Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia and accounts for 50% - 60% of all cases. It destroys brain cells and nerves disrupting the neurochemicals which carry messages in the brain, particularly those responsible for storing memories. The average duration of the disease usually progresses over a span of eight years from the onset of symptoms.

Approximately 10 million people worldwide are affected by Alzheimer's disease. It is a leading cause of death behind cardiovascular disease and cancer. In Singapore, there were about 3,200 persons with Alzheimer's disease in the year 2000. The number expected to more than triple to 10,500 over the next 30 years. Most of the people who are affected are over 65, and the chance of developing the disease increases with age. However, in rare cases, Alzheimer's disease can strike people at earlier ages in their 40's and 50's.

The other person affected by Alzheimer's disease is the caregiver. Actually, the stress of caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease often affects the whole family. Family and caregivers experience emotional distress like anger, isolation, anxiety, sleep problems, and depression. There is increased burden and overall distress, as the disease progresses and eventually leaves patients completely dependent upon others. While caring for an Alzheimer's patient may be challenging and difficult, help is available to ease the burden.

Physicians, mental health professionals, caregiver support groups and Alzheimer's associations can provide much needed advice and guidance.

No known cure for the disease exists, but there are newly available therapies indicated specifically for Alzheimer's dementia that slow down symptomatic decline and enhance cognition, activities of daily living and global functioning.