Aging & Alzheimer’s

Dementia

Dementia is an acquired condition consisting of significant cognitive impairment that renders an individual incapable of living independently. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia in late life. It is a progressive, degenerative condition that gradually robs people of their memories and other cognitive abilities, leaving them unable to care for themselves. It is not a normal part of aging, and currently there is no cure for the disease. Age is the number-one risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, although certain genes can increase one’s risk of developing the condition. Modifiable lifestyle factors may also be important contributors to Alzheimer’s disease risk.

Is It Alzheimer’s Disease?

The 2024 Alzheimer’s Association Facts and Figures Report from the Alzheimer's Association reminds us that there are many forms of dementia. Following are the most common forms:

• Alzheimer’s disease, which accounts for 60-80 percent of dementia cases, is the most common form. Symptoms may include problems with memory, apathy, depression, communication, judgement, and behavioral changes.
• Vascular dementia, which accounts for 5-10 percent of dementia cases, stems from strokes and other brain vascular conditions. Symptoms may include slowed thinking, difficulty making decisions, difficulty with organization, and gait and motor problems. Memory may also be affected.
• Frontotemporal dementia accounts for 10 percent of dementia cases younger than age 65 and three percent of dementia cases 65 years and older. Symptoms may include early changes in personality and behavior or language comprehension. In early stages, memory is generally spared.

Alzheimer's News

Alzheimer's News

 

From the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference held July 28-Aug 1, 2024:

• A blood test was found to be 90 percent accurate in identifying Alzheimer’s disease in a study of over 1,000 patients of primary care or memory clinics.
• If these promising results are confirmed and clinical use is granted, the test could improve the accuracy of diagnoses in primary care settings.
• Clinical guidelines for use are pending.