Alzheimer’s disease is a brain condition that causes a progressive decline in memory, thinking, learning, and organizing skills. This type of dementia is most widespread in older adults. People may experience difficulties speaking, remembering recent events, or performing basic tasks as the disease increases its symptoms. It could eventually interfere with daily tasks, making it difficult for people to care for themselves.
Another term used by the healthcare expert to describe this is cognitive decline. However these symptoms worsen with time. This disease connects brain shrinkage, abnormal protein deposition, and brain cell death. It generally strikes those over 65. As people age, their chance of developing Alzheimer’s rises. It impacts both genders. The disease’s early-onset genetic variant is known as younger-onset disease. It often develops between the ages of thirty and sixty. This condition has no known cure. But treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Stages of Alzheimer
This disease evolves via stages, each of which has a greater impact on memory and cognitive capacities with time.
1. Preclinical Stage
- Although there aren’t any symptoms at this early stage, the brain has already started to change. Years may pass during this stage before memory issues indicate.
2. Mild or Early Stage
- People may have mild memory loss. At this stage, they have trouble finding words and struggle with everyday tasks like organizing or remembering names. They might still be able to operate on their own, but with some difficulties.
3. Moderate or Middle Stage
- Problems with memory and thought get worse. Along with needing more assistance with everyday tasks, people may struggle to identify familiar faces. And become disoriented by time and location. Changes in mood are normal signs.
4. Severe or Late Stage
- At this point, people become totally dependent on others for care. Sometimes they also lose their capacity to communicate properly. They might have problems like swallowing, walking, or even sitting up. People generally lose their ability to know loved ones due to severe memory loss.
Symptoms of Alzheimer
The following are typical signs of brain disorder that impairs memory and thinking skills:
1. Memory loss
- It is frequently among the earliest and most obvious signs of dementia. Beginning with recent discussions or events, it may progressively advance to forgetting names, dates, and familiar locations, among other crucial details.
2. Confusion and disorientation
- Individuals with this disease may feel confused in their familiar settings. Most of the time, people forget where or how they are. And they have difficulty in recognizing their own objects.
3. Difficulty with problem-solving and planning
- People with this condition may struggle to concentrate, make judgments, or follow any instructions. They may also have trouble with tasks that need planning.
4. Language and communication problems
- Sometimes people may fail to find the correct words or understand conversations. They may also repeat themselves or have difficulty comprehending written or spoken languages.
5. Personality and behavioral changes
- They may have personality changes, mood swings, and behavioral difficulties. They may retreat, become angry or worried, or demonstrate unusual violence or agitation.
6. Loss of initiative and motivation
- A patient dealing with disease may lose interest in hobbies, lack the hope to begin new tasks, and help to engage in daily activities.
Causes of Alzheimer
Below is the list of various reasons of this disease:
- Age
- Brain changes
- Genetics
- Lifestyle factors
- Chronic diseases
- Head injuries
- Lack of mental stimulation
- Unbalanced neurotransmitters
Risk Factors of Alzheimer’s Disease
Here are the various dangers associated with a progressive brain disorder.
- Age
- Family history
- Air pollution
- Down syndrome
- Females more prone than males
- Mild cognitive impairment
- Head trauma
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Poor sleep patterns
- Lack of exercise and obesity
- High blood pressure
Complications Associated with Alzheimer
This disease progresses to its final stages, brain changes involve several physical functions. Here is the list of common issues connected with this disease:
- Worsening cognitive decline
- Behavioral and psychological symptoms
- Functional impairment
- Problems in communication
- Increased dependency
- Danger of falls and accidents
- Malnutrition and dehydration
- Infections
Treatment Procedure of Alzheimer
1. Medications
- To help increase the chemicals in the brain that are necessary for memory and thought. Doctors may prescribe medicines, such as anticholinesterases. Through the regulation of brain chemicals, memantine, another drug, can help with moderate to severe symptoms.
2. Cognitive therapy
- Activities that trigger the brain can help to slow down the worsening of mental abilities. CBT can also occasionally manage mood fluctuations.
3. Lifestyle changes
- A balanced diet, compatible exercise, and social interaction can all help to maintain a healthy lifestyle. All these activities improve brain health and slow down the aging process.
4. Supportive care
- Professional caregivers and family support are important to helping patients maintain their independence for as long as possible. One kind of specialist care that can help patients in doing daily duties is occupational therapy.
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