Alzheimer's disease is a progressive form of dementia. Dementia is a broader term for conditions that negatively affect memory, thinking and behavior. Changes can disrupt daily life. Dementia can have a variety of causes, such as brain injury or disease. Sometimes the cause is unknown. According to the Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. Most people with this disease are diagnosed after the age of 65. If diagnosed earlier, it is often referred to as "younger-onset" or "early-onset" Alzheimer's disease. There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but there are treatments that can slow the progression of the disease.
Alzheimer's disease and genetics
Although there is no single known cause of Alzheimer's disease, genetics may play an important role. The gene is of particular interest to researchers. Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is a gene involved in the onset of Alzheimer's disease symptoms in the elderly. Blood tests can detect whether you have a particular version of this gene that increases your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Keep in mind that even if someone has this gene, they may not get Alzheimer's. The reverse is also true: A person can still get Alzheimer's even if they don't have the gene. There is no way to know for sure whether someone will develop Alzheimer's disease. Other genes may also increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease.Several unique genes have been associated with some younger cases of the disease.
Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease
Everyone has moments of forgetfulness now and then. But people with Alzheimer's disease exhibit certain persistent behaviors and symptoms that worsen over time. They may include:
• memory loss that affects daily activities such as keeping appointments
• problems with familiar tasks such as using a microwave oven
• difficulty solving problems
• problems with speaking or writing confusion about times or places
• impaired judgment
• personal hygiene restrictions
• mood and personality changes
• Withdrawal from friends, family and community
These symptoms do not always mean that a person has Alzheimer's disease. It is important to see a doctor to find out the cause. Symptoms vary depending on the stage of the disease. In the later stages, people with Alzheimer's disease often have trouble speaking, moving or responding to what is going on around them.
Stages of Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disease, meaning that symptoms gradually increase over time. There are seven main stages
Stages 1-3: Pre-dementia and mild cognitive impairment
Stage 1. There are no symptoms at this stage. If you have a family history of Alzheimer's disease and no symptoms,
Stage 2. The first symptoms appear, such as forgetfulness.
Stage 3. Mild physical and mental limitations appear, such as reduced memory and concentration. Learning new skills can be more difficult. Only someone very close to the person can notice these changes.
Stages 4-7: Dementia
Phase 4. Alzheimer's disease is often diagnosed at this stage, but it is still considered mild. They often experience memory loss and have difficulty managing everyday tasks.
Stage 5. Moderate to severe symptoms will need help from loved ones or caregivers. This is necessary to provide for daily needs such as food and household management.
Stage 6. In this stage, the person with Alzheimer's disease will need help with basic tasks such as eating, dressing and toileting.
Stage 7. This is the worst and last stage of Alzheimer's disease. There is often a gradual loss of speech and facial expressions. Movement will likely be limited. As a person progresses through these stages, they need more support from their caregivers.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source
The cause of Alzheimer's disease is unclear, but scientists and doctors believe that a combination of genes, lifestyle and a person's environment can affect the brain over time. Some of these changes take years, even decades, before the first symptoms appear Experts have not identified a single cause of Alzheimer's disease, but they do know some risk factors, including:
• Age. Most people with Alzheimer's disease are aged 65 and over
.• Family history. If you have a close family member who has developed the condition, you are more likely to get it.
• Genetics. Some genes are associated with Alzheimer's disease. Having one or more of these risk factors does not mean you will develop Alzheimer's disease. This simply increases your level of risk. Other possible risk factors include a history of:
• Depression
• smoked
• heart disease
• previous traumatic brain injury
Alzheimer's disease facts
While many people have heard of Alzheimer's disease, it helps to know the facts. Here are some important details about this status:
• Alzheimer's disease is a chronic (long-term), ongoing condition. This is not a typical sign of aging.
• Alzheimer's disease and dementia are not the same. Alzheimer's disease is a form of dementia.
• Its symptoms are slow in onset and its effects on the brain are degenerative, meaning it causes a slow decline.
• Anyone can get Alzheimer's disease, but some people are at higher risk. This includes those over 65 and those with a family history of the condition.
• No result is expected in people with Alzheimer's disease. Some people live long periods with mild mental retardation, others experience a faster onset of symptoms and a faster progression of the disease. There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease yet, but treatment can help slow the progression of the disease and can improve quality of life.
Care of Alzheimer's disease
As Alzheimer's progresses, tasks of daily living need more support. If you have a loved one with Alzheimer's disease, it's important to start learning what to expect and what your role is in caring for your loved one's future. Caring is a task that is often not easy, but it can also be very rewarding. If you have an Alzheimer's loved one, here are some ways to plan and advise on care:
• Learn about Alzheimer's disease, its stages and common symptoms. By reading this article, you are already on the right track.
• Work with family members who can help.
• Don't forget to join a dementia carer support group.
• Find professional home care, respite care and adult day care programs in your area.
• Remember that you also need support. Help the people close to you and be open to help. As a caregiver, it is important to take care of yourself and your loved one. Caregiving is tough, and the weight of constant responsibilities can take a toll on your health. A strong care plan should also include support for you as much as possible.
Prevention of Alzheimer's disease
Just as there is no known cure for Alzheimer's disease, there are no foolproof precautions. Currently, lifestyle habits that promote health are the best tool we have to prevent mental retardation. The following steps may be helpful:
• Try to stop smoking. If you smoke, quitting can benefit your health immediately and long-term.
• Exercise regularly. Being active can reduce the risk of many diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
• Keep your brain active. Try practicing mindfulness.
• Eat well. Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Maintaining an active social life. Friendships, volunteering, and hobbies are likely to benefit your overall health. Be sure to talk to your doctor before making major changes to your lifestyle.
