Paulette Kissee is the Kenosha/Racine counties’ regional services manager for the Alzheimer’s Association’s southeastern Wisconsin chapter. She has been been with the association since 1998. Here she discusses the disease, its treatment and prevention.

Do we know what causes Alzheimer’s disease?

At this point, we still don’t know for sure, but we know genetics plays a role. You can have a genetic predisposition for developing Alzheimer’s disease just like you can have a predisposition for developing heart disease or diabetes. Alzheimer’s disease runs in families. If you have a family history of Alzheimer’s disease, you have a greater risk of developing it. That family history is important.

Age is the biggest risk factor. At age 65, one in eight people has Alzheimer’s. By age 85, nearly half do. In people younger than 65, a very small number have Alzheimer’s. It’s very rare. Fewer than 5 percent of cases are younger onset Alzheimer’s.

If I’m experiencing memory loss, how do I know if it’s a typical part of aging or a symptom of Alzheimer’s?

Everybody experiences forgetfulness sometimes. You forget an appointment, you forget a word. The difference is that people with Alzheimer’s may not remember. If the symptoms are impacting your everyday life, that’s not normal. That needs to be checked out.

Often people don’t have it checked out because of fear, or because they think it’s a normal part of aging.

But the benefit in knowing is that you can participate in planning for your future care while you’re still able to do that. You can have those important discussions with your family about treatment and care. To share your values and beliefs and desires and wishes about your health care with your kids is a wonderful gift to give them.

What can I do to reduce my odds

of developing Alzheimer’s?

Dr. Piero Antuono, a neurologist and director of the Memory Disorders Clinic at Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital in Wauwatosa, says that Alzheimer’s is 30 percent genetics and 70 percent lifestyle choices.

For example, head trauma plays a role. So if you’re going to take up in-line skating, wear a helmet.

Your general health is important. Eat a diet low in fat and high in antioxidant-rich foods. And watch your numbers. Pay attention to your blood pressure, cholesterol, weight and blood sugar.

Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol excessively and street drugs.

Exercise your body. Move and keep moving, but always consult your health care provider before starting an exercise program.

Exercise your brain. Read. Write. Play games. Learn something new. Even changing directions when driving to church or to the grocery store can make a difference. If you’re right-handed, write your name with your left hand. Keep doing it until you write it as well with your left as you do with your right. Take a class. Take a class online. Even some game shows on television are good if they stimulate your brain.

What types of treatment are available for people with Alzheimer’s?

Medication has been approved to improve cognitive functions.

One class of drugs is cholinesterase inhibitors. Three medications have been approved in this class. They hold a chemical (neurotransmitter) in the brain. This plays a role in memory processes. They’re approved for use for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.

For moderate to late stage, there’s another class of drugs called glutamate.

These chemicals limit the amount of calcium allowed in and out of brain cells. This plays a role in the storage, retrieval and processing of information.

Those medications were developed to improve cognitive symptoms.

Alzheimer’s disease leads to behavioral symptoms as well. There are other medications for behavioral symptoms, but really they need to be the last resort. It’s much better if we can find a way to affect the behavioral symptoms by means other than medications. Often, changing the way you communicate or changing the environment can be helpful in minimizing behavioral symptoms.

Are we close to a cure for Alzheimer’s?

Close is a relative term. I’d say we’re getting there, but we still have to do a great deal of research. The only way you’re going to find a way to stop this disease is through research. I really believe we have to invest in research so we can reach our vision of a world without Alzheimer’s.

For more information, go to www.alz.org or call 800-272-3900. The Web site for the southeastern Wisconsin chapter is www.alz.org/sewi. Paulette Kissee can be reached at 262-595-2387 or at paulette.kissee@alz.org.