What is Alzheimer’s disease? Who is affected?
What are the types of Alzheimer’s disease?
What are the causes of Alzheimer’s disease? Is it always hereditary?
What are the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease?
What are the stages of Alzheimer’s disease?
How do neurologists diagnose Alzheimer’s disease?
How is Alzheimer’s disease treated?
What are the complications of Alzheimer’s disease?
What are the preventive measures for Alzheimer’s disease?
What are the recommended lifestyle changes and precautions for patients with Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive and irreversible neurodegenerative disease. Over a period of time, brain damage causes a worsening or slow decline of the human skills pertaining to memory, thinking and behavior. About 60 to 70% of patients experience dementia. Dementia is a group of social and behavioral changes that often arises as a result of brain injuries or diseases. These changes interfere with an individual’s ability to carry out daily living activities.
Alzheimer’s disease is mostly a disease of elderly, seen in adults above the age of 65 years, however, sometimes, it may also affect individuals below 65 years of age.
Since Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive form of dementia, it takes years before an individual begins to show any symptoms of it. Thus, depending on the time when the signs and symptoms are visible, there are two type of Alzheimer’s disease;
Even though scientists are continuously working on it, the exact causes of Alzheimer’s disease are not known. While there are hereditary components strongly related to Alzheimer’s disease, they may not be always the cause. Some of the other common underlying causes attributed to the disease include;
Early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease vary from person to person. Initially, you may forget events and incidents with mild confusion. But with time Alzheimer’s disease worsens to frequent memory loss of most recent events, in spite of regular reminders. Difficulty in conversation and judgment is also observed in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The most common signs include;
The stages of Alzheimer’s disease would differ based on the severity of the disease. For diagnostic purposes, the progress of Alzheimer’s disease is 5 stages:
Your doctor can make a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease on the basis of medical and family history followed by a physical examination. Some of the tests performed commonly to arrive at the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease are:
Although research and studies are still going on for definitive treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, till date the disease is managed symptomatically. Other than medications, supportive services are adapted to improve the behavior, sleep, memory and minimize the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases.
Medicines for:
Supportive treatments include;
It is important to identify the symptoms and diagnose Alzheimer’s disease early for managing the cognitive health of the individual better and to slow down the progression of the disease. Some of the commonly seen complications that are related to the diminishing brain functions include:
Even though there is no confirmatory evidence to prove that Alzheimer’s disease can be prevented, it is suggested that Alzheimer’s disease may be delayed if lifestyle modifications are followed. Therefore, factors which help in the prevention of diseases like heart disorders may also help in reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Some of these measures include;
In case a family has a history of Alzheimer’s disease, the members of the family need brain imaging tests such as MRI & CT scan to confirm if any plaques or tangles are formed in the brain.
In order to improve the well-being of an Alzheimer patient, the lifestyle of a person with Alzheimer’s disease should involve;
Taking care of an Alzheimer patient is challenging and demanding, both emotionally and physically. Few things to do for yourself and the patient can help both;
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease that affects the self-reliance and quality of life of the patient. While, dementia is a major symptom, behavioral and cognitive changes are also part of the disease. Millions of family struggle with the challenges due to Alzheimer’s disease. Neurologists and scientists are trying to better understand the course of the disease and looking for a cure. Patients and caregivers should be aware of the manifestations of the disease and take necessary preventive and supportive measures to delay the progress and manage the symptoms well.
Were we able to address your queries about Alzheimer’s disease?
For more information please request a callback and our health experts will get in touch with you.
Heart failure, also called congestive heart failure, is a condition that arises when the muscles…
Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty, or PTCA, is a minimally invasive surgery that opens blocked or…
Ankle ligaments are crucial cords that link foot bones to lower leg bones, ensuring stability…
Supermarkets today are flooded with a variety of cooking oils, each with different characteristics, such…
మాట్లాడటానికి, తినటానికి మరియు ముఖం అందంగా కనిపించటానికి నోరే కీలకం. శరీర పోషణకు అవసరమైన ఆహారం, పానీయాలు లోపలికి చేరేది…
అండాశయ తిత్తులు అనేవి అండాశయాల లోపల లేదా వాటి ఉపరితలంపై ద్రవంతో నిండిన సంచి లాంటి నిర్మాణాలు. ఆడవారికి రెండు…