Alzheimer's the Fastest Growing Disease

Dear Healthcare Lady,

What is Alzheimer's Disease? Is it contagious? Thanks, Bill

Dear Bill,

5.3 million people currently have Alzheimer's disease. It is the fastest growing disease right now in this country. It is expected with the increased number of Baby Boomers reaching age 65 years within the next couple of years that this number will increase to 1 million new cases per year by 2050. However, by 2010 it is expected that another 500,000 people will be diagnosed with this dreaded disease.

ALZHEIMERS is not contagious. It is a progressive brain disease that destroys the brain cells slowly causing memory loss and making the body forget how to function. Many people are unable to swallow, or eat their food.

Symptoms of Alzheimer's

• Confusion and disorientation
  
• Depression or anxiety, apathy
  
• Loss of language and math skills, lack of judgement
  
• Inappropriate behavior and personality changes
  
• Eating and sleeping disorders
  
• Delusions and paranoia as the disease progresses
  
• Loss of control of body functions as well as complete lack of self awareness

If someone in your family has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's it is important to get as much information as possible to form a care plan after the initial diagnosis. Alzheimer's is an expensive disease that many times is not covered by health insurance or Medicare. The Alzheimer's patient is not the only one to suffer with this disease.

Caregivers have been shown to suffer from severe stress that brings on new onset HEART DISEASE, and hypertension. Even stress hormones begin to function differently and immunity levels have been shown to drop due to the stress involved with becoming a caregiver for the Alzheimer's patient.

Get the facts and get help as early as possible.

Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's Association
How to Get the Facts About Alzheimer's