Florida Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative EDUCATION MANUAL Understanding & Dealing With Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Disorders Revised May 2016 This Education Manual is dedicated to the heroic families who are dealing with the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders in loved ones. For additional information regarding this Education Manual, please contact: Leilani Doty, PhD Director, University of Florida Cognitive & Memory Disorder Clinics Box 100236, Department of Neurology McKnight Brain Institute Gainesville, FL 32610-0236 Direct line: 352-273-5620 Office phone: 352-273-5550 Fax: 352-273-5575 E-mail: [email protected] Mary Hodges Chief, Bureau of Community & Support Services Division of Statewide Community-Based Services Department of Elder Affairs 4040 Esplanade Way Tallahassee, FL 32399-7000 Phone: 850-414-2184 Fax: 850-414-2042 E-mail: [email protected] II | Florida Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative Table of Contents Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 1 Chapter 1: How the Brain Works ........................................................................................... 7 The Brain .............................................................................................................................................................8 Summary ...........................................................................................................................................................11 Chapter 2: Daily Health Tips ............................................................................................... 13 Basics of Daily Health .......................................................................................................................................13 Summary of Healthy Living ..............................................................................................................................20 Reading Suggestions ..........................................................................................................................................20 Chapter 3: A Full Medical Exam .......................................................................................... 23 A Full Medical Exam .........................................................................................................................................23 Summary ...........................................................................................................................................................25 National Resources ............................................................................................................................................25 References ..........................................................................................................................................................26 Chapter 4: Firming up the Diagnosis ................................................................................... 27 State of Florida Brain Bank ................................................................................................................................27 Description of State of Florida Brain Bank ........................................................................................................27 History of Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative State of Florida Brain Bank ................................................................28 Application Process ............................................................................................................................................29 Acceptance to the Program ................................................................................................................................30 Reasons for a Brain Autopsy ..............................................................................................................................30 Summary ...........................................................................................................................................................31 References ..........................................................................................................................................................31 Chapter 5: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) .................................................................... 33 Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) ...................................................................................................................33 Brain Cell Changes ............................................................................................................................................34 The Medical Evaluation .....................................................................................................................................35 Planning Ahead .................................................................................................................................................36 Tips for Dealing With Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) ...............................................................................37 Assisting Other People Who Have MCI ............................................................................................................38 Summary ...........................................................................................................................................................38 National Resources ............................................................................................................................................39 References ..........................................................................................................................................................39 Chapter 6: Fixable Memory Disorders (Fixable Dementias) ................................................ 41 Early Memory & Thinking Changes .................................................................................................................41 Full Medical Check-Up As Soon As Possible .....................................................................................................42 A Full Medical Exam .........................................................................................................................................43 Summary ...........................................................................................................................................................44 National Resources ............................................................................................................................................45 References ..........................................................................................................................................................45 Understanding & Dealing With Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Disorders | III Chapter 7: Alzheimer’s Disease Overview ............................................................................ 47 Alzheimer’s Disease ............................................................................................................................................48 Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease .............................................................................................................................50 Summary ...........................................................................................................................................................51 Recommended Reading .....................................................................................................................................51 References ..........................................................................................................................................................52 Chapter 8: Comparing: Alzheimer’s Disease, Cardiovascular Dementia, & Lewy Body Dementia .............................................................. 53 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................53 Alzheimer’s Disease ............................................................................................................................................53 Cardiovascular Dementia ...................................................................................................................................54 Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) ............................................................................................................................55 Medical Exam & Treatments for Progressive Dementias ...................................................................................56 Planning Ahead .................................................................................................................................................58 Summary ...........................................................................................................................................................60 Chapter 9: Intellectual and Developmental Disability (i.g., Down Syndrome) & Alzheimer’s Disease ..................................................................... 61 Comparing Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Dementia ................................................................64 The Medical Evaluation .....................................................................................................................................65