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Alzheimer's disease is slow, developing neurologic disorder that results in the atrophy of the brain, thereby causing the death of brain cells. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia which is a regular decline in certain activities like thinking, behavioural and social skills that affect a person's ability to function independently.
In this condition, people have difficulty remembering recent events, though they might easily recall things that happened years ago. Alzheimer's is not a normal part of ageing and worsens over time. People with alzheimer disease often tend to forget their close family members. They might also forget how to get ready, feed themselves, and use the washroom.
The disease results in the breakdown of tissues of the brain over a while. It usually takes place in people 65 years of age and above. The life span of a person suffering from this condition can live for just a few years or a few decades. Women are more prone to this condition than men.
Symptoms of alzheimer disease are as follows:
The exact causes responsible for causing Alzheimer's disease aren't known, but brain proteins fail to function in a normal manner leading to disruption of the work of neurons and initiating a chain of toxic reactions resulting in damage to neurons and eventually death of these cells. Doctors trying to determine the cause of this condition are engrossed in the role of two proteins:
Beta-amyloid is a segment of a bigger protein. When these parts adjoin together, they harm neurons, disrupting cell-to-cell communication. These parts form larger deposits called amyloid plaques, which also comprise other cellular debris.
In Alzheimer's disease, proteins alter the shape and accordingly organize themselves into various structures known as neurofibrillary tangles, which often disrupt the transport system and are toxic to cells.
An important aspect of diagnosing this condition includes being able to narrate entire symptoms and their impact on daily life. In addition, a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is based on tests that the doctor recommends to evaluate skills related to memory and thinking.
Laboratory and imaging tests can help rule out other potential causes or help the doctor better identify the disease-causing symptoms.
The doctor performs a physical examination and also carries out an entire neurological examination by testing the following:
Blood tests help rule out various other potential causes of memory loss and confusion.
The doctor conducts a mental status test to assess memory and other thinking skills. Longer and more detailed forms of neuropsychological testing provide accessory details about patients' mental function with people of a similar age. These tests help establish a diagnosis and act as a reference point to trace the advancement or deterioration of symptoms with time.
Images of the brain are commonly used to highlight visible abnormalities related to conditions other than Alzheimer's, such as stroke, tumours, or trauma causing cognitive change. New imaging applications help doctors ascertain particular brain changes due to Alzheimer's. Imaging of brain structures comprises the following:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to create brain images in detail. In addition to depicting shrinkage of brain areas associated with Alzheimer's, MRI scans also help rule out several other conditions.
A Computerized tomography (CT) scan gives cross-sectional images of the brain. It's generally performed to rule out conditions like tumours, strokes and head injuries.
Imaging can be done with Positron Emission Tomography (PET), during which a low-level radioactive tracer is administered into the blood to disclose a specific feature in the brain. It includes the following:
There's no specific alzheimer treatment, however, certain medications slow its progression, mainly in the early stages. Other medications help with mood changes and other behaviour issues.
This human monoclonal antibody focuses on the fundamental pathophysiology of the disease by decreasing amyloid-beta plaques in the area of the brain.
These medications improve the working of the brain during the early stages of the disease and delay the rate of worsening symptoms.
This drug helps brain cells avoid excessive brain chemical glutamate, which Alzheimer's-damaged cells make too much of. This drug protects against neural damage and has fewer side effects than other drugs.
This medication is a combination of donepezil and memantine and is meant for patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's.
This was the first drug the FDA approved for treating Alzheimer's disease. It acts by slowing the breakdown of acetylcholine, which helps nerve cells in the brain send messages to each other.
As Alzheimer's disease progresses to its final stages, brain changes involve several physical functions like swallowing, balance, and bowel and bladder control. These effects can increase susceptibility to other health issues like:
Alzheimer's disease is not a preventable condition. But certain lifestyle-related risk factors for Alzheimer's can be modified accordingly. Research studies indicate that changes in diet and exercise lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and other disorders responsible for causing dementia. These modifications are as follows:
Alzheimer's disease usually worsens over some time and is ultimately lethal. On average, persons with Alzheimer's disease survive for four to eight years after the confirmation of diagnosis. Some patients survive as long as 20 years after diagnosis. The course of the disease varies from person to person.
Max Healthcare is home to 4800+ eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective fields. Additionally, they are renowned for developing innovative and revolutionary clinical procedures.
Max Healthcare is home to 4800+ eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective fields. Additionally, they are renowned for developing innovative and revolutionary clinical procedures.
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