One night a few years ago, Mom called to say that she and Dad were watching baseball, as our family regularly did, and he couldn't understand what was happening.  She was frightened, and even with Dad sitting right next to her, Mom said she felt so alone.  It's hard to know how Dad felt at that moment - maybe he was felt alone and scared, too. 

Source: neurologychannel.com

Dementia refers to a loss of cognitive function (cognition) due to changes in the brain caused by disease or trauma.  The changes may occur gradually or quickly; and how they occur may determine whether dementia is reversible or irreversible.

Source: helpguide.org

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, affecting as many as 4 million Americans.  Alzheimer’s is a brain disease characterized by lesions that gradually destroy cells in the brain.  As nerve cells die, affected areas of the brain wither and become smaller.  The areas of the brain that control memory, logical thinking, and personality are generally the most affected.  As areas in the brain become smaller, cavities within the brain containing fluid become enlarged.

by Paul Raia, Ph.D.

Some 30 years ago, I was just starting out in the field, working with a neurologist. A 50-year-old woman, with a husband and two teenagers at home, was living in the dementia wing of a nursing home in Massachusetts. Her behavior had the appearance of mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease (AD). But, while examining her, the neurologist noticed she had a discernible copper pigment in her eyes and, based on this information, properly diagnosed her with Wilson’s disease.

Wilson’s disease is a genetic problem with metabolizing zinc and copper. Unlike Alzheimer’s, Wilson’s disease is totally treatable when caught early enough. In this particular woman’s case, the disease was too far along and she died within months. However, she had two younger sisters who carried the gene. They began medication that allowed them to avoid the same fate. This simple procedure saved the sisters, her children and the family’s future generations, but she herself paid a high price for the original misdiagnosis. To this day, I always suggest to families, if the diagnosis is unclear, ask their doctor to screen for Wilson's disease, along with other dementia-causing conditions that may also be treatable.

This segment below gives a brief overview of the seven stages of Alzheimer’s disease, sourced from helpguide.org.  To learn more about the symptoms and common problems with each stage click on the helpguide link or check out the other helpful books and websites highlighted in our Recommendations section.

Stage 1:  No impairment.  Memory and cognitive abilities appear normal.

Stage 2:  Minimal Impairment/Normal Forgetfulness.  Memory lapses and changes in thinking are rarely detected by friends, family, or medical personnel.  Half of those over 65 begin noticing problems in concentration and word recall.

Source: healthcentral.com

Tips for managing your loved one's roller-coaster behavior.

More common than not, individuals with Alzheimer’s disease exhibit a roller-coaster of behaviors.  Someone who was calm or engaged in an activity one minute may exhibit agitation or disinterest the next.  Triggers often include external factors, such as excessive noise or a change in routine, and internal factors, like hunger or pain.

Below is a great article, "Communications: Techniques" that provide many tips on enhancing interactions with those with Alzheimer's disease.  We found the article on the Alzheimer's Foundation of America website.

"It's not what you say, but how you say it."  This expression holds doubly true when communicating with individuals with dementia.

US News & World Report is well-respected for its “best hospital” surveys.  Here we have listed just the top 10 hospitals ranked for Neurology and Neurosurgery.  For full list and ratings, visit the US News & World Report website.

An article on the Mayo Clinic’s website gives a broad overview about areas of new research.  To read the article “Alzheimer's treatments: What's on the horizon?” go to mayoclinic.com.

The following sites offer information on clinical trials – research options, what to consider, and how to find a trial near you.

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America writes about Art, Music and Storytelling Therapies for those with Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer’s Association describes and reviews several alternative therapy options.  We thought this was a simple overview, a starting place, if you will.  You may hear many ideas about alternative treatments – this will help you sort out what’s available and what might be good for your situation.

Even more alternative treatments for Alzheimer’s disease can be found on About.com.  Antioxidants (vitamins C & E), antibiotics, and even lemon balm.

Ask your doctor to evaluate your medications if you are suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Many medications prescribed for conditions which commonly effect elderly people contain glucocorticoids. Studies have found that glucocorticoids may lead to accelerated brain shrinkage in Alzheimer's patients.

- Irene Hammer-McLauglin, Alzheimer's Association, Needham, MA


One important thing is the surprisingly severe long term impact of general anesthesia on the elderly.  My father was operated on in January, and while he was doing well physically, our family noticed his mental capabilities faltering.   Three doctors independently suggested that the anesthesia can have this effect on his cognitive ability and it could take 6 months to fully leave his system.  Needless to say, we urge you to inform yourself on the impact of general versus local anesthesia.  If your parent has Alzheimer's disease, prepare yourself for potential negative consequences on his or her cognitive abilities following the surgery.
- John Marino, Westport, CT