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Top 10 Causes of Death in Men | IDPH

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Top 10 Causes of Death in Men


Men have shorter life expectancies than women. While we will all die eventually, there are things we can
do to live longer and healthier lives, which improves the overall quality of our lives and our families lives.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2003 just over one million
American men died of heart disease or one of the nine other leading causes of death. That represents 80
percent of all deaths by men that year. Men are more likely than women to die from most of these
causes. Luckily, because many of these causes can be prevented, men can take steps to avoid them by
knowing the symptoms, by having regular checkups by a doctor or health care provider and by taking
steps to live a healthier life.
Number 1 Heart Disease
Heart disease is a term that includes many specic heart conditions. According to the U.S. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to heart attacks,
is the most common heart disease in the United States. Other heart conditions include chest pain
known as angina, heart failure and irregular heart beats known as arrhythmias.
About Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
CAD develops when arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become hardened and narrowed
from plaque buildup. Because buildup reduces blood ow, and therefore oxygen, to the heart it can lead
to a heart attack.
Statistics
Because men usually develop heart disease 10 to 15 years earlier than women, men are more likely
to die of it in the prime of life. (American Heart Association)
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women.
Nearly 700,000 people die of heart disease annually the equivalent of 29 percent of all deaths in
the United States. (CDC)
About a quarter of all heart-disease-related deaths occur in men ages 35 to 65. (CDC)
In 2004, heart disease was the cause of death for 410,628 males. (American Heart Association)
Symptoms of Heart Attack
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According to the National Heart Attack Alert Program, major symptoms of a heart attack include:
Chest discomfort: This discomfort is usually in the center of the chest and can last for a few
minutes or come in waves. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
Upper Body Discomfort: This can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck,
jaw or stomach.
Shortness of Breath: This may occur before or in conjunction with chest discomfort.
Other: Some people may break out in a cold sweat, feel nauseated or lightheaded.
Prevention
Several health conditions can lead to heart attacks. These conditions include high cholesterol, high
blood pressure and diabetes. Here are some things that you can do to lower your risk of a heart attack.
Treat high blood cholesterol by eating a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in ber,
keep a healthy weight, and get regular exercise. If in spite of your best efforts, your cholesterol
remains high, discuss with your doctor medications that may help.
Control high blood pressure with a healthy diet, regular exercise, not smoking and maintaining a
healthy weight. If after doing all these things, you still have high blood pressure, discuss options
with your doctor regarding medications.
If you have diabetes, be sure to keep your blood sugar levels under control. People with diabetes
have a heightened risk of heart disease.
Quit smoking and drink in moderation. Both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are linked
to high blood pressure, some heart disease and stroke.
Number 2 Cancer
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the leading causes of cancer
death in men are lung cancer, prostate cancer and colorectal cancer.
Statistics
In 2003, nearly 288,000 men died of cancer in the U.S., the second-leading cause of death for both
sexes. (CDC)
Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death for both men and women. (CDC)
Ninety percent of lung cancer is caused by cigarette smoking. (CDC)
In 2003, 89,964 men died of lung cancer. (CDC)
Symptoms

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Lung Cancer
Nearly a quarter of people with lung cancer do not have symptoms from advanced cancer when their
lung cancer is found. While symptoms may vary, the CDC lists the following as common symptoms:
Shortness of breath
Persistent coughing
Wheezing
Coughing up blood
Chest pain
Fever
Weight loss
Prevention
While there are some people who never smoke and who get lung cancer, the vast majority of those who
get lung cancer smoke.
One of the BEST things you can do for your health is to quit smoking. See Smoke-free Illinois under
RESOURCES in the right-hand column.
Prostate Cancer
The Prostate Cancer Foundation lists the following symptoms:
A need to urinate frequently, especially at night.
Difculty starting urination or holding back urine.
Weak or interrupted ow of urine.
Painful or burning urination.
Difculty in having an erection.
Painful ejaculation.
Blood in urine or semen.
Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs.
Prevention
While preventing prostate cancer may not be possible, early detection does save lives. Discuss with
your doctor whether you should have a prostate cancer screen and look for the symptoms above.
Colorectal Cancer
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many people with colon cancer have

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no symptoms in the early stages. Signs and symptoms include:


