If you have ever wondered what is Alzheimer’s disease, you have come to the right place. You can find information on the causes, symptoms, and treatment of the disease below.
That cause alzheimer
The best estimate is that the number of individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease is about 70 million worldwide. That’s roughly one in two people aged 85 or older. While most of us hope for the best, there is no doubt that Alzheimer’s is an annoying disease to suffer from. It is not for the faint of heart, and it has left its mark on countless lives. Luckily, we’re not alone, and we have the tools to combat this scourge. For instance, we can take advantage of the latest in medical research and technological advancements. From diagnostic tests to specialized therapies, we can ensure a better quality of life in the years to come.
There are a few ways to reduce your risk for the ailment, including lifestyle modifications, reducing the exposure of your brain to stress, and improving your overall health. In fact, these measures will go a long way in proving a successful treatment plan. Some doctors even encourage patients to participate in social activities, as it improves cognitive functioning.
Notably, the best way to ward off Alzheimer’s is to learn as much about the disease as you can, and keep yourself informed. One of the best ways to do this is by signing up for the Alzheimer’s Association’s online magazine. By doing so, you’ll be the first in line for the latest research, news, and treatments. If you’re lucky, you’ll also be among the lucky few to receive a coveted Alzheimer’s Research Association grant. A grant can pay for your brain tests, help you with your shopping habits, and provide you with a network of like-minded people to glean tips and tricks from.
Signs of alzheimer’s disease
If you or a loved one has noticed changes in your memory, you may be experiencing the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. These signs can vary from person to person. However, there are some common ones to look for.
The main symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are memory problems. Some people have difficulties with numbers, words, and spatial memory. Spatial memory is your ability to remember the location of objects.
If you notice any of these early signs of Alzheimer’s, you should see your doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis can help you make a plan for the future and get the proper care. Your doctor can also help you find resources in your community.
Although there are no cures for Alzheimer’s disease, treatment can be effective. Your doctor can offer you medications for some of the most common behavioral and cognitive symptoms. Also, lifestyle changes can reduce the onset of these symptoms.
For example, if your spouse or a family member notices that you are forgetting important things, it could be an indication of Alzheimer’s disease. This can include losing track of where you have put your keys, and even being confused about how you got home.
Other early signs of Alzheimer’s disease include mood and behavior changes. You may experience a decrease in judgment and become suspicious of people and places. You may lose interest in hobbies or even work. You may forget recent conversations or appointments.
One of the most commonly noticed signs of Alzheimer’s disease is forgetting something that you have recently learned. You may forget to pick up a prescription, take an important phone call, or return a gift. Even simple tasks such as balancing a checkbook or putting away groceries can be a problem.
It’s not uncommon to become disoriented while traveling or when you visit a familiar place. For instance, you might misplace your keys and get lost on your way to the grocery store. Having trouble finding your way back to your home or locating a favorite restaurant is also a sign of Alzheimer’s.
Remember to discuss any changes in your behavior or memory with your doctor. While the early signs of Alzheimer’s are not as serious as other types of dementia, you should not ignore them. They can become worse as the condition progresses.
Treatment for alzheimer’s disease
Medications are an important part of treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. They are designed to slow the progress of the disease and stabilize cognitive functions. However, they are not a cure.
A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is based on a history of the patient and physical and neuropsychological tests. An early diagnosis can help people plan for the future. It can also lead to clinical trials. In some cases, a PET scan can diagnose the disease.
Early recognition of Alzheimer’s can be useful for patients and families. This is because delays in treatment can lead to nonreversible symptom progression. That is why it is important to start medications when the disease is in its earliest stages.
A person with Alzheimer’s has a hard time remembering where things are. He or she may forget to drink or eat. The patient can also be confused and agitated. Antipsychotic drugs can ease these symptoms. But they can also cause side effects.
Several cholinesterase inhibitors are available to treat Alzheimer’s. These medicines increase the level of acetylcholine in the brain. Some cholinesterase inhibitors cause diarrhea, sleep disturbances and loss of appetite. If these side effects become severe, the patient may need to switch to a different type of AChE inhibitor.
Antipsychotic drugs can be helpful for some of the behavioral problems of Alzheimer’s. They can help with confusion and paranoia, as well as easing hallucinations.
Antidepressants are another common medication used to treat behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer’s. They can also help with anxiety and depression. Increasing the amount of acetylcholine in a person’s brain helps with memory and thinking problems.
There are four approved medicines for the treatment of Alzheimer’s. They all have a limited effect on cognitive function. Though they have been shown to slow the progression of the disease, they are not expected to cure it.
One new drug, aducanumab, is in clinical trials. It is believed to target amyloid plaques in the brain. Those who are likely to benefit from this drug must be identified.
Treatment for Alzheimer’s disease should be a team effort. Having realistic expectations and a strong support system can be important. Adapting living situations and minimizing the demands of memory-demanding tasks can also make life easier for an Alzheimer’s patient.
How to prevent alzheimer’s disease
Increasing research in Alzheimer’s disease has given scientists hope that prevention may be possible. While the causes of Alzheimer’s are unclear, researchers believe the disease is caused by a buildup of amyloid protein plaques in the brain.
The amyloid plaques are formed when fragments of beta-amyloid, a larger protein, clump together in the brain. These plaques disrupt the system, causing neurons to lose their cell-to-cell connection. This process can happen during the early stages of the disease or in people who already have Alzheimer’s.
There is some evidence that people who are at high risk of Alzheimer’s disease can slow its progression by taking medications. However, it is important to speak with your physician before making any major lifestyle changes.
Research shows that people who maintain a healthy diet and engage in physical activity have less cognitive decline. Physical exercise can increase blood flow to the brain and boost overall health. A heart-healthy diet can also reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s by reducing saturated fats and sugar intake.
Taking omega-three fatty acids has been shown to slow down the development of Alzheimer’s. DHA is found in fish oil supplements and can reduce the formation of tau. Omega-three fatty acids are also present in avocados and walnuts.
In addition, a Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been linked to reduced risk of dementia. This diet is low in calories, sugar, and fat, and contains whole grains and beans.
Studies have also shown that people who learn new things have a lower risk of Alzheimer’s. Learning new skills can stimulate the neurons in the brain, increasing blood flow to memory areas. Performing challenging cognitive tasks can also help improve mental functions.
Getting adequate sleep is also an important part of maintaining a healthy brain. When you are well-rested, the brain has time to repair itself. If you find it hard to get quality sleep, try to cut down on electronics during the hours before you go to bed.
Stress is also a cause of cognitive decline. Chronic stress causes the body to pump adrenaline, which can damage memory cells in the brain.
