Glencoe Health © 2007

Introduction:
This lesson addresses some of the transitions that adults go through from the age of 40 on up. While some of these can be joyous, such as becoming a grandparent, other changes are more troubling. For example, about 4.5 million older Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. At this Web site, you can learn more about Alzheimer’s, and what you can do to minimize your risk of this devastating illness.

Alzheimer’s Association: What Is Alzheimer’s?
http://www.alz.org/AboutAD/WhatIsAD.asp

Directions:

• Follow the links to these pages:
• What Is Alzheimer’s?
• Causes
• Warning Signs
• Stages
• Myths
• Statistics
• After you have read the information, answer the following questions.

1.			Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. Define dementia.
2.			What is the greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer’s?
3.			Is Alzheimer’s caused by genetic or environmental influences?
4.			What is the average duration of Alzheimer’s?
5.			What drugs do doctors most often use to stop the progress of Alzheimer’s?
6.			According to a poll commissioned by the Alzheimer’s Association, how many Americans have a family member with Alzheimer’s?