One of the many great learning experiences at the Alzheimer's Foundation of America - 3rd Concepts in Care conference was the presentation by Dr. Pierre Tariot of the Banner Alzheimer's Institute.
The full presentation is very long and technical, but here are some highlights.
All information contained here is to be considered for entertainment only and not as medical recommendations. Your Doctor is the one you should refer to for medical questions concerning what you are presented here.
If you are interested in seeing the full presentation, please feel free to Contact Me and I'd be happy to present it to individuals or groups.
Again, many thanks to Dr. Tariot for the permission to republish his work and for the great effort he is participating in to fight Alzheimer's Disease.
My best wishes to your family member fighting this disease.
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How prevalent is Alzheimer's?
Or put another way: What are my chances?
There are an estimated 5 million Americans suffering from Alzheimer's Disease today.
But what exactly is Alzheimer's? There are a number of other conditions which cause mental deterioration.
As can be seen, even within the categories of dementia, there are a number of different conditions. They are all characterized by varying levels of impact on personality/independence, rates of decline, and treatments available.
Thus understanding the differences between Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), normal aging, and dementia is important both for early diagnosis and for treatment.
As can be seen, MCI is only slightly different than normal aging, but MCI also is a major indicator for possible dementia.
A full assessment and analysis of MCI and dementia involves evaluating all three of these spheres: Cognition, Function, and Behavior
Senior Helpers is happy to offer FREE Function screening using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, please Contact Me if you are interested.
If you'd like a full screening, here are some of the possible tests that can be run:
As you can see, a full screening can be a very involved process.
Focusing back on Alzheimer's Disease, and assuming you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, what are your options?
These 2 classes of pharmaceuticals: Cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA glutamate blockers, are the only approved medical treatments for Alzheimer's disease available today.
What can you expect?
Cholinesterase inhibitors, including Aricept(Donepezil), Exelon(Rivastigmine), and Razadyne(Galantamine) - these are consumer vs. pharmacy names - are being shown in clinical tests to benefit those with Early and Moderate Dementia. Behavioral benefits are unproven, but cognition and slowing of decline as well as maintenance of independent function is still very beneficial.
Cholinesterase inhibitors - specifically Donepezil - is also the only drug presently approved for Severe Dementia
The only other approved treatment is Namenda(Memantine), the first of a class of drugs called NMDA glutamate blockers.
Memantine is not proven for MCI, but does show benefit for behavior.
So you know the drugs available now (September 2008). But treatment and care for Alzheimer's (or other dementia) suffers involves more than just popping a pill.
It is vital to monitor present and ongoing status in all three spheres (Function, Cognition, Behavior) as well as communicate changes to all those involved (family, caregivers, primary/tertiary care - doctors)
Senior Helpers understands this need and will work with you to provide this higher level of involvement.
But it is not all bad news.
Besides what is already approved, there are many treatments undergoing clinical evaluation. Dr. Tariot believes "There is a credible chance for treatments to suspend or delay Alzheimer's progression in the next 12 years".
But even beyond the medical/pharmacological aspect, there are actually clinical proven ways to reduce the chance of developing Alzheimer's or to slow the decline caused by those who already have the condition.
These are all factors which have been shown to affect both risks of Alzheimer's disease and affect decline caused by the condition.
So living a healthy lifestyle has an impact!
Senior Helpers seeks to provide another resource for those desiring to maintain healthy lifestyles, yet are being constrained by the limits of age.
Our goal is to be a backstop to your and your family's resources in the continuum of care starting from full independence.
Don't let physical infirmity or lack of companionship or isolation prevent you from living the healthy lifestyle!