A change in bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your
stool for more than a couple of weeks.
Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool.
Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain.
Abdominal pain with a bowel movement.
A feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely.
Weakness or fatigue.
Unexplained weight loss.
Prevention
While colon cancer cannot be prevented, early detection saves lives. Start prevention health screenings
at age 50 or earlier if you have a family history of colon cancer or have other risk factors.
Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer occurs more commonly in younger men (age 20 to54). According to the American
Cancer Society, common signs of testicular cancer include:
Lumps (masses)
Swelling
Pain
Overall Cancer Prevention
Have regular preventive health screenings.
Quit smoking and avoid second hand smoke and other tobacco products.
Eat a healthy, varied diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly.
Limit your exposure to sun and use sunscreen.
Drink alcohol only in moderation.
Be aware of potential cancer-causing substances (carcinogens) in your home and workplace, and
take steps to reduce your exposure to these substances.
Know and review your familys medical history.
Number 3 Unintentional Injuries
Unintentional injuries are simply accidents. Though a leading cause of death for men and Americans

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of all ages many unintentional injuries can be easily prevented. Injuries in this category include, for
example, injuries due to falls, re and impaired driving.
Statistics
In 2002, unintentional injuries were the leading cause of death for people ages 1 to 44 years and
the fth leading cause of death overall. (CDC)
More than 106,000 people died in 2002 from unintentional injuries.(CDC)
Men are more likely to die from a fall. After adjusting for age, the fall fatality rate in 2004 was 49
percent higher for men than for women (CDC).
Residential res accounted for 76 percent of re-related injuries and 79 percent of re-related
deaths in 2002. In this year alone, more than 401,000 home res in the United States claimed the
lives of 2,670 people and injured another 14,050. (CDC)
In 2003, 17,013 people died in alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes, representing 40 percent of
the years total trafc deaths. (CDC)
Male drivers involved in fatal motor vehicle crashes are almost twice as likely as female drivers to
be intoxicated with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or greater (NHTSA 2006).
It is illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher in all 50 states, the District of Columbia
and Puerto Rico.
Driving while distracted or tired increases your likelihood of being involved in an accident. Using a
cell phone, blackberry or other electronic device can be hazardous while driving and should be
avoided.
Prevention
Falls
The CDC recommends the following preventative steps for older adults:
Exercise regularly. Exercise programs like Tai Chi that increase strength and improve balance are
especially good.
Drink only in moderation.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines both prescription and over-the counter
to reduce side effects and interactions.
Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year.
Improve the lighting in your home.
Reduce hazards in your home that can lead to falls.

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Fires
The CDC identies a few main risk factors for unintentional injury due to re.
Install Smoke Alarms: Approximately half of home re deaths occur in homes without smoke
alarms.
Double Check Safety of Heating Units: Most residential res occur during the winter months.
Drink in Moderation: Alcohol use contributes to an estimated 40 percent of residential re deaths.
Number 4 Stroke
A stroke occurs when blood ow to an area of the brain is interrupted by either a blood clot blocking an
artery or a blood vessel breaking. Under these conditions, brain cells begin to die and brain damage
occurs. Brain damage from a stroke can lead to a loss of abilities, including speech, movement and
memory.
Statistics
In 2004, more than 58,000 men died of stroke (American Heart Association).
About 700,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke in the United States each year and more
than 150,000 of these people die (American Heart Association).
About 5.7 million U.S. stroke survivors are alive today, many with permanent stroke-related
disabilities (American Heart Association).
Symptoms
The National Stroke Association lists the following as common symptoms of stroke:
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg especially on one side of the body.
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
Try this easy-to-remember test and Act F.A.S.T if you think someone you know is having a stroke:

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FACE Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

ARM Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

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Top 10 Causes of Death in Men | IDPH

S
T

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SPEECH Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Does the speech sound
slurred or strange?
TIME If you observe any of these signs, its time to call 9-1-1 or get to the
nearest stroke center or hospital.

Prevention
According to the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, leading risks factors for
stroke include:
High blood pressure
Tobacco use
Diabetes
Carotid or other artery disease
Atrial brillation or other heart disease
History of mini-strokes known as TIAs
High red blood cell count
Sickle cell anemia
High cholesterol
Physical inactivity
Obesity
Excessive alcohol intake
Some illegal drugs
Number 5 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (Lung Diseases)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a term physicians use to refer to two lung diseases
chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The diseases frequently exist together and both are conditions that
cause a blockage of airow that interferes with normal breathing.
Statistics
In 2003, 60,714 men died of COPD. (American Lung Association)
Between 80 percent and 90 percent of COPD deaths are caused by smoking. Men who smoke are
nearly 12 times as likely to die from COPD as men who have never smoked. (U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services)
Symptoms

