A Guide for Families
Caring for Someone with Alzheimer's

Introduction

For many years, memory loss and senility were considered part of the normal aging process. Forgetting names and once-familiar faces, confusing dates and addresses were just part of "growing old."

Today scientific findings show that "growing old" is far too simple a description for these events.

In many cases, confusion and forgetfulness in elderly people stem from a physical cause that can be treated and sometimes slowed. If drug interactions are the cause, a doctor can modify or change prescriptions.

Sometimes, however, the cause for the confusion and forgetfulness may point to Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's is a progressive, irreversible brain disorder that affects an estimated 4 million Americans, most of whom are over 65 years of age (persons with Down Syndrome may develop Alzheimer's disease much earlier).

The Alzheimer's Association estimates that 10% of people over 65 years of age and nearly half of those over 85, have Alzheimer's or some form of dementia. Age is the biggest risk factor for Alzheimer's: 3% of seniors ages 65 to 74 have the disease; 19% of those ages 75 to 84; and, 47% of those ages 85 and older. As the population ages, the number of people with Alzheimer's is expected to climb from 4 million today to 14 million by 2050.