Dr. Paula Jacobus, a Geriatric Medicine Specialist at the Fleming Memory Center of LVHN, gave an enlightening presentation on Alzheimer's Disease at last Friday's meeting which ignited an energetic Q&A after her talk.Dr. Jacobus started by explaining the difference between Alzheimer's and Dementia, which is an umbrella term for impairments affecting these areas:
- memory
- thinking
- language
- judgment
- behavior
Dementia is not a disease, but it may be caused by a variety of illnesses or injuries. In particular, 60% of all Dementia is related to Alzheimer's while another 20% is vascular in nature. Dr. Jacobus went on to use stories about her Aunt Helen to make various points about the progression and nature of Alzheimer's Disease.
Although there is no cure for Dementia, there are two FDA approved drugs that are often prescribed. Dr. Jacobus explained that although there are many supplements on the market which claim to help prevent Dementia, but there is insufficient evidence for their effectiveness. The doctor went on to say that she believes care giver education is one of the most effective ways to help Alzheimer's patient and she specifically mentioned the book "The 36-Hour Day" as an excellent resource.
This best-selling book is
the single most popular resource for families caring for people with Alzheimer disease, offering comfort and support to millions worldwide. There is even a weekly newsletter available here. The new fifth edition of the book includes updated information on:
- diagnostic evaluation
- research
- medications
- biological causes and effects of dementias such as Alzheimer's
- legal and financial information
- nursing homes and other communal living arrangements.
Dr. Jacobus concluded with the statistic that an individual's risk of Dementia at age 80 is 20% and that it goes up each year after that, increasing significantly again at age 90.
