Alzheimers and the Effect on Family

The hallmark Alzheimer's symptom is forgetfulness. Not the usual loss of keys in someone who has always lost his keys, or the forgetting a nephew's birthday, but true forgetfulness. According to the National Institute on Aging, there are seven danger symptoms of Alzheimer's. They are: Asking the same question over and over again. Repeating the same story, word for word, again and again, forgetting how to cook, or how to make repairs, or how to play cards - activities that were previously done with ease and regularity. Losing one's ability to pay bills or balance one's checkbook. Getting lost in familiar surroundings, or misplacing household objects. Neglecting to bathe, or wearing the same clothes over and over again, while insisting that they have taken a bath or that their clothes are still clean. Relying on someone else, such as a spouse, to make decisions or answer questions they previously would have handled themselves. Depending on the stage of Alzheimer's disease (mild, moderate, or severe), there are other symptoms such as personality changes, hallucinations, losing control of the bowel and bladder, and wandering away from home for no reason. (NIA Abstract, 2002)
Researchers do not yet know the cause of Alzheimer's disease. The most important risk factor appears to be age. According to the National Institute on Aging, the number of people with Alzheimer's doubles every 5 years after the age of 65. (NIA Abstract, 2002) Another risk factor or cause of Alzheimer's appears to be family history. A family form, or familial Alzheimer's disease, is a rare form of Alzheimer's that usually occurs early—between the ages of 30 and 60--and can be inherited. The more common form of Alzheimer's, which occurs later in life, does not have an obvious link to family history.
However, one risk factor for this type of Alzheimer's disease is a protein or gene called the apolipoprotein E or the apoE gene. ApoE helps carry cholesterol in the blood. The apoE gene has three... [continues]

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