Introduction to Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease

• Between 60-80% of dementia is caused by Alzheimer’s disease.

• This disease was named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer who first described this syndrome.

• Symptoms of dementia are different from normal changes as we age.

• The symptoms of dementia include four sides: memory, thinking, physical, and behavior.

• ~5.8 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, and nearly one hundred thousand individuals in San Diego County are diagnosed with dementia.

• Risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease: age (> 65-year-old), sex (female > male), genetics and family history, education level, head trauma (athletes), Down syndrome, and health factors: hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and hearing loss.

• Diet/nutrition (good for the heart is also good for the brain), exercise and physical activity, intellectual activity, social connections, emotional health, and quality sleep.

• Three stages of Alzheimer’s disease: early/mild, middle/moderate, and late/severe.

Living with Alzheimer’s is physically, emotionally, and financially demanding; Alzheimer's San Diego is a great place to get support.