How many people in the United States have Alzheimer's disease?
as many as 5.1 million
as many as 50 million
as many as 100 million
The most well-known risk factor for Alzheimer's disease is
increasing age
depression
family history of the disease
Another risk factor for Alzheimer's disease is
poor vision
arthritis
family history of the disease
What approaches to healthy aging are being studied for preventing AD?
lowering high blood pressure
being physically active
eating a healthy diet
all of the above
It is important to have an early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease
so that patients and families can plan for the future
so that the symptoms can be better managed
so that other diseases can be ruled out
all of the above
With Alzheimer's disease, the time from diagnosis to end of life
can be as little as 3 years
may be as long as 10 years or more
both of the above
People with mild Alzheimer's disease may be helped in day-today living by
a list of daily plans
notes about simple safety measures
written directions describing how to use common household items
all of the above
A person's genetic makeup can affect the risk of developing
early-onset Alzheimer's disease.
late-onset Alzheimer's disease.
both early- and late-onset Alzheimer's disease.
Answer
A is the correct answer. Estimates vary, but experts suggest that as many as 5.1 million people in the United States may have Alzheimer's disease. Most of them are age 60 or older, but some are in their 30s, 40s, and 50s.
A is the correct answer. Increasing age is the most important known risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. The disease usually begins after 60, and the risk goes up with age.
C is the correct answer. Family history is another risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Early-onset familial Alzheimer's, a rare form of the disease that occurs between the ages of 30 and 60, is inherited. It is caused by mutations, or changes, in certain genes. There is no evidence that poor vision and arthritis are risk factors for Alzheimer's.
D is the correct answer. Research suggests that controlling blood pressure, being physically active, and eating a healthy diet may lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Currently, there are no treatments, drugs, or pills that can prevent Alzheimer's disease.
D is the correct answer. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, early diagnosis makes it possible to consider treatment options and make legal and financial arrangements while the person with Alzheimer's can still take part in making decisions. Early treatment may help the person function independently for longer. Finally, doctors may find other possible causes of the person's symptoms, such as thyroid problems, drug reactions, depression, brain tumors, or blood-vessel disease in the brain. Some of these other conditions can be treated successfully.
C is the correct answer. With Alzheimer's disease, the time from diagnosis to end of life varies. It can be as little as 3 years if the person is over 80 years old when diagnosed, or as long as 10 years or more if the person is younger.
D is the correct answer. Memory aids may help some people with mild Alzheimer's disease with day-to-day living. A big calendar, a list of daily plans, notes about simple safety measures, and written directions describing how to use common household items can be useful.
C is the correct answer. A person's genetic make-up can affect the risk of developing both early- and late-onset forms of Alzheimer's disease. Early-onset Alzheimer's, a rare form of the disease affecting 5 percent or fewer of people with Alzheimer's, can be inherited. One gene — apoE4 — may increase a person's risk of having the common,
late-onset form of the disease, which occurs after age 65.
