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Alzheimer's Disease is Not A Normal Part of Aging

Did you know that Alzheimer's disease (AD) is progressive in nature and that it is characterized by cognitive impairment and memory disturbances, language decline and dementia? Did you also know that your chance for getting Alzheimer's increases with age? It is not however a normal part of aging, it is a disease.

Scientists believe that Alzheimer's is connected to brain nerve cell death. Individuals over age 70 have an increased risk for Alzheimer's disease because age is the most common risk factor for the disease. Age is not the only risk factor for the disease; genetics is also a risk factor especially if you have a family member who has the disease or if you have Down's syndrome. If your parent had early onset Alzheimer's disease and have a genetic gene mutation they have a 50% risk for developing Alzheimer's disease. The genetic risk can also be there for individuals for a common for of the disease that scientist say is located on chromosome 19 although no specific genetic risks have been identified by scientists as of yet.

If you have other medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, diabetes or coronary artery disease or if individuals have had less than eight years of education also have an increased risk for Alzheimer's disease.

Scientists have determined that individuals who have Down's syndrome may also have brain changes that may occur in the brain before age 40. When those who have Down's syndrome are aware of this risk for Alzheimer's disease they can take extra care to have medical exams to determine their risk.

As with any disease individuals need to not only be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease and their risk factors for the disease they must also be willing to take action if they notice any signs or symptoms. Because Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging, it needs to be understood that anyone exhibiting signs or symptoms of Alzheimer's is not exhibiting normal age stuff but should receive a prompt medical evaluation to determine if they have Alzheimer's disease. Unfortunately, doctors sometimes forget this important fact. They may assume that forgetting important things like turning off the stove, or where they put the car keys is a normal part of aging until they find out that an elderly patient's forgetfulness leads to a fire that injures others; a fire started because they forgot yet again, to turn off the stove. It is important to take all signs and symptoms seriously.

Today, individuals are living longer lives often into there 90s and sometimes past age 100. This statistic means that more individuals are reaching these older ages, which are more likely to show signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Signs and symptoms should not be taken for granted or overlooked simply because of advanced age.