ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
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| What Is It? |
A disease whereby nerve cell changes in parts of the brain result in the death of a large number of brain cells. |
| Cause |
|
| Risk Factor |
|
| Symptoms |
- personality changes
- gradual memory loss
- difficulty doing routine tasks
- impaired judgment
- disorientation
- difficulty communicating
|
| Diagnosis |
- no test is available
- blood tests and brain scans are done to rule out other diseases
- tests determining cognitive ability are helpful in the diagnosis
- most often made based on symptoms
|
| Treatment |
- there is no treatment to prevent progression of the disease
|
| General Information |
- eventually, the person with Alzheimer’s will require 24 hour care
- many communities have support groups to assist caregivers
- the environment and routine of the Alzheimer’s patients should be changed as little as possible
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DIABETES
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| What is it? |
A condition where the body has problems in converting glucose into energy. This leaves too much glucose in the blood stream. |
There are two types of diabetes:
Type I and Type II |
- Type I is usually diagnosed in young children and young adults
- Type II more commonly affects adults older than 40
|
| Cause |
- with Type I, the body does not produce any insulin
- with Type II, the body produces some glucose, but it is either not enough or not effective
|
| Risk Factors |
- family history
- racial and ethnic backgrounds
- Black Americans, Mexican Americans, Native Americans, and Asian Americans are at a greater risk
- excessive weight (especially for Type II)
|
| Symptoms |
- weight loss with increased appetite
- blurred vision
- excessive thirst and urination
|
| Complications |
- nerve problems
- loss of feeling in feet
- circulatory problems
- can lead to heart disease, kidney disease and blindness
|
| Diagnosis |
- made by fasting blood tests
|
| Treatment |
there is no cure, but Diabetes can be managed and controlled:
- special diet
- change in quantity and type of food eaten
- exercise
- helps body use insulin more efficiently
- may help reduce risk of cardiovascular complications
- reduces the stress that caused increased blood sugars
- insulin
- all Type I and most Type II diabetics require insulin
- 25% of diabetics can control their diabetes by diet and exercise alone (no insulin)
- some Type II may use pills or a combination of pills and insulin
|
| General Information |
- much research is being done and, hopefully, a future cure will be discovered
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ALCOHOLISM
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| What is it? |
A disorder in which a person has an overwhelming craving for, and physical dependence, on alcohol.
- it is not a bad habit or a lack of willpower
- not every person who uses alcohol will develop alcoholism; only one person in 15 becomes an alcoholic
|
| Risk Factors |
- family history
- exposure or opportunity to use alcohol
- environment
- cultural attitude
|
| Symptoms |
- denial
- inability to see problems that alcohol is causing
|
| Warning Signs |
- problems controlling amount of drinking or how often one drinks
- drinking at inappropriate times and places
- a tolerance to alcohol
- withdrawal symptoms (nausea, shaking)
|
| Diagnosis |
- examination/assessment by a physician
|
| Treatment |
- options for treatment are based on the individual's medical and financial needs, what is covered by insurance, and the lifestyle of the individual
- inpatient program
- person lives for a period of time in a facility isolated from alcohol, home and work environment
- outpatient program
- person works with a counselor one-on-one or in groups, but is allowed to live at home and work while practicing skills learned in treatment
- most programs include:
- a medical assessment for severity of physical damage caused by alcohol (may include a short hospital stay)
- education regarding the disease
- counseling
- medications
- antidepressants may be prescribed for people with emotional problems resulting from their drinking
- medications may be prescribed which either decrease the craving and effects of alcohol or blocks the ability of body to breakdown alcohol, thus causing unpleasant side effects if the person consumes alcohol
- recovery and self-help programs
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is one of the oldest and most successful programs; it is staffed by volunteers who are recovered alcoholics
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| What should you do if you suspect that you or someone you know has an alcohol problem? |
You can use the CAGE test and ask these questions:
- C = Cutting down - Has there ever been a concern that you needed to cut down on the amount of alcohol you drink?
- A = Annoyance - Have you ever been annoyed by people criticizing you for your drinking>
- G = Guilt - Have you ever felt guilty about your drinking?
- E = Eye opener - Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?
- If the answer is yes to two or more of these questions, there may be a need for a more formal assessment.
This test should not be used to diagnose alcoholism, but it may indicate cause for concern. |
| General Information |
- Family members and friends sometimes decrease the chances that the alcoholic will recognize the severity of the problem and seek treatment by "covering up" their drinking behaviors
- may include assuming responsibilities for them, making excuses, etc.
