Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive disease of the brain, which is characterized by a gradual loss of memory and other mental functions. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia -- a general term referring to loss of memory and the ability to think, reason, function, and behave appropriately. (Medina 4) The word dementia is derived from two Latin words, which mean away and mind, respectively. (Goldmann 2) It's different from the mild forgetfulness normally observed in older people. Over the course of the disease, people with AD no longer recognize themselves or much about the world around them. (Medina 4)

Medina, John, Ph. D. (1999). What You Need To Know About Alzheimer's. USA: Publisher's Group West.

The Second Stage, or moderate dementia, lasts approximately 2 to 10 years after diagnosis. The second stage is usually the longest stage of the disease process. Symptoms of moderate dementia include: increasing memory loss with confusion, shorter attention span, problems recognizing close friends and family, repetitive statements and movements, restless (especially in late afternoon and at night), occasional muscle twitches/jerking, perceptual motor problems, difficulty organizing thoughts, cannot think logically, can not find right words (makes up words to fill in blanks), problems with reading/writing/numbers, may be suspicious/irritable/fidgety/teary/silly, loss of impulse control, trouble dressing, will not bathe or is afraid to bathe, and/or may see or hear things that are not there. A patient in the second stage, moderate dementia, often requires full-time supervision. (Cutler and Sramek 76)

Since normal aging may also cause a decline in the ability to remember names, places, and objects, as can strokes and heart disease, it is important to be examined by a doctor for a proper diagnosis. Even though Alzheimer's disease is responsible for more dementia than all other causes combined, more than 60 other diseases are capable of causing Alzheimer's-like dementias, that is why AD can be so hard to detect. There is no well-accepted specific test to identify AD during a patient's lifetime. Therefore, doctors can diagnose Alzheimer's disease only after they have ruled out all other possible causes of dementia. No one test can determine whether Alzheimer's actually exists, which is also the reason why a physician must administer an exhausting battery of tests before making an Alzheimer's diagnosis. A detailed patient and family history will be taken; a physical exam will be conducted; mental status test will be administered; neurological exam will be completed; laboratory tests will be performed; and an extensive psychiatric exam conducted before a diagnosis can be made. Some doctors may order brain scans to rule out strokes or tumors that could be causing symptoms of dementia. Memory and task-related tests used to diagnose AD measure the level of impairment or stage of the disease. Alzheimer's disease is usually characterized as mild, moderate, or severe, depending upon the severity of symptoms. (Medina 50)

McGuffey, E.C. (1997). Alzheimer's Disease: An Overview For the Pharmacist. Journal of Family Practice 45, 98-100.

Alzheimer's disease, or any other form of dementia, is a personal tragedy for the patient and for those who love them and bear the burden of caring for them. It is a slow, progressive disease with no known cure. As our population ages, Alzheimer's is a tragedy that is affecting more and more people.

Cutler, Neal R., M.D., and Sramek, John J., Pharm D. (1966) Understanding Alkzheimer's Disease. University Press of Mississippi.

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