Monday, February 23, 2009

Alzheimers Disease And Mental Health Treatment

Alzheimers Disease And Mental Health Treatment

One of the most insidious forms of dementia affecting the elderly today is Alzheimer's disease which is characterized by a gradual but increasing loss of memory about normal everyday occurrences. We all suffer slight memory loss which is quite normal but as Alzheimer's progresses this condition becomes much more severe.

The availability of information surrounding the condition has never been greater so it is worth arming yourself if you think someone close may have the early signs of the disease so you can visit your physician at an early stage. Fortunately the advent of the internet has made it easier to find information relating to Alzheimer's disease and what if any, treatments are available but other sources can help to like outreach organizations and of course you doctor.

The slow and devastating progression of Alzheimer's can strike any gender and any socioeconomic portion of society. Public knowledge of the condition grew when the media started reporting on it when the late ex president of America, Ronald Reagan was diagnosed with the disease a few years ago.

Information on Alzheimer's disease is necessary so that family and friends can keep an eye on one another as we age but now new drugs to slow or inhibit the progression of Alzheimer's are being released into the market regularly in the hope that the disease process may one day be halted and a cure found. To make matters worse, if current statistics are to be believed then ten percent of those over the age of 65 have Alzheimer's at varying stages of development.

This figure rises to fifty percent for those aged 85 years and older but the problem is that Alzheimer's is not a natural age related disease. This figure relates to a massive forty million people in just America having this condition by the year 2050 with costs for each patient around 40 thousand dollars a year.

Additional Alzheimer's disease information studies have shown a hereditary link for acquiring Alzheimer's, and that in such cases, family members in their late 40's and early 50's are contracting the disease. Knowledge of symptoms associated with Alzheimer's can be useful if you notice that someone close is having problems with severe memory loss or is having a problem with basic language.

The condition also has other symptoms which can also be easily recognized such as the person is often confused and cannot think clearly which will often cause mood swings as they do not understand what is going on. Early recognition has been proved to be successful in the slowing down of this incurable disease but it requires we learn what symptoms to look for before we contact a doctor.

Do not delay seeking medical treatment if you believe you know someone whether a loved one or not may have the condition as it can make all the difference.

By: Thulas Sukati

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