Diagnosis

Early recognition and evaluation of signs of memory loss is important. Be aware that other diseases can cause similar symptoms:

• Dementia with Lewy Bodies
• Parkinson’s disease
• Vascular or multi-infarct dementia
• Pick’s disease
• Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
• Frontotemporal dementia

Specialized centers have the capacity to perform select testing for Alzheimer's. An accurate diagnosis not only helps people and their families plan for the future, it also helps physicians and others involved in the care of a person with Alzheimer's to prescribe appropriate methods to treat changes in a patient's abilities and behavior.

For more information, visit the ADEAR web site: www.alzheimers.org and

The Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center web site: http://www.med.umich.edu/madrc and

Treatment

A cure for Alzheimer's has yet to be identified. However, different types of treatments are available to address changes in memory, mood and behavior that can occur with Alzheimer’s disease. Much can be done to maintain the quality of life and improve the care of those with Alzheimer's throughout the course of the disease.

Currently, there are four drugs that may help in treating mild-to-moderate symptoms of memory loss:

• Tacrine (Cognex)
• Donepezil (Aricept)
• Rivastigmine (Exelon)
• Falantamine (Reminyl)

Researchers are testing drugs which slow the progression of the disease. They are also exploring new teaching methods for people who care for Alzheimer's patients in how to address changes in a persons behavior.

For information about clinical trials, visit the ADEAR web site: www.alzheimers.org or call (800)-438-4380 (toll-free in U.S.)