Alzheimer’s disease also known as AD, is a brain disease that destroys memory slowly and affects thinking and eventually the ability to carry out the easiest or simplest tasks. This disease starts slowly and with time, gets worse.
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. Dementia is a general term for diseases related to memory loss and other intellectual abilities that could affect an individual’s daily life.
Alzheimer’s is common with aging individuals though it is not a normal part of aging as most people see it. At its initial state, an individual with Alzheimer’s may notice mild confusion and difficulty remembering certain things, they could also forget important people in their lives including their kids and undergo dramatic changes in personality.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s include the following:
Memory loss – This is the major symptom of Alzheimer’s is memory loss. The memory loss associated with the disease persists and worsens. Forgetting events or appointments easily, getting lost in familiar places and troubles expressing thoughts and a few are other symptoms of the disease.
Loss of thinking and reasoning – These includes difficulties in concentrating on a particular thing.
Behavioural change – These changes include depression, mood swings, loss of inhibitions, apathy, aggressiveness and the likes.
Inability to make judgments and decisions
Inability to perform familiar tasks
Distrust in others
Causes
Alzheimer’s is caused by a combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors which affects the brain over time.
Treatment
Alzheimer currently has no cure but can be managed though certain medications and management strategies may temporarily improve symptoms. Administered medications help people with the disease maximize their functions and maintain independence for a little longer.
Currently, researchers are working to uncover the many aspects of Alzheimer’s disease as soon as possible. Many potential approaches are currently under investigation.
