Alzheimer's disease is a progressive degenerative disease of the brain. This disease usually develops into total loss of cognitive functions (having to do with knowledge). Alzheimer's disease has a major human and social impact on the patient and his loved ones. There is presently no cure for this disease, and death usually occurs 15 to 25 years after the first symptoms. However, the right care can be given if the disease is well understood.

Is this disease contagious ?

There are several theories about the potential causes of Alzheimer's disease. However, there's no consensus within the scientific Community. The only risk factor that has been clearly identified with this disease is age. There are 25 times more Alzheimer's patients among 85-yearolds than among 65-year~lds.

Heredity seems to be involved in six cases out of 100. This disease is not contagious.

In the first phase of Alzheimer's, patients tend to forget recent facts. They frequently forget appointments and events that have just occurred. For example, they forget why they went into a room or they are no longer able to learn new things. These symptoms appear on a daily basis.

In most cases, it's the relatives who realize that the person is beginning to have a problem. At this point, the patient is generally moving into the second phase of the disease. They notice that he/she is having trouble with self care, often forgets to bathe or to eat, and may get lost.

At this stage, the person's emotions and behavior could become erratic and cause distress and exhaustion among his/her relatives.

Finally, in the last phase of the disease, the patient loses control of his body. He/she is unable to walk or talk, and can't control his/her stools and urine. It's usually when the person is totally dependent that an infection, most often pneumonia, puts an end to life.

No test can allow a doctor to determine with certainty that a person has Alzheimer's disease. The doctor will have to rule out other problems before making a diagnosis. In certain cases where patients are wrongly thought to suffer from Alzheimer's, they will be cured if the real problem is treated. But most of the time, all one can do is try to control the symptoms and slow down the progression of disease.

· Depression     · Brain lesions

· Anaemia        · Thyroid or hormone disorders

· Malnutrition   · Alcohol or medication intoxication

· Syphilis         · Vascular disorders

Can Alzheimer's be treated?

Although we're not able today to cure Alzheimer's disease, we can provide good care for patients and help for their families. The main goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient by giving him a safe and appropriately stimulating environment that also minimizes the risk of accident or intoxication with medication or alcohol.

Relatives will often have difficult decisions to make. They will have to assess the resources available to meet their loved one's needs and adopt solutions, before they themselves are overcome by exhaustion.

Some medication can be prescribed to slow down the disease. However, the long-term results aren't that impressive. Certain data also reveal that taking estrogens and vitamin E may have some protective effect against the disease.

· For help, they can call the Alzheimer's Society (1-800 616-8816).

A standardized extract of Ginkgo Biloba, taken at the appropriate dosage, may slow down the disease among certain people. However, once again, the long-term results aren't that great. it should also be noted that all products claiming to contain Ginkgo shouldn't be taken at the same dosage and that efficacy may vary between products.

Talk to your pharmacist before choosing any Ginko brand.

Courtesy - Liverpool Pharmacy 715 Krosno Blvd.