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DEPRESSION
|
| What is it? |
A medical disorder with a clear set of symptoms that affect the mind and body.
- it is not a matter of will or weakness
- it is a serious disorder that requires medical care
|
| Risk Factors |
- family history
- lack of a supportive relationship
- certain personality traits
- low self-esteem
- stressful events
- loss of a loved one
- loss of a job
|
| Symptoms |
- feelings of sadness nearly every day for more than two weeks
- lack of appetite or overeating
- inability to sleep or excessive sleeping
- aches and pains
- lack of energy or feeling restless
- trouble concentrating or making decisions
- feelings of worthlessness, guilt or thoughts of suicide and death
|
| Diagnosis |
- there are no blood tests, x-rays, etc.
- diagnosed by pattern of symptoms
- medical history and tests done to eliminate physical problems
- psychological tests may be done
|
| Treatment |
- medications
- psychotherapy
- involves helping the patient understand the problem and identify ways to cope
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BULIMIA
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| What is it? |
Bulimia is an eating disorder. Eating disorders develop when the effort to become, and stay thin, becomes life-threatening.
- characterized by abnormal "binge eating"
- binge eating is consuming large amounts of high calorie foods in a short time, and then purging by self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, enemas, diuretics, fasting or excessive exercise
|
| Cause |
- combination of physical, emotional, and psychological factors
- binging is often a means of stress management
|
| Risk Factors |
- age, sex, (women between ages of 15-24)
- found mostly in industrialized counties due to society’s pressure to be thin
|
| Symptoms |
- calluses on skin near index and middle fingers from inducing vomiting
- loss of enamel from teeth
- many cavities, sore throat
- low potassium levels
|
| Diagnosis |
- based upon symptoms, medical tests should be done to eliminate other causes of weight loss
|
| Treatment |
- usually outpatient treatment
- counseling regarding coping and stress management skills
- antidepressants
- nutrition programs
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ANOREXIA
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| What is it? |
An eating disorder; eating disorders develop when the effort to become, and stay thin, becomes an obsession. A condition whereby one is preoccupied with thoughts of weight and food that is sometimes called "self-starvation" and is considered a psychiatric problem. |
| Risk Factors |
- age and sex (women between 15-24)
- found mostly in industrialized counties due to society’s pressure to be thin
|
| Symptoms |
- body weight 15% or less than the recommended average
- osteoporosis
- intense fear of becoming overweight, even though they are extremely underweight
- ceasing of menstrual period for at least three months
- self-esteem and self-image revolve around their personal perception of body shape and weight
- dizziness
- trouble concentrating
|
| Diagnosis |
- based upon symptoms
- medical tests should be done to eliminate other causes of weight loss
|
| Treatment |
- may require hospitalization
- counseling for patient and family
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ASTHMA
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| What is it? |
A chronic, ongoing lung disease. |
| Cause |
- no known direct cause
- there are several triggers differing with each person
- pollen, grasses, weeds
- weather changes, molds, various exercise
- air pollutants, viruses & colds (especially in very young children)
- smoke (especially cigarette smoke)
|
| Risk Factors |
- gender (affects more males than females)
- family history
- allergies
|
| Diagnosis |
- no specific test
- asthma history, nasal smears
- chest x-rays to rule out other causes
- breathing tests
|
| Treatment |
- aimed at identifying and avoiding triggers
- use of medication such as inhalants
|
| General Information |
- 60-70% of children with asthma will outgrow their symptoms
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SKIN CANCER
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| What is it? |
A condition whereby skin cells turn into cancer cells when cells of an area in the skin grow out of control. |
| Cause |
- overexposure to the sun, mostly
|
| Risk Factors |
- fair skin
- family history
- history of severe sunburns
- repeated exposure to the sun
|
| Prevention |
- protection from the sun (use a sunscreen) with SPF 15 or higher
- avoid midday sun
- self-exams, the American Cancer Society recommends the ABCD method for identifying possible skin lesions and moles that may need attention:
A = asymmetry (when one side of the mole looks different from the other side
B = border (if the borders of the mole are not well defined
C = color (if the color of the mole varies
D = diameter (if the mole is the size of a pencil eraser or larger
- report any skin lesion or mole that changes in size, shape, or color, or one that begins to bleed
|
| Treatment |
- for basal and squamous cell cancers it is simple removal in the doctor’s office
- for melanoma, more extensive surgery is required
- additional treatments such as chemotherapy and removal of lymph nodes may be necessary
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