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Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common brain disorders, with early stages of the disease characterized by confusion and forgetfulness. Early symptoms can resemble aging or other diseases and may be difficult to diagnose. In moderate stages, the symptoms can last for years and can make it impossible for the sufferer to do daily tasks.
Signs and symptoms
Alzheimer disease is a progressive disease that affects the brain. The early signs of the disease are forgetfulness and confusion. They may be mistaken for other medical conditions or simply normal aging, but they do not go away and may interfere with everyday activities. The signs of Alzheimer disease vary from person to person.
Some of the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease include forgetting important dates and information. These people may also have difficulty following plans and solving problems. They may also lose things or put them in strange places. Additionally, they may have problems with their eyesight, including difficulty in seeing color contrast or depth perception.
Other common signs of Alzheimer’s disease include impaired judgment and decision-making. A person with the disease may make irrational choices and fail to respond to everyday challenges. For example, a person with this disease may forget to dress or bathe themselves. They may also forget the names of family members or everyday objects. In addition, their speech may become slurred and they will often wander aimlessly.
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but a person can reduce the symptoms and improve quality of life. The signs and symptoms of the disease vary depending on the person’s age and stage of the disease. Those with Alzheimer’s disease have difficulty in talking, moving, and responding to their surroundings.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, life-long condition that affects the brain. Symptoms of the disease are a slow decline in cognitive abilities, and can begin in a mild form. It may eventually lead to loss of judgment, physical functions, and emotional stability. Most people who have the disease will eventually need someone to help them with daily activities.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It destroys memory and other critical mental functions in the brain. Symptoms include mild confusion, difficulty remembering, forgetting important people, and personality changes. Fortunately, medications can slow the progression of the disease and improve symptoms.
Causes
The causes of Alzheimer disease are not yet fully understood, but there are several factors known to increase your risk. Some of these factors are hereditary, such as having a family history of the disease, while others are environmental. For example, traumatic brain injury associates with higher rates of Alzheimer disease. To avoid this, it’s a good idea to use a seat belt or helmet whenever possible. Other factors include cardiovascular problems that can prevent blood from reaching the brain.
While, not known what causes Alzheimer’s disease, some experts believe that it largely relates to genes. People with Down syndrome, for example, are more likely to develop the disease later in life. The disease often develops in the late fifties, although it can develop in younger individuals as well. Other environmental and lifestyle factors may also contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
The progression of Alzheimer’s disease cause by the loss of nerve cells, especially in the memory region. This happens years before you can notice any symptoms. Over time, this degeneration causes the brain to shrink in size. The brain also produces amyloid plaques, which are the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. Amyloid plaques create when the beta-amyloid protein (APP) cleaves into many smaller pieces. These protein fragments have toxic properties on neurons, disrupting cell-to-cell communication.
As the disease advances, basic daily activities are increasingly difficult. For example, a patient with Alzheimer’s disease may be unable to remember the name of the president, struggle to put on clothing, or use the toilet. It may even be difficult for a patient to speak. Alzheimer’s disease is fatal if left untreated.
Several factors, known to increase your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Certain lifestyle factors, such as high blood pressure, and genetic factors may all play a role. While no one is known to cause the disease, the accumulation of amyloid proteins in the brain can interfere with brain cells’ communication, energy use, and waste clearance. These changes take place slowly, often several years before symptoms appear.
Although scientists still do not fully understand the causes of Alzheimer’s disease, it is clear that genes play an important role in the development of the disease. Those who have genetically inherited the disease are at higher risk for developing the disease.
Treatment
Alzheimer disease treatment involves the use of medication to slow the disease’s progression and manage symptoms. These medications are available as brand-name or generic medications, often prescribed to slow the cognitive decline of a person with Alzheimer’s disease. They are also sometimes used to alleviate the symptoms of the disease, such as confusion or mood swings. Medications may also include antidepressants and antipsychotics, which block the action of enzymes called cholinesterase enzymes. These medications can have negative side effects, and should only use when necessary.
Antipsychotic medications, prescribed to patients to control the symptoms of agitation and extreme distress. They are used to treat moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease and are only recommended for patients who have tried other treatments and have not responded. These drugs should be used at the lowest possible dosages. Some people may experience mood swings or dizziness while taking these medications.
Nonpharmacologic therapies are another way to manage the disease and improve the quality of life for patients with Alzheimer’s disease. A variety of treatments have been studied, including transcranial direct current stimulation, light therapy, electroconvulsive therapy, acupuncture, and deep brain stimulation. Other forms of treatment include special diets and psychosocial therapies. These methods aim to improve the quality of life for patients and their caregivers.
Although Alzheimer’s disease is incurable, medicines can reduce the symptoms for a few months and even years. Some medications work by increasing levels of acetylcholine in the brain, which is vital for brain function. These medicines are only available from specialists, but GPs may prescribe them if they believe they are appropriate for your particular condition.
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease is physically and emotionally demanding. The gradual decline of the patient’s memory can make it difficult to recognize family members and cause a caregiver to feel isolated and helpless. Fortunately, there are many services that can provide care and support for families and friends.
Drugs designed to target the underlying causes of Alzheimer’s disease are being tested. One such drug is aducanumab, a human antibody that reduces the buildup of beta-amyloid (the plaques that are typical of Alzheimer’s disease), and may also slow the progression of the disease.
Diagnosis
Often, the diagnosis of Alzheimer disease can be difficult. This progressive disease causes the patient to lose the ability to remember details, even simple things. Individuals with the disease may forget their names, become unable to recognize people and may even experience trouble with speech, bladder control and bowel movements. Eventually, they will require full-time care.
Currently, there are several types of tests that can be used to make a diagnosis. These include bloodwork analyses, physical examination, and neurologic evaluation. In addition, the doctor may perform cognitive and behavioral assessments. Ultimately, the diagnosis of Alzheimer disease is based on the patient’s symptoms and history.
Early diagnosis of Alzheimer disease is essential for proper treatment. Early diagnosis allows caregivers and patients to make appropriate plans for their loved one’s care. It’s also crucial for early detection because early diagnosis allows caregivers and patients to plan for the future and make appropriate lifestyle changes. To this end, a reliable diagnostic test for the disease must develop.
The early diagnosis of Alzheimer disease is important because it allows patients and their families to participate in early-stage research studies. It also allows patients to start symptomatic treatment, modify their lifestyles and begin risk-reduction measures. It also reduces the burden on the healthcare system. Diagnosis at an early stage can also allow patients to participate in clinical trials for new treatments and therapies.
MRI scans are another way to diagnose the disease. With these types of tests, the doctor can get a clear picture of the brain. The doctor can also look at brain activity and see changes associated with Alzheimer’s. It can also help determine the type of medications a person should take.
A PET scan can also help in the diagnosis of the disease. It can help determine if a patient has Alzheimer’s by analyzing the levels of certain proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid. Amyloid and tau proteins are also found in the CSF, and the ratio between the two proteins can help in the diagnosis. However, these tests are not used in all cases of Alzheimer’s disease; they are only useful in cases where the condition is rapidly progressing.
