Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, but there are many others, including vascular dementia (often due to multiple, often silent strokes), Lewy body dementia (related to Parkinson's disease), and frontotemporal degeneration. Recent studies suggest that general medical problems associated with aging, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, elevated cholesterol, etc. can have a negative impact on memory and other cognitive functions and may increase risk for developing Alzheimer's disease. Healthy lifestyle factors such as a low-fat, "heart-healthy" diet, aerobic exercise, getting a good night's sleep, not smoking, using alcohol in moderation, and controlling common medical conditions can all help preserve brain functioning.

The early signs of Alzheimer's disease -- short-term memory loss, lack of concern or indifference, loss of insight -- often prevent the affected person from realizing what's happening. It is important for family members or others to act on early warning signs and seek appropriate medical attention.

In some cases there may be only a memory problem that is noticeable, but not so problematic, by itself. If confirmed by testing, such individuals are referred to as having 'Mild Cognitive Impairment' or MCI. MCI is important to identify because at least half of these individuals will go on to develop Alzheimer's. People with MCI need to be thoroughly evaluated for potentially reversible causes of cognitive impairment, including depression, thyroid or vitamin B12 deficiency, and sleep disturbances. While there currently are not any specific diagnostic tests for dementia, pursuing a diagnostic evaluation at the first sign of a memory problem may identify a reversible cause, or get treatment started sooner.

Two classes of drugs are currently approved for treating Alzheimer's disease. These include cholinesterase-inhibitors (donepezil-Aricept, galantamine-Razadyne, rivastigmine-Exelon) which increase the brain chemical acetylcholine, and an NMDA modulator (memantine-Namenda), which decreases the level of another brain chemical thought to play a role in brain cell death.

Currently, the only proven treatments for Alzheimer's disease are symptomatic, meaning that the main effect is to slow clinical progression of symptoms, but not alter the underlying disease process. A recent study suggests that combining drugs from the two main classes provides more benefit than either one alone. In addition, there is some evidence that both classes of drug approved for Alzheimer's disease may help individuals with vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia. As Alzheimer disease progresses, increasing behavioral symptoms and functional disability often leave family members who care for patients feeling overly stressed and "burned out." Community resources such as the Alzheimer's Association and county agencies on aging provide education, guidance, and family support over the disease course, where the ultimate goal is to preserve the patient's "personhood."

Current research efforts are focused on developing diagnostic tests for Alzheimer's based on brain imaging and abnormal proteins that become deposited in the brain long before symptoms appear. Over 100 possible treatments are also being evaluated that may slow down or stop the underlying disease process. While we await these scientific advances, it is important to pursue diagnose and treatment at the earliest signs of a memory problem, and do everything possible to reduce risk. Participating in research at local medical centers is one way to help bring us closer to curing Alzheimer's and related disorders.