Life does not end with an Alzheimer's diagnosis.

That's one of the things that Jill Wulff learned that she wants to pass on to others. Wulff, Alzheimer's Association of Minnesota-North Dakota rural care consultant, got involved in the association after her mother was diagnosed with Lewy Body dementia, a neurodegenerative disorder.

After her mother was diagnosed with Lewy Body six years ago, Wulff contacted the association and learned that the nearest support group was in Warren, Minn., more than hour's drive from her home in Roseau. She started a support group in her hometown and, in the process, learned not only about Lewy Body and Alzheimer's, but also other forms of dementia.

Now, Wulff, a rural care consultant for the Alzheimer's Association of Minnesota-North Dakota, gives out information about dementia to other families with members who have a form of the disease. She also talks to individuals and groups about dementia, recently speaking to a group of people at RiverView Health clinic in Crookston.

Dementia affects memory, judgment, attention, perception, reasoning, organization, language and abstract thought, Wulff said. Risk factors for dementia include age, genes, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, diabetes and Down syndrome. Thirteen percent of people ages 65 and older have Alzhheimer's disease and nearly half of people over age 85 have it.

Current estimates are that 5.3 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, and of them, 5 million are age 65 or older. Nearly 10 million Americans are caring for someone with Alzheimer's, according to statistics from the Alzheimer's Association.

Dementia, defined as loss of function in two or more cognitive areas and characterized by a group of symptoms that affect daily living, follows a progression from mild to severe. Long-term studies show that people with mild cognitive impairment are at a greater risk for Alzheimer' disease, Wulff said.

Diagnosis

The only sure way to determine if a family member has Alzheimer's or a related dementia is to have him or her tested.

"There are many, many things that can mimic dementia," Wulff said. Conditions that mimic dementias include medication side affects, infections, dehydration and depression.

The tests to diagnose Alzheimer's and related dementias include complete history and physical, mental status and neurological exams, lab work, CAT and PET scans and an MRI and psychological exams, the Alzheimer's Association said.

An early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease can help delay its progression, Wulff said.

"It is so important if you are exhibiting any signs to get an early diagnosis.... Your life is not over," she said. Although medication won't cure Alzheimer's, it can slow down its progression, she said.

Alzheimer's causes great stress not only for the person who has it, but for his or her family and friends so it is important that caregivers talk about their loved one with others.

"You need to have a support system. You have to let your family and your friends and your neighbors and your church family know," she said.

Wulff also encourages family members or friends of people with Alzheimer's or related dementias to contact the Alzheimer's association.

"The association has many wonderful resources.... Ultimately, our goal is to keep that loved one at home and safe for as long as possible.'

Alzheimer's Association of Minnesota-North Dakota information: (800)-272-3900 or on the Web at www.alzmndak.org

Bailey writes for special features sections. Reach her at (701) 787-6753; (800) 477-6572, ext. 753; or send e-mail to abailey@gfherald.com. To see more of the Grand Forks Herald, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.grandforks.com. Copyright (c) 2009, Grand Forks Herald, N.D. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.