About the disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia, manifested by gradual memory loss and problems with thinking and speech. This condition develops when proteins start to build up in the brain, creating tangled plaques over time. As a result, the connection between nerve cells begins to steadily weaken until these cells die. The brain tissue shrinks and lacks essential chemicals that are required to process memory and learning. The weakening of the connection between nerve cells is a gradual process, which is why Alzheimer’s disease can take several years to develop into its progressed stages.
According to the Alzheimer’s Society, this is a very common brain dis-order. In the UK alone, there are currently 520,000 people with this condition. Alzheimer’s disease is caused by age, with 90% of cases occurring after the age of 65. People with dementia and Down's syndrome are also at risk of developing the condition. It has not yet been proven whether a genetic predisposition plays an important role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Symptoms
- Memory lapses
- Inability to recall recent events
- Difficulty learning new information
- Person gets lost in familiar surroundings
- Problems with concentration and communication
- Speech impairment
- Repetition of the same notions
- Irritation
- Depression
Diagnosis
- Continuous observation by a doctor over a period of months is the only known diagnostic method for this type of disease. The doctor will be able to assess the extent of memory loss the patient is having by recording and comparing their symptoms at each appointment.
- CT and MRI scans are used to determine whether Alzheimer’s disease has caused any changes in the brain. However, these changes can only be seen in progressed stages of the disease.
Treatment
None of the treatments that are currently available for Alzheimer’s disease are able to eliminate all symptoms. Nevertheless, modern medicine can considerably slow down the progression of memory loss and prolong the life expectancy of each individual patient.
- Conservative treatment uses special drugs that improve concentration and memory. This can help the patient retain their most vital mental capacities, such as communication, driving, cooking and learning.
- Psychological help may be sought by the patient or their loved ones to help deal with the patient’s symptoms, such as depression or aggressive behavior.
Various drugs and self-motivation can also help a sufferer of Alzheimer’s disease lead a normal life for many years.
Authors: Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova, Dr. Farrukh Ahmed
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