ALZHEIMERS DISEASE-SOME FACTS
Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative type of dementia in which there is progressive brain cell death causing memory loss and cognitive decline.
The most common early symptom of Alzheimer's is difficulty remembering newly learned information. As Alzheimer's advances through the brain it leads to increasingly severe symptoms, including disorientation, mood and behavior changes; deepening confusion about events, time and place; unfounded suspicions about family, friends and professional caregivers; more serious memory loss and behavior changes; and difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking. As Alzheimer's progresses, problems with memory loss, communication, reasoning and orientation become more severe. The person will need more day-to-day support from those who care for them.
Most people who develop Alzheimer's disease do so after the age of 65, but people under this age can also develop it. Medical conditions such as diabetes, stroke and heart problems, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity, depression in mid-life, are the risk of Alzheimer's disease. People who adopt a healthy lifestyle, especially from mid-life onwards, are less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease.
Diagnosis:
As the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease progress slowly, it can be difficult to recognize there is a problem. Many people feel that memory problems are simply a part of getting older. There is no single test for Alzheimer's disease but some tests are there other than clinical examination which can do more clarification:
- The general practitioner assessment of cognition (GPCOG) test is designed to be an early reliable indicator for use in initial consultations with GPs.
- The mini mental state examination (MMSE) is a fuller cognitive test to help diagnose Alzheimer's disease.
Treatment and prevention:
There are no disease-modifying drugs available for Alzheimer's disease but some options may reduce its symptoms and help improve quality of life. There are drugs in a class called cholinesterase inhibitor approved for symptomatic relief.
There is, however, much backing for therapeutic interventions to help people live with Alzheimer's disease more ably.
- Effective management of any conditions occurring alongside the Alzheimer's
- Activities and/or programs of adult day care
- Support groups and services.
To know more about the latest update on this treatment protocol and treating centers offering the same as well as
for getting your reports reviewed, post a query
