Alzheimer's Disease: Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
It is a degenerative, fatal brain illness that destroys the brain over a period of time, affecting cognition, behavior, personality and daily living. You never feel it happening and there are virtually no warning signs.
- What causes Alzheimer’s?
Scientific research shows that there are three main risk categories for Alzheimer’s disease. There are those you cannot change (age, genetics, prior head injury, prior heart attack); those you must change (uncontrolled stress, too little sleep) and those you can change (diet & lifestyle).
- Who gets Alzheimer’s Disease?
Women are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s. The incidence of Alzheimer’s doubles every 3 years after age 60. At 85 years of age, half of the population has the disease. Studies show that risk factors including a larger waist (obesity), hypertension, stress, sleeplessness (with sleep apnea) may increase your risk by ten-fold. Lab tests can predict who will develop Alzheimer’s.
- Are you at risk? What are the symptoms?
Is it forgetfulness or Alzheimer’s? The destruction in the brain begins 30 years before the first symptoms, initially destroying recent memory, then changing one’s personality (apathy), depression, and finally, the ability to care for oneself or even recognize one’s spouse or children. 30% of people have genetic pre-disposition. Are you one of them? There are tests to discover if you are.
- What are the signs of the 3 stages of Alzheimer’s?
Some signs of Alzheimer’s include:
-Initially only you and your family recognize them. You lose your confidence and people lose confidence in you. You can’t get it together. Next, you are a burden and a danger to yourself and others. Poor management and judgment - you are a danger on the road. Finally you can’t dress nor clean yourself. You are totally bed ridden.
-Difficulty with memory & learning (Mild Cognitive Impairment- MCI);
-Irrational thinking, poor insight & judgment;
-Progressive loss of daily living skills.
- Is there a medical cure or drug for Alzheimer’s?
The American Academy of Neurology states there is no cure or any on the horizon. The $2.6 billion dollars spent on medical treatment may not delay the Alzheimer’s Disease process by even a day. There is only one method all medical experts agree on --- prevention. The medically-proven D.E.A.R. Program focuses on a non-pharmaceutical approach of diet & lifestyle changes that will prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease.
- Why does it appear that there’s an increase in early onset of Alzheimer’s diagnoses?
I believe that the rise in Alzheimer’s cases is due to our modern, high stress, sedentary and fast-food lifestyle. In fact, our affluent society thrives on our Western lifestyle-- of stress, sleeplessness and sedentary life. The FDA, the bureau set up to protect us, is a primary reason we have an epidemic.
- How does Alzheimer’s disease start in childhood?
We are responsible for teaching our children good habits, including balanced healthy eating. Data shows that since 1980 there’s been a 20% increase in childhood obesity and a 50% increase in adolescent obesity. If you are obese as an adolescent or child, there is a 70% chance you will be obese as an adult. Obesity & metabolic syndrome increase your chances of getting Alzheimer’s disease fivefold.
- What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s?
Do you think you have Alzheimer’s disease? Some people are genetically pre-disposed to developing Alzheimer’s disease. Many patients come to my clinic who have a genetic history of Alzheimer’s disease. Others are concerned about signs of memory loss, difficulty with speaking, reasoning, or learning, personality and behavioral changes.
- Why does it appear that there’s an increase in early onset of Alzheimer’s diagnoses?
The rise in Alzheimer’s cases is due to our modern, high stress, sedentary and fast-food lifestyle. In fact, our affluent society thrives on our Western lifestyle-- of stress, sleeplessness and sedentary life. The FDA, the bureau set up to protect us, is a primary reason we have an epidemic.
- Why is Alzheimer’s such a huge concern?
Alzheimer’s is a big concern because this mind destroying epidemic is a growing national crisis. The toll is financial, medical and emotional. The current treatment of Alzheimer’s patients is estimated to be 110 billion dollars. This figure is anticipated to double in the next 10 years, while the total Medicare allowance is only 280 billion. Nearly every family will be affected, with 50% of the households having a person suffering from Alzheimer’s.
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