Recognizing Signs Of Alzheimer’s Disease (NAPSA)—Many people think that confusion, forgetfulness, and changes in behavior are normal signs of aging, but these may actually be signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Although Alzheimer’s affects one in 10 people over the age of 65 and onein twoover the age of 85, according to the Dea G ' f Diagnosis.) For more information about Alzheimer’s disease research, treatment and care, contact the Alzheimer’s Association at 1-800- Alzheimer’s Association, the symptoms are often not recog- nized until the disease has progressed, sometimes considerably. Research showsthat nearly half of Alzheimer’s disease patients are first diagnosed in the moderate to severe stages of the disease. Being able to identify symptoms of the diseaseis thefirst step to a timely diagnosis. Although there is no cure, there are medications to help alleviate symptoms associated with the disease. According to Dr. Leslie Blake of Eastern State Hospital in Spokane, WA, “Once the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is made, we need to start treatment almost that very same day. If you delay treating, then you are going to delay the response and potential effect of treatment.” If you have noticed any of the following changes in a loved one’s behavior, cognition and daily functioning, consider this an opportunity to address potential signs of Alzheimer’s disease with a doctor. The Alzheimer’s Associ- andfearful or suspicious thoughts about one’s surroundings may occur. (Adapted in part from the Alzheimer’s Association’s Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease and Steps to Getting a Recognizing symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease may help lead to earlier diagnosis. ation recommends that adults be familiar with the symptoms, which include: Difficulty performing familiar tasks, such as forgetting how to do routine chores, prepare a meal, participate in lifelong hobbies or dress appropriately for the weather. Disorientation, such as for- getting where the toothbrush was placed the night before or where onelives. Changes in behavior—as Alzheimer’s progresses, behavior changes, such as restlessness, sleeplessness, delusions, hallucinations, and pacing back and forth. Changes in mood—mood swings from calmness to anger 272-3900 or www.alz.org. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are medications that can treat the progressive symptoms of the disease. Namenda (memantine HCl) is the only medication approved for moderate to severe stages of Alzheimer’s disease and is available by prescription in the U.S. Ask your doctor about Namenda, go to www.Namenda.com orcall 1-877-2-NAMENDA(1-877-262- 6363). Namenda is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to memantine HCl or to any excipients used in the for- mulation. The most common adverse events reported with Namenda vs. placebo (25% and greater than placebo) were dizziness, confusion, headache, and constipation. In patients with severe renal impairment, the use of Namenda has not been systematically evaluated and is not recommended.
