research suggests that people living with dementia can benefit from doing arts and crafts projects, which are fun and engaging and can improve self-esteem.
Q&A What Do I Need to Know About Treatments? • An Alzheimer disease expert answers questions about the best lifestyle choices, therapies, and medications.
3 HELP FOR THE CAREGIVERS • Taking care of a person with Alzheimer’s can trigger anxiety, anger, and more—which is why it’s important for friends and family to seek out support.
Caregiver Stress • Taking care of a person living with Alzheimer disease is often phyiscally and emotionally taxing, but there are strategies to help.
COPING STRATEGIES • Be informed, share your concerns with your loved one, and other advice for caregivers.
Budgeting for Care • Supporting someone living with Alzheimer disease is expensive. Here are some costs you can expect to encounter and how to plan for them.
Living Arrangements • To avoid family disagreements about...