For a while, scientists have known that Alzheimers victims have a build-up of plaque in their brains called beta amyloid. Alzheimers is a fatal brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. Its estimated that 5.1 million Americans may have the disease. But up until now, the only way to make a definitive diagnosis of plague build-up was after the patient had died when an autopsy was performed on the brain.
Now that may change. According to a report in the New York Times, an advisory committee to the Food and Drug Administration unanimously recommended the agency approve a brain scan that can show the plaques of Alzheimers disease in the brain of a living approval. Final agreement on the scans is contingent on radiologists agreeing on two points: what the scans say -- and doctors being trained to read the scans.
Information from the scans will help doctors differentiate between the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. They often have similar symptoms but the treatment options are very different. The brain scans can clear the confusion by identifying the brain plaque. In a recent study the scans were found to match autopsy results 96 percent of the time.
As promising as the scans may be, experts admit this test is not the breakthrough they've been waiting for, but they're hopeful it can help point a light through the Alzheimer's fog.
Meanwhile, according to the Alzheimers Association, there are signs that indicate Alzheimers disease. Here are ten: Memory loss that disrupts daily lifeOne of the most common signs of Alzheimer's is memory loss, especially forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; relying on memory aides (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own. What's typical? Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later. Challenges in planning or solving problemsSome people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before. What's typical? Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisurePeople with Alzheimer's often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favorite game.
What's typical? Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a television show. Confusion with time or placePeople with Alzheimer's can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there. What's typical? Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationshipsFor some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer's. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast. In terms of perception, they may pass a mirror and think someone else is in the room. They may not realize they are the person in the mirror. What's typical? Vision changes related to cataracts. New problems with words in speaking or writingPeople with Alzheimer's may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a "watch" a "hand-clock"). What's typical? Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace stepsA person with Alzheimer's disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time.What's typical? Misplacing things from time to time, such as a pair of glasses or the remote control. Decreased or poor judgmentPeople with Alzheimer's may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.What's typical? Making a bad decision once in a while. Withdrawal from work or social activitiesA person with Alzheimer's may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced. What's typical? Sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social obligations. Changes in mood and personalityThe mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer's can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone. What's typical? Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.Robin Westen is ThirdAges medical reporter. Check for her daily updates. She is the author of The Big Book of Personality Tests for Women.See what others have to say about this story or leave a comment of your own.
