About Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease, the most common cause of dementia, is a degenerative neurological disease that usually begins gradually, causing a person to forget recent events or familiar tasks. How rapidly the disease advances varies from person to person, but the death of nerve cells in the brain eventually causes confusion, personality and behavior changes and impaired judgment. Communication becomes difficult as the affected person struggles to find words, finish thoughts or follow directions. Most people with Alzheimer's eventually become unable to care for themselves.
While the cause of Alzheimer's is still unknown, extensive research is being conducted for advancement in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the disease as well as for care of those suffering from Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.
The Alzheimer's Association has devised a list of ten warning signs that may indicate Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. If you, or someone you love, is exhibiting several of these symptoms, please contact a health care provider for a thorough examination.
Warning Signs
The Irene Swindells Center for Adult Day Services is the only social-model adult day program in San Francisco designed to serve individuals with mild to moderate memory loss without additional significant health care needs. Our caring staff of trained professionals provides education and support for family caregivers, enhancing the quality of life for everyone touched by memory loss.
The Memory Clinic at California Pacific offers assessment and treatment for those suffering from mild memory loss. For an appointment, please call (800) 242-4227.
For more information on Alzheimer's Disease:
Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org), a national network of chapters, committed to finding a cure for Alzheimer's and helping those affected by the disease.
The Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center provides information on this topic. The Center was mandated by Title IX of Public Law 99-660 and established in 1990 to collect, maintain, and disseminate information about Alzheimer's disease research and services. The Center serves health and social service professionals, Alzheimer's disease patients and their families, and the public. Information in the database includes references to fact sheets, textbook chapters, journal articles, brochures, teaching manuals, directories, audiovisuals, bibliographies, program descriptions, monographs, newsletters, and reports.
Family Caregiver's Alliance (www.caregiver.org) , a San Francisco community-based nonprofit organization that address the needs of families and friends providing long-term care at home.
See also additional consumer health resources put together by California Pacific Medical Center's Health Science Library.