SevereAlzheimer's Disease

Healthy Brain

What IsAlzheimer'sDisease?Alzheimer’s disease is a neurologic disorder that kills nerve cells in the brain and causes dementia.

It’s ultimately fatal and is not a normal part of aging. It gradually erodes its victims’ brains, and impairs memory, judgment, communication, and independence.

By killing nerve cells, Alzheimer’s disease causes an overall shrinkage of brain tissue.

millionnow5 million

by 20307 millionby 2050

Nearly

14

millionnow44 million

by 203076 millionby 2050135

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE IN THE UNITED STATES

DEMENTIA PREVALENCE WORLDWIDE

A Growing Epidemic

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common formof dementia.

The Economic Impact

The costs of caring for those with Alzheimer's in the United States will total

NIH funding for Alzheimer's research will total

in 2015.

in 2015.

$226 billion $586 million

Total payments for health care, long-term care, and hospice care for people in the United States with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are increasing dramatically.

$226 billionper year

2015 2050

$1 trillionper year

Alzheimer’s DiseaseRisk Factors

KNOWN RISK FACTORS POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTINGFACTORS

GENETICSThe majority of Alzheimer’s cases are late-onset, usually developing after age 60. This form of the disease shows no obvious inheritance pattern. Late-onset Alzheimer’s disease appears to be a “multifactorial disease” meaning that a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors may influence a person’s risk of developing it.

AGEThe single greatest risk of developing Alzheimer's disease is age.

FAMILIAL ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE (FAD)

A form of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, known as familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) is inherited and rare. It develops before age 60 and is caused by any one of three gene mutations on chromosomes 1, 14 and 21.

TYPE 2 DIABETESThere is growing evidence of a link between Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes.

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASERisk factors associated with heart disease and stroke may also increase one's risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

OXIDATIVE DAMAGEUnstable molecules resulting from chemical reactions, which may harm brain cells.

INFLAMMATIONAs protein plaques develop, inflammation results, leading to cell damage.

TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURYMounting evidence shows a link between Alzheimer’s disease and serious head trauma.

GENDERDue to a variety of factors including sex-based biological di�erences, two-thirds of Alzheimer’s disease occurs in women.

Symptoms & Stagesof Alzheimer’s DiseaseAlzheimer’s disease progresses gradually,lasting for an average of seven years.

PRECLINICAL/PRESYMPTOMATIC STAGEPhysical changes associated with

Alzheimer’s disease begin decades before symptoms become evident.

MILD (Stage 1)In the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, it’s

common to lose energy and spontaneity. Minor memory loss, mood swings, and delays in learning and reaction times occur. It’s still possible to perform

basic tasks independently, but assistance may be required while doing complicated activities.

SEVERE (Stage 3)Memory loss worsens. Loss of muscle control and vulnerability to illness will occur. Some individuals need reassuring physical contact, and may be comforted by holding hands, being read to, or being near a much-loved pet. Caregivers can help the person feel safe and relaxed with the tone of their voice.

MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT (MCI)People with MCI have marked forgetfulness, and experience di�culty remembering names and following conversations.

MODERATE (Stage 2)Advancing Alzheimer’s disease a�ects the ability to comprehend location, the day, and the time. Though the distant past may be recalled, recent events become di�cult to remember. Pastimes like listening to music, or looking at photographs from the past may bring comfort.

Neurons

Neurofibrillary tangles

Amyloid plaques

Seeking Diagnosis

Manyconditionscan causememoryproblems.

A physician with knowledge and experience in dementia and memory loss can perform an evaluation to determine whether someone has Alzheimer's disease.

A physical examination will be performed to help identify and rule out other potential causes.

Physicians may use brain scans (such as MRI) to rule out other possible causes.

Neuropsychological tests identify behavioral and mental symptoms consistent with Alzheimer's disease.

TreatingAlzheimer’sDiseaseThere is no cure forAlzheimer’s disease;however, there aremedications that canhelp control symptoms.

Consult a physician before taking any medications. Researchers are seeking new

treatments to change the course of the disease and improve life for people with dementia.

The Facts AboutCaregiving

More than

15 millionAmericansprovide unpaid carefor someone withAlzheimer's diseaseor dementia.

Caregiversprovide roughly

18 billion hours a contribution valued at more than

of unpaid care,

$217 billion.

An impact oncaregiversCaring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease can have a negative impact on health, employment, income, and financial security.

CaregiversNeed SupportIn most cases, the primary caregiver of a person with Alzheimer’s disease will be a loved one or close companion. Even in the early stages of the disease, caregiving can be a demanding, 24-hour-a-day task.

Support scientific research by making a financial contribution, participating in a clinical trial, or joining a registry.

Speak out about Alzheimer's disease.

Schedule a doctor's appointment if you or a loved one are experiencing possible symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

What can you do?

Help is available:

Caregivingsupport groups

Family membersand friends

Information

Hired or volunteer("respite") caregivers

in your home

Adult day programs

Long-term carein a residential facility(e.g., assisted living)

(800) 437-2423www.brightfocus.org

www.brightfocus.org/alzgraphicSources provided at

(800) 437-2423www.brightfocus.org

Disease

The ChallengesofAlzheimer's