The term "dementia" describes a cluster of symptoms related to memory loss and overall cognitive impairment that is progressive in nature and often irreversible. Dementia has many causes, including:

* Alzheimer's Disease
* Multiple Small Strokes (Multi-Infarct Dementia)
* Parkinson's Disease
* Huntington's Disease
* Drug use or interactions
* Depression
* Brain tumors
* Other cerebrovascular disease
* Head Trauma
* Alcoholism

The symptoms of dementia vary slightly depending on the diagnosis, but, in general, are quite similar. Alzheimer's Disease is the most common and well-studied cause of dementia, affecting up to 70% of those diagnosed with dementia. It is characterized by gradually worsening cognitive functioning that begins as subtle and occasional memory loss. As the disease progresses, an individual may experience:

* Episodes of confusion
* Difficulty on the job
* Getting lost in familiar areas
* Problems handling personal affairs (finances, housekeeping, grooming, etc.)
* Personality changes
* Depression (as the person recognizes their deficits)
* Significant memory loss
* Difficulty following simple directions
* Decreasing communication skills
* Swallowing difficulty

By the final stages, the person with Alzheimer's Disease may be unable to feed themselves, walk independently, or even speak intelligibly.

Diagnosing Alzheimer's Disease

A complete medical workup is necessary to rule out other causes of cognitive impairment. For example, drug interactions or frequent small strokes can cause dementia, but are not indicative of Alzheimer's Disease. In the absence of other possible causes, Alzheimer's may be diagnosed; however, a definitive diagnosis can only be made at autopsy ,with a complete examination of brain tissue.

Treating Alzheimer's Disease

Several medications exist that seem to slow down the progression of symptoms, but do not reverse the disease. More often, behavioral interventions are utilized to assist the person in recalling important information or performing daily activities. A speech-language pathologist (SLP) can assist the person with Alzheimer's use various strategies to preserve communication and cognitive functioning for as long as possible. Examples of strategies include using written cues for completing tasks or to assist memory recall, developing "memory books" to assist in recalling personal information, and training family members or caregivers in how to facilitate improved communication with the person with Alzheimer's. If the individual presents with swallowing problems, the SLP can work with the person to ensure safe swallowing. This may include teaching compensatory strategies or altering the person's diet so that they can eat without risk of choking or illness. The ultimate goal of any intervention is to preserve the person's quality of life for as long as possible.

Information for caregivers

There are things that caregivers can do to help the person with Alzheimer's function more effectively in their daily life. Useful techniques include:

* Repeating key information when conversing with the person to help maintain focus
* Giving the person choices rather than asking open-ended questions
* Keeping information and questions short and simple
* Using written cues for activities such as how to get dressed or how to prepare a simple meal and to remind the person about appointments or to take medications
* Attending support groups to learn about how others cope with the stresses of caring for someone with Alzheimer's Disease
* Utilizing adult day care or respite care in the area to prevent caregiver burnout
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