Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disorder that causes brain cells to waste away and die. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia (a continuous decline in thinking, behavioral and social skills that disrupts a person’s ability to function independently).
As the disease progresses, a person with Alzheimer’s disease will develop severe memory impairment and lose the ability to carry out everyday tasks.
The disease is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer. In 1906, Dr. Alzheimer noticed changes in the brain tissue of a woman who had died of an unusual mental illness.
Also, there is no treatment that cures Alzheimer’s disease.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease often come on slowly. It might start when someone has trouble recalling things that just happened or putting thoughts into words. Over time, the problems get worse. Symptoms may include the following ;
1. Memory loss
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks
4. Confusion with time or place
5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
6. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
7. Decreased or poor judgment
8. Withdrawal from work or social activities
9. Changes in mood and personality
10. Trouble with speech and writing
What Causes Alzheimer’s Disease?
The exact cause is fully not understood. In people with early-onset Alzheimer’s, a genetic mutation may be the cause. It is believed that Alzheimer’s disease is caused by a combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors that affect the brain over time.
Complications
Memory and language loss, impaired judgment, and other cognitive changes caused by Alzheimer’s can complicate treatment for other health conditions. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may not be able to:
• Communicate that he or she is experiencing pain. For instance, from a dental problem
• Report symptoms of another illness
• Follow a prescribed treatment plan
• Notice or describe medication side effects
As Alzheimer’s disease progresses to its last stages, brain changes begin to affect physical functions, such as swallowing, balance, and bowel and bladder control. These effects can increase vulnerability to additional health problems such as:
• Inhaling food or liquid into the lungs (aspiration)
• Pneumonia and other infections
• Falls
• Fractures
• Bedsores
• Malnutrition or dehydration
Prevention
Alzheimer’s disease is not a preventable condition. However, a number of lifestyle risk factors for Alzheimer’s can be modified.
The following are lifestyle choices that may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease:
• regular exercise
• Eating a diet of fresh produce, healthy oils and foods low in saturated fat
• Following treatment guidelines to manage high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol
• Quit smoking
REFERENCES
1. Alzheimer’s association. What is Alzheimer’s disease? Available at https://alz.org
2. Mayo Clinic. Alzheimer’s disease. Available at https://mayoclinic.com
