Content Number: 13
Author Name: Haleema Sadia
Author I’d: SBPWNC – A13
Educational Institution: PMAS Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Content Title: Alzheimer’s Disease
INTRODUCTION
Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disease that destroys memory and thinking skills. It is the most common form of dementia, a term for a group of disease that affect mental abilities. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive illness, meaning that it worsen over time. This disease primarily affects older adults but can also occur in younger people. This blog will explain what Alzheimer’s disease is? How it happens? Its symptoms its diagnosis, and the treatments available in simple terms.
WHAT IS ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE?
Alzheimer’s disease affects the brain. It makes the cell within the brain break down and die, causing it to be uncharacteristic for a person who struggles to think, remember things or even carry out simple routines. The disease affects memory, thinking and behaviour. At first, a person may forget important things, such as appointments or names, but it worsen over time. In Alzheimer’s, people also undergo some changes in the way they feel and behave. The disease is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German doctor who discovered the disease back in 1906. Today it is one of the most well-known and common forms of dementia.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ALZHEIMER AND DEMENTIA
CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS
Researchers do not know what causes Alzheimer’s, but we do know that several factors can put people at increased risk of developing the disease. These are known as risk factors.
- Age
The risk of becoming afflicted with Alzheimer’s goes up with age, especially for those older than 65 years. Most people suffering from Alzheimer’s are over 65 yeas of age.
- Family History
If a family member suffers from Alzheimer’s, that may increase your risk.
- Genetics
Some genetic disorders tend to have a higher risk of Alzheimer’s.
- Sex
Females are more prone than males to Alzheimer’s.
- Severe Head Injury
People with severe head injuries have a greater likelihood of getting Alzheimer’s.
- Life Style
Unhealthy life style also contribute to the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, such as smoking, having less exercise and consuming junk food.
- Heath Issues:
Such disorders as hypertension, diabetes and heart disease might raise the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The risk factors are not to say that those who have them will develop Alzheimer’s disease.
SYMPTOMS OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Alzheimer’s disease begins slowly at first; over time the symptoms worsen. The patient might experience forgetfulness, difficulties in learning new information and making decision. The most common features include: memory loss, ignoring recent events, peoples name or important dates are the first sign of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Language Problems
They may have problem finding the right word when talking or repeating themselves. Your nearer ones will start to have troubles performing simple activities such as dressing, cooking.
- Poor Judgement
People with Alzheimer’s disease will make some questionable decisions. They may allow large amounts of money to be sent to someone or dress improperly for the weather.
- Mood and Behavioral Changes
People with Alzheimer’s become anxious, angry or depressed. They become performative and may behave uncharacteristically.
- Loss of Interest in Activities
A person suffering from Alzheimer’s will lose interest in things they used to enjoy or avoid social life.
Symptoms become worse as the disease progresses. In the last stages, the victim may not recognize family members or speak properly. They may also require assistance with all daily activities.
STAGES OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Alzheimer’s disease normally runs in three phases, including the early, middle and late stages.
- Early stage
In this stage, the individual can still live independently but begins to forget more frequently. For instance, he may forgets appointments, repeat himself often in conversation, or lose things. He can still conduct most of his daily activities by himself.
- Middle Stage:
In the middle stage, symptoms appear but are not as pronounced. Someone may require assistance with everyday, routine things, like dressing or bathing. He or she may become lost in familiar places and forgets the name of the closest family members.
- Last Stage
At this stage, the patient will require full-time care. The person will not be able to express any thought such as speaking or identifying with the people they love or taking care of themselves. They will not be able to talk or feed. This the most trying time for both patient and the family.
HOW ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE IS DIAGNOSED
A diagnosis is made using various tests and examinations by doctors. The process often follow this course:
- Memory and Thinking Test
Doctors check how well the person is remembering things, solving problems, and doing everyday things.
- Brain Imaging
Doctors may use an MRI or CT scan to image the brain for damage.
- Blood Tests
These tests can rule out other conditions that could create similar symptoms, like deficiency of vitamins or infections.
- Medical History
The doctors ask for the individual’s medical history and family history of Alzheimer’s. when diagnosed in its early stages, the individual can start treatment and plan ahead.
TREATMENT OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
There is no treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. However, various treatments can be made available to the individual for the proper management of symptoms an enhancement of life. These include medications Cholinesterase inhibitors. These medications (such as Donepezil) improve memory and delay the advancement of Alzheimer’s symptoms in the early and middle stages.
- Memantine
This medication aids in cognition – especially memory or learning – in people with more advanced Alzheimer’s.
- Cognitive Therapy
This form of treatment incorporates activities that assist the person in being mentally alert , for example , puzzles, memory games and other mental feats.
- Caregivers’ Support
It is challenging and quite hard to take care of someone afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease. To help family members or caregivers , there may be support group , training and counselling.
- Lifestyle Changes
An active lifestyle, a healthy diet and staying mentally active may slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Even though these treatments cannot cure Alzheimer’s disease, they can make life easier for the person with the disease and improve their quality of life.
CURRENT RESEARCH AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
Scientists are constantly seeking new ways to treat Alzheimer’s and, hopefully, find a cure. Some exciting areas of research involve:
- Novel Drug Treatment
Investigators are trying new drugs to eliminate the plaques and tangles in the brain that are believed to cause Alzheimer’s.
- Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is the use of one’s own immune system as the active agent to target the proteins that cause Alzheimer’s disease.
- Genetic Studies
Researchers are studying genetics in relation to Alzheimer’s disease. This could usher in improved methods to predict who will end up getting Alzheimer’s disease or how to prevent it.
- Brain Stimulation
Researchers are testing the effects of such techniques as deep brain stimulation, hoping that this can improve the brain and retard the disease. This is the hope that, with continued research, scientists will find better treatments or even a cure for Alzheimer’s.
LIFE WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Life is not easy for people suffering from this disease, but most Alzheimer’s patients live reasonably well for many years after their diagnosis. The person may need much help from family and friends and to learn new routines. Caregivers should be patient and also try to understand what the person is going through. Caregivers should also takecare of themselves and seek support when needed. For the person with Alzheimer’s, staying active, eating healthy, and doing things they enjoy can help improve their quality of life. Staying connected to family and friends, even though they don’t remember everything, is also important.
CONCLUSION
Alzheimer’s is a serious disease affecting millions across the world. So far, no cure has been found, but the disease can be treated symptomatically to improve the quality of lives in patients. Early detection and care support for the caregivers also play an essential role in the slow flow of the disease. Ongoing research offers for better treatments and even a cure in the future. If you or someone you know suffering from Alzheimer’s, it helps to be informed, to seek help when needed, and to keep living in a healthy and happy lifestyle as possible.
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