Alzheimer’s disease is a
degenerative disorder, which destroys brain cells. It leads
to a decline in mental function affecting memory, thinking,
language and behavior. The disease affects people more than
65 years old. Dementia is a general decline in mental
ability and Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause.
How does it occur?
In Alzheimer’s disease, changes
in the chemistry and structures of the brain hinder the
ability to process, store, and retrieve information. The
exact cause of these changes is not known. Some people with
Alzheimer’s disease have a family history of the disease and
show signs of the disease earlier in life, i.e. before the
age of 65.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s
disease vary and change as the disease gets worse. The first
symptom is increasing forgetfulness. Most people begin to
have some memory problems, as they get older. For a person
in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, however, these
problems are more obvious than in others of the same age.
Their attention span becomes shorter. They have a harder
time concentrating.
Over time, memory loss becomes more severe. Friends notice
the memory loss and that the person has problems dealing
with written matter. They may misplace or lose important
objects. More importantly, recent memory is affected more
than long-term memory.
Memory is usually the first to be affected. Then thinking is
impaired and the patient becomes increasingly disoriented.
He is unable to locate his whereabouts i.e., he cannot tell
where he is, whether it is morning or evening, or what he
had for breakfast. Furthermore, the patient loses the
ability to read, write and care for his personal hygiene, so
he dirties himself while eating, does not dress properly,
and later may pass urine or stools in clothes. Because
memory is impaired, confusion and restlessness are common
and these conditions worsen with fever.
How is it diagnosed?
Alzheimer's disease can be
diagnosed with a careful study of the patient’s medical
history and physical examination. While there is no single
diagnostic test, memory testing can be helpful. Blood tests
and brain scans are done to see whether there is a
recognizable cause of the decline in brain function. It is
especially important to rule out depression, a treatable
condition that can cause symptoms similar to Alzheimer’s
disease.
Generally in Alzheimer’s disease there is atrophy of the
brain seen on CT Scan or MRI and there is no other
abnormality. Thus, if there is clear dementia, the brain
shows cerebral atrophy and there is no obvious explanation
for this, such as alcoholism, drug abuse or stroke,
Alzheimer’s disease is clinically diagnosed. However, a
definite diagnosis can only be made by examining brain
tissue after death.
How is it treated?
There is no cure. The goal of
treatment is to preserve mental and physical function as
much, and as long as possible. The best approach seems to be
to control other illnesses, consuming a healthy diet and
regular exercise.
Medicines may be sometimes helpful if used early in
Alzheimer’s disease to slow memory loss. Recent research
suggests that the disease may be due to the deficiency of a
chemical, acetylcholine, the replacement for which is being
worked upon. Associated depression should be treated.
How long will the effects last?
The brain function of a person
having Alzheimer's disease continues to get worse until
their death.
What can be done to help
prevent Alzheimer's disease?
It is difficult to prevent
Alzheimer’s disease until its causes are better understood.
People with a family history of this disease should see
their doctor regularly. Early diagnosis will allow them to
take advantage of new treatments as they become available.
It must be noted that Alzheimer’s is a degenerative disease,
i.e., it gets worse with time, so the diagnosis, if
possible, should be made even before significant symptoms
are visible, through genetic tests and brain scans.
Obviously no treatment can help once the brain cells die, so
the emphasis is on early diagnosis.
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