1. What is Alzheimer's disease?
2. What causes it?
3. Can it be prevented?
4. What is the treatment?
What is Alzheimer's disease:-
Alzheimer's disease is basically dementia that occurs when the brain cells of a person die away leading to memory loss. It is a neurological disorder that is associated with growing age. There is a gradual decline in the thinking and behavior of the patient. The social life of An Alzheimer's patient is disrupted as he cannot function independently.
Causes of Alzheimer's:-
Medical specialists believe that Alzheimer's is caused by a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and such other factors which may have some bearing on the functioning of the brain.
The real cause of Alzheimer's is yet to be established but doctors largely believe that certain issues with brain protein disturb the normal functions of brain cells ( neurons) that start toxic activities. Damaged neurons lose connections with each other and waste away.
The damage of brain cells or neurons happens in the part of the brain which controls the memory. Gradually damage of neurons spread to other parts of the brain leading to shrinkage of the brain over a long period.
Apart from the above, some other risk factors have also been recognized. However, simply the presence of these conditions proves Alzheimer's. One must consult the doctor.
1. Age - Generally people of 65 or above get affected with Alzheimer's disease
2. Family history- If some member or members of the family like brother or sister have Alzheimer's then the risk factor increases.
3. Genetics- The presence of certain genes has been linked to Alzheimer's disease.
Symptoms:-
After attaining a certain stage of age almost everyone experiences forgetfulness. Alzheimer's patient undergoes a slow but continuous behavioral change which worsens over time. Some of which may include the following -
1. The daily routine the patient is affected.
2. There is trouble in speech and writing.
3. The patient loses a sense of time and place.
4. Not able to decide things.
5. Mood swings.
6. Reduced sense of hygiene.
7. The slow change in personality.
8. Withdrawl from family and friends.
Stages:-
1. Symptoms are not visible in the early stage.
2. Starting symptoms appear such as forgetfulness.
3. Some changes like reduced memory and less concentration are noticed.
4. At this stage, the Patient suffers some memory loss and faces difficulties in everyday tasks.
5. The patient needs help from his family members as symptoms become more severe.
6. Alzheimer's becomes critical as the patient is unable to do basic things like eating or putting on clothes.
7. Alzheimer's disease reaches the final stage and becomes the most severe. The patient might lose speech and control over facial expression.
Early-onset Alzheimer's:-
Alzheimer's can also occur in people in their 40s or 50s and that is called early-onset. People may suffer mild memory loss, inability in daily tasks, and face difficulty in concentration. Difficulty in pronouncing the right words or sense of time may also be the visible sign.
Diagnosis:-
Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease can be closely observed by close family members. Only they can provide visible symptoms. Besides doctor conducts certain tests to examine the memory and thinking abilities.
Diagnostic tools are made to determine with high accuracy whether there is Alzheimer's or any other medical condition but the exact diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease can be done only after death.
Doctors perform several tests to check the neurological health of the patient which includes the following:
1. Sense of sight and hearing.
2. Body balance.
3. Ability to get up and walk.
4. Reflexes.
5. Coordination.
Sometimes a blood test is also conducted to find other potential causes of memory loss like thyroid disorder or vitamin deficiency.
Mental status tests are conducted to examine memory and other thinking skills. Brain imaging is also done to find any abnormalities like tumors, stroke, or trauma that may affect the normal functions of the brain.
Treatment:-
There is no treatment available for Alzheimer's disease. Treatment simply aims to slow down the progression. Symptomatic management of problems like restlessness, depression, aggression is done using the medicine .
Aids to help recognition and recall is very helpful for Alzheimer's patients.
Certain training programs have been developed to help Alzheimer's patients improve and practice cognitive functions. Some brain exercises are also suggested.
Alzheimer's patients normally suffer from depression and anxiety. Psychological support can be very helpful.
This blog only aims to create general awareness so that patients can get timely medical attention.
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