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Chronic Bronchitis: Chronic cough, increased mucus, frequent clearing of the throat and shortness
of breath.
Emphysema: Shortness of breath and a reduced capacity for physical activity both of which
worsen over time.
Prevention
Smoking is the leading cause of COPD. Take preventative steps by not smoking and avoiding
secondhand smoke.
Minimize exposure to workplace chemicals. According to a study in the American Journal of
Epidemiology, occupational exposure to certain industrial pollutants also may increase the chance
of developing COPD.
Number 6 Diabetes
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, diabetes can refer either to a deciency of
insulin or to the bodys decreased ability to use insulin. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas
that allows glucose (sugar) to enter cells and be converted into energy. The bodys ability to synthesize
protein and to store fats also depends on normal levels of insulin. If diabetes is left untreated, glucose
and fats remain in the bloodstream and, over time, damage the bodys vital organs and contribute to
heart disease.
There are two main types of diabetes -- non-insulin dependent (type-2) and insulin dependent (type-1).
Non-insulin dependent diabetes, which usually appears after the age of 40, is the most common type,
affecting 90 percent to 95 percent of those who have the disease. Insulin-dependent diabetes, or
type-1 diabetes, affects the remaining proportion of those with the disease. Although this type of
diabetes can occur at any age, it most often appears in childhood or during the teen years. Over a third
of people with diabetes do not know they have the disease. This is why diabetes is sometimes referred
to as the silent killer.
Statistics
As of 2005, 10.9 million or 11 percent of all men aged 20 years or older in the United States had
diabetes (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
Adults with diabetes have heart disease death rates about 2 to 4 times higher than adults without
diabetes. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
Heart disease and stroke account for about 65 percent of deaths in people with diabetes. (U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services)

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Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults 20 to 74 years of age. (U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services)
Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, accounting for 44 percent of new cases in 2002. In
2002, 44,400 people with diabetes began treatment for end-stage kidney disease in the United
States and Puerto Rico. The risk for stroke is 2 to 4 times higher among people with diabetes. (U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services)
Symptoms
According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes often goes undiagnosed because many of its
symptoms seem harmless. Recent studies indicate early detection of diabetes symptoms and treatment
can decrease the chance of developing the complications of diabetes.
Symptoms include:
Frequent urination
Excessive thirst
Extreme hunger
Unusual weight loss
Increased fatigue
Irritability
Blurry vision
Prevention
Your risk for type-2 diabetes and heart disease depend on factors that can be managed (modiable risk
factors) and others that are genetic (non-modiable risk factors). Understanding and managing your
risk factors can help you avoid diabetes and heart disease and live a longer, better life.
Modiable Risk Factors
Overweight and obesity
High blood glucose
High blood pressure
Unhealthy cholesterol levels
Physical inactivity
Smoking
Non-modiable Risk Factors

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Age
Race
Gender
Family history
Number 7 Inuenza and Pneumonia
Inuenza
According to the CDC, inuenza (the u) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by u viruses. The u
can cause varying degrees of illness from mild to fatal. The u is spread from person-to-person in
respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. Some people, such as older adults, pregnant women,
children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious u complications
including death.
Prevention
The best way to prevent the u is by getting a u vaccination each year. Hand-washing and avoiding
others with the u also may help.
Pneumonia
The Mayo Clinic reports that pneumonia is an inammation of the lungs usually caused by infection with
bacteria, viruses, fungi or other organisms. Pneumonia is a particular concern for older adults and
people with chronic illnesses or impaired immune systems, but it can also strike young, healthy people.
There are many kinds of pneumonia ranging in seriousness from mild to life-threatening. Pneumonia
acquired while in the hospital can be particularly virulent and deadly. Although antibiotics can treat
some of the most common forms of bacterial pneumonias, antibiotic-resistant strains are a growing
problem. For that reason, and because the disease can be very serious, it's best to try to prevent
infection in the rst place.
Statistics
Every year in the United States, on average 5 percent to 20 percent of the population gets the
u,more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from u complications, and about 36,000 people die
from u. (CDC)
Every year, more than 60,000 Americans die of pneumonia. (Mayo Clinic)
Worldwide, pneumonia is a leading cause of death in children. (Mayo Clinic)
Symptoms
The CDC states the u usually comes on suddenly and may include these symptoms:

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Fever (usually high)


