Help and Hope for Alzheimer's Patients and Their Loved Ones.

An estimated four million Americans and their loved one are currently suffering from Alzheimer's disease (AD). It's a tragic disease that robs people of their memories, destroys their dignity, and causes intense emotional, physical, and financial pain to many families. Characterized by a gradual onset and progressive loss of memory, judgment, orientation, abstract thinking and other cognitive functions, AD affects 10 to 15 percent of the population over the age of 65, and as many as 47 percent of those over the age of 85. With seniors being the fastest growing segment of the population, the potential number of those who will be affected in the future, and the burden on society to provide care, is staggering.

Years ago, most people had no knowledge of AD and few services were available in the community for people suffering with dementia. Fortunately, times have changed -- although we still have far to go in coping with and conquering this disease. Spearheaded by the Alzheimer's Association, which is a national, non-profit organization that has a local chapter in Los Angeles, great strides have been made in increasing public awareness of Alzheimer's disease as well as the availability of community resources to assist patients and their caregivers. Education of family members, caregivers and healthcare professionals has improved the care of those people who are afflicted. In addition, services such as in-home care and adult day care programs have proliferated in some areas, proving much needed respite to caregivers as well as stimulation and a supportive environment for dementia victims. One such program, the CARE Club at Granada Hills Community Hospital, was designed specifically for people in the early stages of dementia who have an awareness of their problems. Dementia caregiver support groups have also expanded, with over 75 groups throughout Los Angeles County, and with meetings conducted in four languages.

Increased research in the field has focused on the discovery of possible genetic links to dementia and identifying the cause and progression of the illness. Researches hope to develop a reliable early diagnostic test for AD as well as effective ways of slowing or reversing the course of the illness. Research has also led to the development of drugs that may be effective in treating the symptoms of AD. Two medications, Tacrine and Donepezil, have been approved the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) during the past few years, and are possibly effective in treatment of people who have mild to moderate dementia. Several other medications are being evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of AD, offering additional hope to those who cannot tolerate, do not respond to, or cannot afford Tacrine or Donepezil. Increased knowledge in the diagnosis, treatment and management of the illness has also resulted in improved quality of care. Comprehensive programs, such as the Center for Aging Research and Evaluation (C ARE) at Granada Hills Community Hospital, offer diagnostic assessment, counseling, support groups, clinical drug trials, respite programs, and education all under one roof. In addition, referrals to comprehensive programs, or to individual services, are available through the Los Angeles Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association,

Although great strides are being made in AD research and in the quantity and quality of services available, we have only begun to address the mounting needs of people who have this devastating illness.

Kim Wilms is with the Center for Aging Research and Evaluation(CARE) at Granada Hills Community Hospital in Granada Hills.