Alzheimer's Disease

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some other causes of confusion, memory lapses, and cognitive decline?
   Occasional forgetfulness is normal and should not be a cause for concern unless it increases in frequency or interferes with daily living. However, some of the causes of cognitive decline, besides AD, include nutritional deficiencies, such as Vitamin B12 deficiency; metabolic conditions, including diabetes, electrolyte imbalance, hypertension, and kidney, liver, and thyroid disorders; structural disorders like brain tumors, head injuries, normal pressure hydrocephalus, and vascular dementia; degenerative disease, including age-related cognitive decline, Diffuse Lewy Body Disease, Huntington's Chorea Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and Pick's Disease; infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS, Creutzfeldt-Jakob, meningitis, encephalitis, and syphilis; and still other causes, such as anxiety, depression, heavy metal poisoning (for example, lead poisoning), medication interactions and side effects, overmedication, and seizures.
2. Is there a way to get involved in research efforts related to Alzheimer’s Disease?
   Yes. Both affected and unaffected individuals can participate in clinical trials. In addition, people can donate brain tissue of a family member after their death. For scientists to continue to study the causes of AD and to potentially find a cure, samples are needed of brain tissue from people who had AD as well as from elderly people who did not. You can find more information on clinical trials involving AD at the ClinicalTrials.gov website.
3. Is there a link between Mad Cow Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease?
   There is no evidence at this time of any connection between Mad Cow Disease and Alzheimer’s even though some of the symptoms may appear similar.