Alzheimer's
Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic brain disease that gradually erodes an individual’s memory, intellectual abilities and personality.
During the early stages, the most obvious symptom is an inability to learn and remember new information.
In advanced stages, the ability to think, speak or perform such basic tasks as getting dressed or eating is severely impaired. The time between diagnosis and death typically ranges from seven to 10 years.
Adapted from the Encyclopedia of Psychology
What you can do
- Protect your brain as you age
Research suggests that life-long learning, exercise and other strategies can help.
- Enhance your memory
Alzheimer's disease can leave people struggling with basic tasks. But some strategies can help you or a loved one compensate for mild memory loss.
- Aging: When Should I Be Concerned About a Senior’s Forgetfulness?
Adults dealing with aging parents face many challenges. Find answers to your frequently asked questions.
Getting help
- Find a Psychologist
- Testing for Alzheimer's
Because early intervention can help prevent damage, psychologists are searching for tests to detect Alzheimer's even before symptoms appear.
News
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Spinal taps may be useful in predicting brain disorders
August 30, 2010, Los Angeles Times
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Science panel reaches a gloomy verdict on Alzheimer’s
August 29, 2010, The Boston Globe
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Insulin resistance may cause Alzheimer plaques
August 25, 2010, Reuters
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New diagnostic tools for Alzheimer’s
August 24, 2010, The Washington Post
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Nuns donate their brains to Alzheimer's research
August 22, 2010, Los Angeles Times
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Trying improv as therapy for those with memory loss
August 7, 2010, The New York Times
Monitor on Psychology Articles
- Another reason to break a sweat
June 2010
- Removing fear, promoting joy
December 2009
- A new test for early-stage dementia
September 2008
Books
APA Offices and Programs
- Office on Aging
The Office on Aging is a coordination point for APA activities pertaining to aging and geropsychology (the field within psychology devoted to older adult issues). The Office on Aging also supports the work of the APA Committee on Aging.