Headache
Extreme tiredness
Dry cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle aches
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea also can occur, but are more common in children than adults
According to the Mayo Clinic, signs and symptoms of pneumonia may vary with many cases of
pneumonia developing suddenly. Symptoms may include:
Chest pain
Fever
Chills
Cough
Shortness of breath
Infection often follows a cold or the u, but it can also be associated with other illnesses or occur on its own.
Prevention:
Pneumonia is slightly more complicated compared to u because you usually don't "catch" pneumonia
from someone else. Instead, you develop the disease because your immune system is temporarily
weakened, often for no known reason. The following suggestions from the Mayo Clinic can help prevent
pneumonia:
Get vaccinated. Because pneumonia can be a complication of the u, getting a yearly u shot is a
good way to prevent viral inuenza pneumonia, which can lead to bacterial pneumonia. In addition,
get a vaccination against pneumococcal pneumonia at least once after age 55 and, if you have any
risk factors, every ve years thereafter.
Wash your hands. Your hands are in almost constant contact with germs that can cause pneumonia.
These germs enter your body when you touch your eyes or rub the inside of your nose. Washing
your hands thoroughly and often can help reduce your risk. When washing isn't possible, use an
alcohol-based hand sanitizer, which can be more effective than soap and water in destroying the
bacteria and viruses that cause disease. What's more, most hand sanitizers contain ingredients that
keep your skin moist. Carry one in your purse or in your pocket.
Don't smoke. Smoking damages your lungs' natural defenses against respiratory infections.

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Take care of yourself. Proper rest and a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, along with
moderate exercise, can help keep your immune system strong.
Protect others from infection. If you have pneumonia, try to stay away from anyone with a
compromised immune system. When that isn't possible, you can help protect others by wearing a
face mask or always coughing into a tissue.
Number 8 - Suicide
According to the Mayo Clinic, men are more likely than women to commit suicide because they are
more likely to use deadlier means, such as rearms. Depression is one of the most important risk factors
in suicide. Unfortunately, male depression is under-diagnosed because men are less likely to seek help
and because men dont always develop standard symptoms, such as sadness, but instead are more likely
to experience fatigue, irritability, sleep disturbances, and a loss of interest in work and hobbies. (Mayo
Clinic)
About Depression
According to the Mens Health Network, depression is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. In some
cases, it can be caused by a decit of the chemicals in the body that are responsible for maintaining
energy. Having a family member with depression also increases your risk and major life crises may make
it worse. Fortunately, in most cases, depression is treatable. If you are depressed, be sure to see a
doctor right away. Waiting will only make it worse for you and those loved ones around you. (Mens
Health Network)
Statistics
According to the CDC:
In 2004, more than 32,000 suicides occurred in the U.S. This is the equivalent of 89 suicides per
day; one suicide every 16 minutes or 11 suicides per 100,000 people.
Males take their own lives at nearly four times the rate of females and represent 79 percent of all
U.S. suicides.
Suicide rates for males are highest among those aged 75 and older (rate 36 per 100,000).
Firearms are involved in 57 percent of suicides among males, making it the most commonly used
method for men.
The number of deaths from suicide reects only a small portion of the impact of suicidal behavior.
In 2002, more than 90,000 people were hospitalized following suicide attempts.
Symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic, people at risk of suicide may:

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Be depressed, moody, socially withdrawn or aggressive


Have suffered a recent life crisis
Show changes in personality
Feel worthless
Abuse alcohol or drugs
Have frequent thoughts about death
Talk about death and self-destruction
Prevention
Dont expect to overcome depression by yourself. It is a disease, not something that you will just get
over. If you are depressed, talk to your doctor. In an urgent situation, go to an emergency room or crisis
center for help. Also, take advice from friends and family members if they are encouraging you to seek
help. They are often the rst ones to notice. (Mayo Clinic)
Also, work to improve your emotional health and well-being. When stress doesnt go away, it begins to
weaken your immune system and increase your risk of developing a number of physical and mental
conditions. The Mens Health Network recommends some lifestyle changes to help you cope:
Take Care of Yourself Exercise, eat well and get plenty of sleep.
Meditate It has been shown to lower blood pressure and relieve tension.
Talk to Someone Else It creates a support network.
Prioritize Save the least important things for later.
Know Your Limits Sometimes it isnt bad to just walk away.
Dont Self-Mediate Dont turn to alcohol, tobacco or drugs.
Number 9 Kidney Disease
According to the CDC, kidney disease occurs when the kidneys become damaged and lose their ability
to lter the blood. Kidney disease most often happens slowly and may go undetected until the kidneys
have almost failed.The two most common causes of kidney disease are diabetes and high blood
pressure. It can also be hereditary. People with these risk factors should get tested for kidney disease
on an annual basis. African Americans, American Indians, Asian and Pacic Islanders, and Hispanics are
particularly vulnerable.
According to the National Kidney Disease Education Program, if your kidneys stop working completely,
your body lls with extra water and waste products.This often leads to seizures or a coma and will
ultimately result in death. If your kidneys stop working completely, you will need to undergo dialysis or

