Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects the brain, leading to memory loss, cognitive decline, and changes in behaviour and thinking abilities.
Symptoms: The symptoms of Alzheimer's disease typically develop slowly and worsen over time. They may include memory loss (especially recent events or information), confusion, difficulty with language and communication, poor judgment, mood changes, disorientation, and withdrawal from social activities.
Brain changes: Alzheimer's is characterized by the accumulation of abnormal protein deposits in the brain, including beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles. These deposits disrupt communication between brain cells, leading to their malfunction, eventual death, and the gradual loss of brain tissue.
Risk factors: While the exact cause of Alzheimer's is not fully understood, several risk factors have been identified. These include advanced age, family history of Alzheimer's, certain genetic factors (such as carrying the APOE ε4 allele), a history of head trauma, cardiovascular risk factors (like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes), and lifestyle factors (such as a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and smoking).
Stages of the disease: Alzheimer's disease is typically categorized into mild, moderate, and severe stages. In the mild stage, individuals may experience memory lapses and mild cognitive impairment. In the moderate stage, memory and cognitive decline become more evident, and daily activities become increasingly challenging. In the severe stage, individuals require significant assistance with daily activities, experience severe memory loss, have difficulty communicating, and may have a loss of physical abilities.
Diagnosis: Alzheimer's disease is diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation that includes a medical history assessment, physical and neurological exams, cognitive tests, and imaging tests (such as MRI or CT scans) to rule out other possible causes of symptoms. A definitive diagnosis can only be made through postmortem examination of the brain tissue.
Treatment and management: While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease, several medications can help manage symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease in some individuals. These medications work by regulating neurotransmitters involved in memory and cognitive function. Additionally, non-drug interventions such as cognitive stimulation, physical exercise, social engagement, and a supportive environment can play a role in managing the symptoms and improving the quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer's.
Support and caregiving: Alzheimer's disease not only affects individuals but also has a significant impact on their families and caregivers. Support groups, counselling, and educational resources are available to help individuals and their families cope with the challenges associated with the disease.