- I
believe my wife has Alzheimer's disease. How can I get her
to see her doctor?
- My
mother died with Alzheimer's disease and I'm worried that
I might get it. Is it hereditary?
- The
doctor told my father he is in the middle stage of Alzheimer's disease. What does this mean?
- Does
a person die from Alzheimer's disease?
- Can
the family doctor diagnose Alzheimer's disease?
- Can
depression bring on symptoms like Alzheimer's disease?
- Can
people get Alzheimer's disease in their 40s?
- Concerned about your memory? What to do (This link will take you to a different page, to return to this page, click on the back arrow of your browser.)
1.
I believe my wife has Alzheimer's disease. How can I get
her to see her doctor?
If
your wife is reluctant to see her doctor, this can be a
tricky situation. You might try one the following:
- Suggest
she go for an annual check-up -- she may be more comfortable
getting an overall check-up than seeing the doctor for
memory problems. Many symptoms that look like Alzheimer's disease can be caused by other treatable conditions, so
it's important to get a thorough assessment if you have
concerns.
- Contact
the doctor's office directly. Explain your concerns and
ask if they will invite your wife in for a check-up. She
might be more willing if the doctor suggests the appointment.
2.
My mother died with Alzheimer's disease and I'm worried that
I might get it. Is it hereditary?
There
are two types of Alzheimer's disease. Familial Autosomal
Dominant (FAD) occurs in five to 10 per cent of cases
and has a genetic link. In order for FAD to occur, the
disease needs to be apparent over several generations
of one family. Sporadic Alzheimer's Disease is more common
(90-95 per cent) and people with this type may or may
not have a family history of the disease. Our Heredity
page gives more information on this.
3.
The doctor told my father he is in the middle stage of Alzheimer's disease. What does this mean?
The
process of Alzheimer's disease can be described as a series
of stages. Staging Alzheimer's disease gives people with the
disease, doctors and caregivers a general guide to the pattern
of the disease. This can help them make care decisions throughout
the course of the disease.
The
order in which the symptoms appear and the length of each
stage will vary from person to person. There is no clear
line when one stage ends and another begins. In many cases,
stages will overlap. See the Stages
section for more information about the three stages (early,
middle, late) or the seven stages described in the Global
Deterioration Scale. Whichever staging system is used, or
if none is used, it's important to remember that the disease
affects each person differently.
4.
Does a person die from Alzheimer's disease?
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain
where brain cells continue to die over time. There is no
cure to stop the progression and eventually the body will
shut down. People usually die of secondary infection, such
as pneumonia.
5.
Can the family doctor diagnose Alzheimer's disease?
A
comprehensive assessment needs to be done by a trained physician
for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease to be made. The person's
family doctor may be able to do this assessment. Or she
may refer to a memory clinic or specialist, such as a geriatrician
or neurologist. You can contact your local Alzheimer Society
to find professionals in your community. Visit the Diagnosis
page for more information on how the diagnosis is made.
6.
Can depression bring on symptoms like Alzheimer's disease?
Depression
can have symptoms similar to Alzheimer's disease. It is important
to see a doctor if any symptoms are present because often
times the condition, such as depression, can be treated.
See our list of 10 warning signs
of Alzheimer's disease for more information.
7.
Can people get Alzheimer's disease in their 40s?
While
most people get Alzheimer's disease after the age of 65, Alzheimer's disease can affect people under the age of 65. This is usually
called "early onset Alzheimer's disease. "
More...
Be
sure to visit the Alzheimer
Care section for more information about Alzheimer's disease.
If you have questions you don't see answered on this site,
try using our site search
engine.
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