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kidney transplantation.
Statistics
According to the CDC:
More than eight million Americans have a major loss in kidney function.
Nearly 400,000 of those Americans require dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive.
The number of kidney failure patients is expected to more than double to 650,000 by 2010 because
of the growing number of people with undiagnosed or uncontrolled diabetes.
The demand for kidney transplants far outweighs the supply. In 2000, about 100,000 people
developed kidney failure, but only about 14,000 transplants were done.
Symptoms
Because kidney disease progresses slowly and may be hard to detect, it is very important to know the
symptoms. While kidney disease cannot be cured, your doctors can take steps to help your kidneys last
longer if the disease is caught in the early stages.
According to Life Options, symptoms to look for include:
Changes in urination
Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, face and/or hands
Fatigue
Skin rash or sever itching
Metallic taste in mouth or bad breath
Nausea and vomiting
Shortness of breath
Feeling cold all of the time, even in a warm room
Dizziness and trouble concentrating
Pain in the leg, back or side
The CDC notes that many people do not know they have kidney disease because there may be no
symptoms until the kidneys have nearly failed. The only way to nd out if you have kidney disease is to
have a urine or blood test.
Prevention
The Mayo Clinic suggests these preventative measures:

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Drink plenty of uids


Exercise regularly
Maintain your proper weight
Dont smoke
Get checked regularly for diabetes and high blood pressure
Limit your use of over-the-counter pain relievers
Take all medications only as directed
Additionally, according to the CDC, people with diabetes can prevent or slow kidney disease through
blood pressure and blood glucose control. People with kidney disease also must maintain low protein
and low salt diets, take daily medication and follow-up with their health care providers.
Number 10 Alzheimers Disease
Alzheimers disease is an incurable, progressive degenerative disease of the brain. It is the most
common form of dementia. It is not just memory loss, but also a decline in the ability to think and
understand. Consequent changes in personality are accompanied by an inability to function. The type,
severity, sequence and progression of the mental changes vary widely among individuals. Because age is
the most important known risk factor for Alzheimers disease, the longer people live, the more likely
they are to develop the disease.
Statistics
About 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimers disease and an estimated 222,300 of them live in
Illinois.
About one in 10 persons 65 years of age and older and almost half of those 85 years of age and
older will develop Alzheimers disease.
More than 70 percent of those suffering from Alzheimers disease live at home, where the majority
of their care (75 percent) is provided by family and friends.
Unless a cure or prevention is found, an estimated 14 million Americans will be stricken with
Alzheimers disease by 2050.
A person with Alzheimers disease lives an average of eight years and as many as 20 years or more
from the onset of symptoms.
The most common cause of death for persons with Alzheimers disease is infection.
Symptoms
An early diagnosis of Alzheimers disease can increase the chance of potential benets from approved
medications. It also allows that person to participate in health care, nancial and legal decisions.

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Symptoms/warning signs of Alzheimers disease may include the following:


Memory loss or unexplained confusion that interferes with daily activities
Difculty in performing familiar tasks and chores
Problems speaking, understanding, reading or writing
Forgetting words or substituting inappropriate words
Disorientation to time and place (e.g., getting lost in familiar surroundings)
Poor or decreased judgment (e.g., wearing a winter coat on a hot summer day)
Problems with abstract thinking (e.g., difculty balancing a checkbook)
Misplacing things in inappropriate places (e.g., putting the iron in the freezer)
Changes in mood or behavior (e.g., rapid mood swings for no apparent reason or cursing)
Drastic changes in personality (e.g., suspiciousness)
Lack of interest and involvement in usual activities
If several of these symptoms/warning signs are present, the person should be evaluated by a physician.
Frequently, the early symptoms of Alzheimers disease, which include forgetfulness and loss of
concentration, are mistakenly dismissed as normal signs of aging.
Additionally, it is important to determine the actual cause of the cognitive symptoms, as they may not be
caused by Alzheimers disease and many causes, such as depression, drug interaction, thyroid problems
and vitamin deciencies, are reversible if detected early and treated appropriately.
Prevention
According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no proven way to prevent the onset of Alzheimers disease.
However, they suggest improving your cardiovascular function may help. Suggested steps are:
Losing weight if you are overweight
Exercising regularly
Controlling your blood pressure
Keeping your cholesterol levels in normal range
The CDC also notes that there is some research indicating that doing intellectually challenging activities
may help delay the onset of dementia. While there is some controversy about this research, maintaining
your mental tness cant hurt.

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Protecting health, improving lives.


2015 Illinois Department of Public Health.

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