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Alzheimer's Disease - Caring for Your Loved One When a Loved One Has Alzheimer's Disease Your loved one can't recall the name of a favorite grandson . . . Forgets how to get home . . . Asks the same question over and over again. If someone you love has Alzheimer's disease,these scenes may sound familiar. Now you wonder what lies ahead. Read on to learn more about Alzheimer's disease and about ways to cope with the challenges you now face. "Taking care of Mom can be hard at times. But I've learned ways to make it less frustrating." "I take time away when I can. I sometimes feel guilty, but I know the breaks help me be a better caregiver." What Is Alzheimer's Disease? Alzheimer's is a brain disease that affects a person's ability to remember, reason, and communicate. Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for ongoing problems with memory and other mental functions. Dementia used to be known as "senility" and was thoughts to be a normal sign of getting older. But now we know Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia are not a normal part of aging. How Is It Diagnosed? Alzheimer's is suspected when symptoms of dementia are present. Other diseases that cause the same symptoms must then be ruled out. These include thyroid problems, medication side effects, stroke, and depression. The evaluation for Alzheimer's usually includes a memory test, blood tests, and a brain scan. A neurologist (a doctor specializing in the brain) may be involved.

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