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Supporting Arkansas Families Since 1984

81.1% of our income is spent on programs and services to support Arkansas families

OUR VISION is a world in which all persons affected by Alzheimer’s disease have the services that they need.

OUR MISSION is to provide the information and support needed so that all Arkansans affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are able to live with dignity and comfort until a cure is found.

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201 Markham Center Drive
Little Rock, AR 72205-1409
Phone: 501-224-0021 or
800-689-6090
Fax: 501-227-6303

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Alzheimer's Disease - An Overview

What is Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia disorders, affecting as many as 5 million Americans. That includes over 100,000 Arkansans. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disease that attacks the brain and results in impaired memory, thinking, and behavior.

As with all forms of dementia, the rate of progression of the disease in persons living with Alzheimer's varies from case to case. From the onset of symptoms, the life span of a person living with Alzheimer's can range anywhere from 3 to 20 or more years. The disease eventually leaves the individual unable to care for himself/herself.

What are the Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease?

Memory loss
Difficulty performing familiar tasks
Problems with language
Disorientation to time and place
Poor or decreased judgment
Problems with abstract thinking
Misplacing things
Changes in mood or behavior
Changes in personality
Loss of initiative

How is Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosed?

At this time, there is not a single diagnostic test that can diagnose Alzheimer's disease. Your physician will run a series of tests to rule out a diagnosis of another form of dementia that could possibly be treated if diagnosed early enough. The only definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease at this time is by examining the brain during autopsy.

What Treatments are Available?

The US Food and Drug Administration have approved five drugs for the treatment of symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease. These drugs are: Cognex, Aricept, Exelon, Reminyl, and Namenda. Other medications may also be prescribed to treat anxiety, agitation, depression, and poor sleep, which often accompany Alzheimer's disease.

Call Alzheimer’s Arkansas to request a more detailed fact sheet about Alzheimer’s disease. We also have fact sheets about coping with symptoms associated with the disease.