Alzheimer's FAQ's

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Q: What is the difference between Alzheimer's and Dementia?

• Dementia is a loss of thinking, remembering, and reasoning skills that interfere with a person's daily life and activities. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. 

Q: What is Sundowning?

• Changes in people with Alzheimer's in the late afternoon and early evening. The fading light seems to trigger a response in Alzheimer's patients. Look out for changing behavior around these times and let their doctor know. Also as a caregiver you could be experiencing these symptoms, this is normal for you. 

Q: What are the causes of Alzheimer's disease?

• Scientists do not fully understand what causes Alzheimer's disease in most people. 
  • In early-onset (which occurs in people between 30s and mid-60s) there may be a genetic component. Late-onset Alzheimer's (which usually develops in a person's mid-60s) arises from a complex series of brain changes that occur over decades. 

Q: I keep forgetting things, could I have Alzheimer's?

• Most of us forget things every day; like people's names or where we put our car keys, but this is not necessarily a sign of Alzheimer's or another form of dementia. Memory loss associated with dementia is more serious than occasionally forgetting things. Please do not wait for memory loss to interfere with your everyday life before you seek professional help. Also, please do not try to diagnose yourself or someone close to you.
• If you are concerned about memory loss or a decline in your cognitive skills, please schedule an appointment with your doctor. There are several treatments available that can help slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease and maximize your quality of life. 
• Early detection in Alzheimer's disease is extremely important. It is key to managing the disease effectively and minimizing its impact. Early diagnosis allows individuals to better understand their condition, access treatments sooner, and plan for the future.  

Q: Does Alzheimer's run in the family?

• Alzheimer's disease can have a familial connection, but it's not always the case.
• About 25% of Alzheimer's disease cases are familial, meaning at least three people in a family have Alzheimer's. Familial Alzheimer's disease is caused by a gene mutation that's passed down in families.  
• About 75% of Alzheimer's disease cases are nonfamilial, meaning there's no known family history of Alzheimer's.
• People with a parent or sibling diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's. 
• The most important risk factor for Alzheimer's disease is age, not family history. 

Q: Is there a way to prevent Alzheimer's disease?

• At this time, there is no proven way to prevent Alzheimer's disease. Scientists do believe there are several things you can do to improve your brain health and lower your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
• Numerous studies show engaging in healthy lifestyle choices can help lower your risk of developing dementia and other issues as you age. In addition to reducing your risk, healthy lifestyle choices may help delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease, slow down the progression of the disease, and possibly prevent Alzheimer's disease altogether.

Q: What are some of lifestyle choices I should consider?

• Consuming a healthy diet is imperative to keeping the brain functioning and healthy. One such diet to consider is the Mediterranean diet. A large study recently found that the Mediterranean diet was inversely associated with dementia incidence. This means that those who adhere to this diet may be at a reduced risk for developing dementia.
• The Mediterranean Diet is comprised of food that is associated with Greece, Italy and other countries that border the Mediterranean Sea. This includes plant-based foods, whole grains, olive oil, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and legumes.
• It is also often advised to cut back on sugary foods and beverages, sodium, highly processed foods, refined carbohydrates and saturated fats to improve overall health. There have been multiple studies pointing to a connection between these foods and better cognitive health. 
• Consult a doctor before changing or starting a dieting regiment.

• A healthy brain is important for everyone. However, brain health becomes a bigger concern as you age, particularly in regard to cognitive decline. There are several ways to preserve cognitive function, keep your brain healthy and lower your risk of developing a neurological disease, which can cause cognitive issues that negatively impact brain health.   

• Get a good night’s sleep. Skip napping late in the afternoon or early evening. Instead, aim for 7-8 hours of interrupted, quality sleep. Create a relaxing bedtime routine that includes a regular bedtime schedule so you can go to sleep around the same time every night. 

• Oxygen is essential for life and is crucial for the health and function of your brain. It also plays a critical role in maintaining the proper functioning of your body. The brain requires a constant supply of oxygen to perform its various functions, including regulating mood, attention, memory, and more. Proper oxygen levels in the brain can enhance mental clarity, focus, and concentration. It can also help to improve memory and increase overall cognitive performance. In addition, increased oxygen levels have been shown to have a calming effect on the brain, reducing anxiety and improving overall mental wellbeing.  When your brain does not receive an adequate supply of oxygen, it can impair cognitive function, decrease your sleep quality and negatively impact your overall performance. In inadequate supply of oxygen, over time, may also be a contributing factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Consult your doctor to ensure you are getting an adequate supply of oxygen and discuss options for improving your blood oxygen saturation levels, as determined by your doctor.

