Website Launched for Alzheimer's by NIH

The National Institute on Aging has announced the launching of a new website focused on Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. The website, www.Alzheimers.gov, will serve as a federal government portal for dementia information and resources.

This website's goal is to educate and support those people who are affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Dementia is a growing problem in the United States and throughout the world because of longevity.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia in older adults, with more than five million Americans being affected. Experts say as the population gets older; more people will be diagnosed with some type of dementia. Other forms of dementia create problems for individuals and their families, including frontotemporal, vascular, and Lewy body dementia.

Website Has Many Resources

The website features many resources, including:

• Alzheimer's disease and related dementias information, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Tips and resources for caregivers and people living with dementia.
• Updates on what the federal government is doing to address Alzheimer's and related dementias.
• Clinical trials and studies that affected people can participate in to help advance research into ways to treat and prevent dementia.
• Resources for health care providers, community and public health workers, and researchers.

Alzheimer’s is Progressive – Consequences on Family and Finances

Alzheimer's disease causes a progressive decline in a person's memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. The symptoms vary depending on the stage of the disease.

Early symptoms include:

• Becoming less flexible and more hesitant to try new things
• Forgetting the names of places and objects
• Memory loss
• Misplacing items
• Repeating themselves regularly, such as asking the same question several times

Middle- stage symptoms include:    

• Agnosia (inability to interpret sensations and hence to recognize things)  
• Changes in mood, including frequent mood swings, depression, and feeling increasingly anxious, frustrated, or agitated  
• Delusions (believing untrue things)  
• Difficulty in performing spatial tasks, such as judging distances  
• Disturbed sleep  
• Increasing confusion and disorientation  
• Obsessive, repetitive, or impulsive behavior  
• Problems with speech or language (aphasia)  

More advanced symptoms will include:

• Mobility problems.
• Considerable weight loss.
• Loss of speech.
• Very significant short and long-term memory loss.

As a person progresses with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia, they will require supervision and long-term health care. This type of care is not paid for by health insurance, including Medicare. Medicaid will aid for dementia-related care; however, you must have little or no income and assets to qualify. 

Long-Term Care Costs Increase Yearly

According to the LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator, extended health care, including dementia care, is costly, and costs increase every year. 

Long-Term Care Insurance will pay for these costs; however, you must obtain coverage when you are healthy since these policies are medically underwritten. Experts say the best time to purchase Long-Term Care Insurance is in your 40s or 50s, when most people still enjoy relatively good health and premiums are at their lowest.

However, for families dealing with a loved one with dementia now, www.Alzheimers.gov is a good resource.