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Get Educated On World Alzheimer's Day

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 20, 2008

Anyone with a connection to Alzheimer's disease knows all too well its devastating impact.

Those unfamiliar with this most common form of dementia, however, have an opportunity to learn more on Sunday, as part of World Alzheimer's Day.

An estimated 4.5 million U.S. men and women are thought to suffer from the disease, which robs the mind of its ability to conduct regular daily functions. That's an estimated 5 percent of men and women ages 65 to 74, and nearly half of the people 85 and older, the National Institutes of Health says.

Most frustrating is the fact that researchers remain unclear about the distinct causes of Alzheimer's. Age and family history seem to play a part, but researchers continue to investigate how education, diet and environment may be factors.

In its earliest stages symptoms may only include mild forgetfulness, which can be attributed to aging, the NIH says. More advanced forms of the disease - such as when people forget to perform simple tasks such as brushing their teeth - may require medical attention. In the advanced stages, many involve people becoming anxious or aggressive and they may want to wander from home.

Want to learn more about symptoms, treatments, caregiver support and current research? Visit these online resources:

• www.alzheimers.nia.nih.gov - The Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center sponsored by the National Institutes of Health's Institute on Aging

• http://www.alzfdn.org/ - Alzheimer's Foundation of America

• www.alz.org - Alzheimer's Association

A staff report

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