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<\/h4>\n<\/h4>\nThere are 150,000 people over 65 in Virginia who have the disease.<\/p>\n
Rachel Lawson, Senior Program Manager from the Alzheimer\u2019s Association, Greater Richmond Chapter answered some of the common questions they receive about Alzheimer\u2019s and dementia.<\/p>\n
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What is Alzheimer\u2019s disease? <\/strong><\/p>\n Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior and is the most common cause of dementia. Alzheimer\u2019s is not a normal part of aging.<\/p>\n What is the difference between <\/strong><\/p>\n Alzheimer\u2019s and dementia? <\/strong><\/p>\n Alzheimer\u2019s is a specific disease where dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer\u2019s is the most common form of dementia. Types of dementia.<\/p>\n What are the warning signs of <\/strong><\/p>\n Alzheimer\u2019s? <\/strong><\/p>\n The most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s is difficulty remembering newly learned information.<\/p>\n As Alzheimer’s advances through the brain it leads to increasingly severe symptoms, including disorientation, mood and behavior changes. Individuals will become confused about events, time and place.<\/p>\n Some individuals show unfounded suspicions about family, friends and professional caregivers.<\/p>\n In later stages, more serious memory loss and behavior changes in addition to difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n How can I reduce my chances of getting Alzheimer\u2019s or dementia? <\/strong><\/p>\n There is growing evidence to suggest that adopting healthy lifestyle habits may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline including eating a heart healthy diet, exercising regularly, and staying cognitively and socially engaged.<\/p>\n What should I do if I have concerns about memory and thinking for myself or a loved one?<\/strong><\/p>\n There are lots of things that could be causing these changes, and dementia may or may not be one of them.<\/p>\n The sooner the individual or family member knows what\u2019s causing these problems, the sooner the concerns can be addressed.<\/p>\n Talking to a doctor will enable a proper evaluation and timely diagnosis.<\/p>\n Are there treatments for Alzheimer\u2019s? <\/strong><\/p>\n In 2023, the FDA approved Leqembi for treatment of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer\u2019s and mild Alzheimer\u2019s dementia.<\/p>\n This treatment, while not a cure, slows cognitive decline and can give people with early Alzheimer\u2019s more time to maintain their independence.<\/p>\n The FDA also granted accelerated approval to Aduhelm for the same purpose. Results for a third treatment \u2014 donanemab \u2014 are expected any day.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/reflectornews.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Community_Alzheimers-Holiday-08-003-300x300.jpg\")
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