M7: Alzheimer's and Other Dementias

Dementia is not a single disease; it's an overall term – like heart disease – that covers a wide range of specific medical conditions, including Alzheimer's disease. Dementia affects millions of people and is more common as people grow older, but it is not a normal part of aging. Many people live into their 90s and beyond without any signs of dementia. While Alzheimer's is a specific disease, it is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of dementia cases. Doctors can determine that a person has dementia with a high level of certainty. But it's harder to determine the exact type of dementia because the symptoms and brain changes of different dementias can overlap. Treatment of dementia depends on its cause, but in the case of most progressive dementias, including Alzheimer's disease, there is no cure and very few treatments. Ultimately, the path to effective new treatments for dementia is through increased research funding and increased participation in clinical studies.

Purpose: Learn about Alzheimer's and other dementias

Facilitator: Jon Brillman (Guest Presenter – Lee Health)