Press Room
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is dementia?
A: Dementia is defined as the loss of intellectual
functioning (such as thinking, remembering, and reasoning) of
sufficient severity to interfere with a person's daily functioning.
Dementia is not a disease itself but rather a group of symptoms that
may accompany certain diseases and conditions. Symptoms may also
include changes in personality, mood and behavior. Dementia is
irreversible when caused by disease or injury but may be reversible
when caused by drugs, alcohol, hormone or vitamin imbalances or
depression
Source: www.alz.org
Q: What is Alzheimer's Disease?
A: Alzheimer's (AHLZ-high-merz) Disease is a progressive
brain disorder that gradually destroys a person's memory and ability
to learn, reason, make judgments, communicate and carry out daily
activities. As Alzheimer's progresses, individuals may also
experience changes in personality and behavior, such as anxiety,
suspiciousness or agitation, as well as delusions or hallucinations.
In the late stages of the disease, individuals need help with
dressing, personal hygiene, eating and other basic functions. People
with Alzheimer's die an average of eight years after first
experiencing symptoms, but the duration of the disease can vary from
three to twenty years. Alzheimer's Disease is the most common cause
of dementia.
Source: www.alz.org
Q: What is the definition of a caregiver?
A: There are two types of caregivers: informal or family
caregiver and professional caregiver.
An informal or family caregiver can be defined as an adult
providing unpaid care to relatives or friends 50 years of age or
older to help them take care of themselves. Unpaid care may include
activities such as helping with grocery shopping, driving to
appointments, helping prepare meals or providing constant care.
A professional caregiver is an adult who provides the same type
of care in a paid setting such as an assisted living residence or
long term care facility. Professional caregivers can also assist
family caregivers by providing paid care in the home as well.
Typical job titles for professional caregivers would include home
health aides, nurses aides, nurses, physicians, social workers,
dieticians, recreation aides and other ancillary personnel.
Source: www.alz.org
Q: What are the estimates for persons with Alzheimer's Disease
in the United States?
A: An estimated 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's Disease.
The number of Americans with Alzheimer's Disease has more than
doubled since 1980.
Source: www.alz.org
Q: Who is the typical Alzheimer's care recipient?
A: A 78 year old woman who is widowed.
Source: www.alz.org
Q: How many family caregivers are there in the United States?
A: More than 50 million people provide care for a chronically
ill, disabled or aged family member or friend during any given year.
Source: National Family Caregivers Association,
www.nrcacares.org
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