Navigating Alzheimer's disease can be overwhelming, but you are not alone. The South Carolina Alzheimer's Disease Research Center offers a wealth of community resources to support individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's. From educational materials and caregiver support groups to information on clinical trials, our center provides comprehensive assistance tailored to your needs. Whether you're seeking guidance on symptom management or looking to connect with others facing similar challenges, our community resources are here to empower and equip you on your Alzheimer's journey.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects a person's memory and cognitive abilities. It is the most common cause of dementia and typically manifests in older adults, although early-onset Alzheimer's can also affect younger individuals. As the disease advances, individuals may experience confusion, disorientation, and struggles with everyday tasks. Alzheimer's can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life and their ability to function independently. Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms and providing support to individuals and their caregivers. Ongoing research seeks to better understand the disease and develop more effective interventions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alzheimer's Disease
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Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia. Dementia is a loss of thinking, remembering, and reasoning skills that interferes with a person's daily life and activities.
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Memory problems are typically one of the first signs of Alzheimer's disease, though different people may have different initial symptoms. A decline in other aspects of thinking, such as finding the right words, vision/spatial issues, and impaired reasoning or judgment, may also signal the very early stages of Alzheimer's disease.
Mild cognitive impairment, or MCI, is a condition that can also be an early sign of Alzheimer's disease — but not everyone with MCI will develop Alzheimer's. In addition to memory problems, movement difficulties and problems with the sense of smell have been linked to MCI. If you have MCI, it’s important to see a doctor or specialist regularly to monitor any changes in memory or thinking.
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Alzheimer's disease progresses in several stages: preclinical, early (also called mild), middle (moderate), and late (severe). During the preclinical stage of Alzheimer's disease, people seem to be symptom-free, but toxic changes are taking place in the brain. A person in the early stage of Alzheimer's may exhibit the signs listed above.
As Alzheimer's disease progresses to the middle stage, memory loss and confusion grow worse, and people may have problems recognizing family and friends. As Alzheimer's disease becomes more severe, people lose the ability to communicate. They may sleep more, lose weight, and have trouble swallowing. Eventually, they need total care.
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Scientists do not yet fully understand what causes Alzheimer's disease in most people. In early-onset Alzheimer's, which occurs between a person's 30s and mid-60s, there may be a genetic component. Late-onset Alzheimer's, which usually develops in a person's mid-60s, arises from a complex series of age-related brain changes that occur over decades. The causes probably include a mix of these changes, along with genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. These factors affect each person differently.
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Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several drugs to treat people with Alzheimer's disease, and certain medicines and interventions may help control behavioral symptoms.
Scientists are developing and testing potential new treatments for Alzheimer's. Participation in clinical trials is crucial for helping scientists learn about the brain in healthy aging and what happens in Alzheimer's and other dementias. The results of these trials are used to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention methods.
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Currently, there is no definitive evidence about what can prevent Alzheimer's disease or age-related cognitive decline. What we do know is that a healthy lifestyle — one that includes a healthy diet, physical activity, appropriate weight, and control of high blood pressure — can lower the risk of certain chronic diseases and boost overall health and well-being. Scientists are very interested in the possibility that a healthy lifestyle might delay, slow down, or even prevent Alzheimer's. They are also studying the role of social activity and intellectual stimulation in Alzheimer's disease risk.
What Can You Do?
Please call your doctor if you are concerned about memory problems or other symptoms. If you or someone you know has recently been diagnosed, explore the resources on this website, join our PALS Network and contact us to learn more about the disease, care, support, and research.