Alzheimer’s disease is a type of brain disease, just as coronary artery disease is a type of heart disease. It is caused by damage to nerve cells in the brain. The brain’s nerve cells are essential to thinking, walking, talking and all human activity.
How can I tell if a loved one might have Alzheimer’s disease?
There are several signs that a person may develop dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. They include:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Challenge in planning or solving problems
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks
- Confusion with time or place
- New problems with words in speaking or writing
- Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
- Decreased or poor judgment
- Withdrawal from work or social activities
- Changes in mood or personality
Alzheimer’s Helpline
Community Health supports the Vermont Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. The national Alzheimer’s Association provides a helpline for caregivers and family members who need information or support.
Call 800-272-3900 for Alzheimer’s support.