November Marks Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month (NAPSA)—In 1983, Ronald Reagan declared the month of Novem- taking one medication for Alzheimer’s is there anything ber National Alzheimer’s Awareness else that can be done? Month. Today, more than 4 million A: There are multiple medica- Americans have Alzheimer’s dis- tions available to treat Alzheimer’s disease which work differently and can be used alone or in combination with one another. ease, and experts predict that num- ber could double in the next 25 years.’ Designated both as National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month, November presents an opportunity to recognize the progress made against the disease and to acknowledge and support the millions of caregivers devoted to looking after their loved ones. Alzheimer’s is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease characterized by memory problems that eventually lead to severe cogni- tive, functional and behavioral impairment. Nearly half of Alz- For more information, you can visit www.Alzheimersonline.com or ask your physician about all avail- able treatmentoptions. Q:I1 feel overwhelmed as a the department of neurology at Indiana University School of Medicine, advises patients and their families to learn as muchaspossible about the disease and whatto asked questions: family and friends for assistance, are answers to some commonly Q:Can treatments help behavioral problems can occur. A: There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but there are treatments toms of moderate Alzheimer’s disease can include: Increased memoryloss Difficulty recognizing famil- lar people Problems with language Restlessness, agitation, anx- iety, and wandering e Repetitive statements or movements Hallucinations, delusions, suspiciousness, or paranoia Dr. Martin Farlow, professor and vice-chairman for research in A: Amongall caregivers, those who look after Alzheimer’s patients tend to report the highest levels of stress.'’ That’s why it is important for caregivers to take individuals with Alzheimer’s According to the National Institute on Aging, signs and symp- this way? expect as it progresses. Following heimer’s patients are first diagnosed in the moderate or severe stages," when signs and symptoms become more pronounced and caregiver. Is it commonto feel disease? available that may help patients maintain their mental capacity and ability to perform basic activi- ties longer than if they were not treated. Q: When should a patient start treatment? A: Treatment should start as soon as a patient is diagnosed. If you think a loved one has Alzheimer’s, make an appointmentto see your doctor right away. The sooner the diagnosis, the sooner treatment can be started to slow the progression of symptoms. Q:If someone is already time out for themselves, to turn to and to join local support groups. Namenda (memantine HCl) is the only medication approved for the moderate to severe stages of Alzheimer’s disease andis avail- able by prescription in the U.S. Ask your doctor about Namenda, go to www.Namenda.com or call 1-877-2NAMENDA(1-877-262-6363). Namenda (memantine HCl) is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to memantine HCl or any excipients used in the formulation. The most common adverse events reported with Namenda vs placebo (25% and higher than placebo) were dizziness, confusion, headache, and constipation. In patients with severe renal impairment, the dosage should be reduced. ween ene nn ne ne ne nen enn nee Ma on nn nnn nen eee * Hebert LE, Scherr PA, Bienias JL, Bennett DA, and Evans DA. State-specific projections through 2025 of Alzheimer disease prevalence. Neurology. 2004; 62:1645. * Market Measures Interactive. The Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease Study X. May 2004. *t Alzheimer’s disease: Unraveling the Mystery. National Institutes of Health, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services; 2002. NIH Publication Number 02-3782. * National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. Caregiving in the U.S. 2004. (p.60) Available at: www.caregiving.org/data/04finalreport.pdf.
