More women than men have Alzheimer's Disease (AD), primarily because women live longer, on average, and their life expectancy increases the time during which they could develop AD or other dementia.
The prevalence of AD and other dementia also differs by education; those with more years of education (compared to those with fewer years) provides a "cognitive reserve" that allows individuals to compensate for symptoms of AD or other dementia.
One study found that with people of less than 12 years of education had a 15% greater risk of developing dementia than people with 12 to 15 years of education and a 35% greater risk of developing dementia than people with more than 15 years of education.
Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60 - 80% of all dementia cases.
Four medications are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat AD. Donepezil (Aricept®), rivastigmine (Exelon®), and galantamine (Razadyne®) are used to treat mild to moderate AD (donepezil can be used for severe AD as well). Memantine (Namenda®) is used to treat moderate to severe AD. These drugs work by regulating neurotransmitters (the
The prevalence of AD and other dementia also differs by education; those with more years of education (compared to those with fewer years) provides a "cognitive reserve" that allows individuals to compensate for symptoms of AD or other dementia.
One study found that with people of less than 12 years of education had a 15% greater risk of developing dementia than people with 12 to 15 years of education and a 35% greater risk of developing dementia than people with more than 15 years of education.
Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60 - 80% of all dementia cases.
Four medications are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat AD. Donepezil (Aricept®), rivastigmine (Exelon®), and galantamine (Razadyne®) are used to treat mild to moderate AD (donepezil can be used for severe AD as well). Memantine (Namenda®) is used to treat moderate to severe AD. These drugs work by regulating neurotransmitters (the
chemicals that transmit messages between neurons). They may help maintain thinking, memory, and speaking skills, and help with certain behavioral problems. However, these drugs don't change the underlying disease process and may help only for a few months to a few years.
(Reference: http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/
Publications/adfact.htm)
Our knowledge about AD is growing rapidly as scientists expand their understanding of the many factors involved in this devastating disease. Although no treatments or drugs have yet been proven to prevent or delay AD, people can take some actions that are beneficial for healthy aging and that also might reduce the effect of possible risk factors for AD. For example, you can:
(Reference: http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/
Publications/adfact.htm)
Our knowledge about AD is growing rapidly as scientists expand their understanding of the many factors involved in this devastating disease. Although no treatments or drugs have yet been proven to prevent or delay AD, people can take some actions that are beneficial for healthy aging and that also might reduce the effect of possible risk factors for AD. For example, you can:
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exercise regularly
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eat a healthy diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables
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engage in social and intellectually stimulating activities
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control type 2 diabetes
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lower high blood pressure levels
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lower high blood cholesterol levels
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maintain a healthy weight
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