• Drink water. If you’re like most people, you need to drink more water. It’s one of the best ways you can take care of your brain. Numerous studies prove that dehydration not only affects your physical wellbeing but also influences your mood and ability to think clearly. Lack of water has also been linked to reduced working memory capacity, decreased mental performance and depression. Not drinking enough water can cause headaches, sleepiness and confusion. 

• Exercise/Go for a walk. If you have a pet, take them on a walk too. They will probably enjoy it – unless you have fish, in which case, we recommend leaving them at home. Your general physical health influences your mind too. Walking for 30 minutes a day can stimulate your brain and enhance the connectivity of essential brain circuits, combat declines in brain function due to aging and even increase cognitive skills. 
• There is a definite link between physical activity and cognitive performance. Chronic illness, pain, and exhaustion can all negatively affect how you feel and think. That’s why taking good care of your body is an excellent way to take care of your brain health. 
• Walking is a great place to start but don’t be afraid to mix in some variety. Take a hike. Ride a bike. Lift some weights. Get social and play tennis, pickleball or basketball. 
• Even the simplest forms of exercise can help the brain resist physical shrinkage, enhance cognitive flexibility, and sharpen the mind. People that exercise daily enjoy healthier brains and perform significantly better on cognitive tests than those who are mainly sedentary. Always consult your doctor before changing your exercise routine. 

• Socialize. Remaining socially active is incredibly vital for overall health and well-being. In fact, loneliness and social isolation are linked to shorter life expectancy, cognitive decline, and other disabilities. 
• Schedule regular phone calls with family and friends. Invite them to join you on a walk, meet you for lunch or just stop by for coffee or tea. Have a game night or a watch party for popular shows/events. Talk to your neighbors. Invite them to join you. 
• Don’t know anyone who can join you? Take some educational classes, join a local club or volunteer for causes that are important to you. Many local centers offer events for seniors to gather and interact. Don’t be afraid to mix and mingle! 

• Monitor your blood pressure. Healthy arteries are flexible, strong and elastic. Their inner lining is smooth so that blood flows freely, supplying vital organs and tissues with nutrients and oxygen. Proper blood flow keeps the brain healthy. 
• High blood pressure increases the pressure of blood flowing through the arteries. Over time, the force of blood pushing against arteries may cause blood vessels to become scarred, narrowed, and diseased. This damage can hamper blood flow to many parts of the body, including the brain. 
• High blood pressure can lead to cerebrovascular damage - such as a major stroke, series of small strokes, white and gray matter shrinkage, and microinfarcts (tiny areas of dead brain tissue) - and possibly the plaques and tangles typical of Alzheimer’s disease. High systolic blood pressure, the top number in blood pressure readings, is considered especially important to monitor as people age. 
• Have your blood pressure checked regularly and, if necessary, treated. Incorporating brain healthy habits into your daily life can also help you lower your blood pressure. 
• Multiple studies conclude that controlling blood pressure earlier in life, years before most people become concerned with age-related cognitive loss, will help maximize the potential for protecting brain function later in life.

• Always consult your primary care provider before changing your diet or exercise routine. They can help you create a personalized plan to improve your brain health and lower your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Q: What else can I do to lower my risk of developing Alzheimer's disease? 

• Several studies show a link between mentally stimulating activities and a lower risk of Alzheimer's. Other studies show spending more time studying helps lower the risk. 
• Keeping your brain active is a great way to maintain, and potentially improve cognitive health. 
• Simple games, card games, chess, and brain teasers like sudoku or crossword puzzles are very effective ways to stimulate the brain.
• If you’re comfortable using technology, you can download an endless supply of games and puzzles. There are even games that are specially formulated to target memory improvement and boost brain power. 
• You can also do something artistic, learn a new language or take a class at a nearby community college. This is a great opportunity to mix a couple of strategies and be social while stimulating your brain.
• You should also contact your primary healthcare provider for more information specific to your needs.

Q: Where can I go to get further information?

• If you are concerned about memory loss or a decline in your cognitive skills, please schedule an appointment with your doctor. They can refer you to a specialist, if needed. There are several treatments available that can help slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease and maximize your quality of life.