Alzheimer's Disease Info
As we age, we experience many physical and mental changes. Many of these changes
are just a part of normal aging, but sometimes, they may be an indicator of a
more serious condition. One thing that people with memory problems often fear
is that they have Alzheimer's disease - one form of dementia. However, there
are many health conditions which mimic the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease but
are treatable.
The questions below are designed to help you talk with your doctor about all
of the possible causes of your memory loss symptoms, especially those which are
treatable, before you and your doctor settle on a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease
or dementia.
Ask Your Doctor
About:
- Possible
Medication Interactions - If you take even two medications,
you may be experiencing dizziness, memory loss, or other
symptoms due to medication interactions.
- Make
a list (print it & you can use the form below) and
be sure to tell your physician about all substances
you are taking, including:
Prescription Medications:
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
Vitamins:
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
Herbal supplements:
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
Over the counter products (such as aspirin and cold medicine):
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
Smoking cessation products:
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
Water and weight loss products:
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
Topical Items (such as arthritis ointment, athlete's foot treatment,
etc.):
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
Other Items:
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
- Be sure
to be thorough, because even things that we don't think
about (such as arthritis ointment) can contain substances
that can cause problems for some people.
- Your
doctor may need to work with you over time or may need
to change your prescriptions and over the counter products
in order to rule out medication interactions. Of course,
this may not solve your problem, but it is an important
thing to rule out.
- Effect
of Weight Loss/Gain & Medications - If you have recently
gained or lost even 10 pounds, you should ask your doctor
to check your medication levels.
- Some
medications are prescribed according to our weight
and losing or gaining weight may mean that you have
too much or too little medication in your body for
your size, and you may experience a variety of symptoms
that mimic dementia.
- Use the
list above and share it with your physician.
- Be sure
to alert your doctor to weight changes and have them
adjust your medications if necessary.
- Symptoms
from Dehydration - If you are dehydrated or malnourished,
your body may not be processing your medications correctly.
- You probably
know that water is an important element in our bodies.
Water is also necessary for our body to digest food
and to dissolve and metabolize medications properly.
However, many of us do not get enough water and dehydration
among older adults is common.
- In talking
with your doctor about your symptoms, be sure to alert
your physician of any bouts of diarrhea, vomiting,
and heat exhaustion you have recently experienced.
- Ask your
physician to ensure that you are not dehydrated, because
if you are, the medications in your system may be more
concentrated than appropriate and your body may not
be metabolizing your medicines correctly.
- If you
are dehydrated, your physician will work with you to
ensure proper hydration and that your medication levels
are appropriate.
- Falls & Concussions -
If you have fallen or hit your head recently, you could have
a concussion which can result in sudden memory loss, dizziness,
etc.
- Although
you may not realize it, a recent fall or serious bump
on the head may be the cause of your memory problems.
Falls among older adults are common and sometimes,
people fall and do not know if they hit their head
or even if they were unconscious for any period of
time.
- Be sure
to tell your doctor about any recent falls or serious
bumps on your head so that your doctor can rule out
concussions and other potential problems that can arise
from such events.
- Your
doctor may do a series of tests to see if there is
anything that needs to be done and if so, he/she will
do what is necessary to address the problem.
- Depression -
Depression is a common problem among older adults and affects
as many as one in five older people. The symptoms of depression
are remarkably similar to those of dementia.
- Physicians
often mistake depression for dementia, so be sure to
ask for specific tests to rule out depression. Blood
tests and neurological and psychological evaluations
are generally necessary to rule out depression.
- Depression
can have many different triggers such as loss, significant
life changes, and side effects of medications. Your
physician should address all possible underlying causes
of depression.
- Don't
be afraid to ask for a depression screening, as many
older people experience the symptoms of depression
but are unaware that they have a treatable condition.
- Remember
that depression is treatable, so be sure that your
physician checks for depression prior to providing
a diagnosis of dementia.
- Alcohol
Use - Consuming too much alcohol, or drinking alcohol
while taking certain medications may result in symptoms
of memory loss.
- Be sure
to tell your physician if you drink alcohol on a regular
basis, or if you experienced symptoms after an occasional
drink.
- Use the
list above to advise your physician of any medications
and treatments you use.
- Carefully
follow your physician's advice in regards to the use
of alcohol.
We hope that this document is helpful in speaking with your doctor
about all of the possible causes of your memory problems. After
considering the various treatable conditions that often mimic the
symptoms of dementia, your physician may determine that a diagnosis
of Alzheimer's disease is correct. If you are diagnosed with Alzheimer's
disease or another form of dementia, you may wish to contact your State
or Area Agency on Aging or the local
chapter of the Alzheimer's Association for assistance
in coping with Alzheimer's disease.
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