Alzheimers

What is Alzheimers Disease?

Alzheimers Disease affects millions of people every year and it is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. What is Alzheimers Disease? It is a progressive and fatal brain disease and it is one of the most common forms of dementia. It destroys a person's brain cells and interferes with a person's memory and thinking skills. Alzheimers Disease is named for Dr. Alois Alzheimer. In 1901, Dr. Alzheimer had a patient who was at a mental institution in Germany. This patient had certain symptoms that did not fit any diagnosis and Dr. Alzheimer became obsessed with her case. The patient had failing memory, seemed disoriented, and had trouble expressing herself. She became worse over time and when she died in 1906, Dr. Alzheimer examined her brain and discovered that her brain had shrunk and that the nerve cells were twisted.

More than half of the people over the age of 85 have Alzheimers. A small percent of the people are between the ages of 65 and 74. The disease tends to get worse instead of better. At this time, there is not a cure for Alzheimers, but there are ways that it can be slowed down. It is best if the person is diagnosed early because if treatment is done at an early stage, this can prolong the person's life. Also, this can help the family members plan for the future on such items as caring for the Alzheimers patient and developing support networks. Also, by having an early diagnosis, patients will be able to participate in clinical trials and new medications can be used to see which are effective in treating the Alzheimers patient.

There is not one particular test to determine if a person has Alzheimers. The doctor may ask questions about the patient such as any changes in behavior or personality, about the patient's past and present health problems and their ability to perform daily tasks. The doctor will probably test the patient's mental state. He will ask him questions such as the date, time, and where he is. The doctor may ask the patient what his address is and also have him perform simple math problems. He may also do medical testing which includes a blood, urine and spinal fluid test. A brain scan usually is done to determine if there are any changes in the brain.

Causes of Alzheimers

At this time, it is not known what causes Alzheimers Disease. Extensive research has been done to find out why the brain deteriorates. There are certain factors that have been determined. Alzheimers affects older people and if there is a history of it in your family, there is a likelihood, that someone in your family will get it. Certain conditions like a history of depression, strokes and obesity have been found to be a contributor of the disease.

Symptoms & Stages

There are seven stages of Alzheimers Disease. With
Stage 1, there is no type of impairment seen.
In Stage 2, there is mild impairment, such as occasional memory lapses, like forgetting someone's name or forgetting where you put your keys.
Stage 3 is usually when early signs of Alzheimers is detected. The person has trouble concentrating on things, may have some depression and forget things very easily. They also are very disorganized at this stage. Family members and people who are close to you, see the change in your overall being.
Stage 4 is known as moderate cognitive decline. At this stage, the person forgets things often, is moody and can not perform simple math calculations.
Stage 5 is known as moderate or mid-stage Alzheimers. Other people realize that you are having difficulty remembering things and at this stage, you need assistance with day to day activities.
Stage 6 is known as moderately severe or mid-stage Alzheimers. At this stage, the memory is significantly worse and help is needed with everything. The person tends to wander off, and may get lost if not watched carefully. They also tend to sleep a lot during the day, and at night, they become restless.
The last stage is Stage 7 which is severe or late stage Alzheimers. People who are at this stage, don't seem to respond to anything or anyone around them. They seem like they are in a complete daze. At this stage, they need help with all of their daily activities, such as dressing, using the toilet and eating. They also have trouble swallowing and they seem like they are in another world.

Treatments

Right now, there are several medications that can help manage Alzheimers. Doctors can help determine the medications or supplements that is best suited for their patient. Also, it is important that they have a nutritious diet and an exercise plan to keep them active. By doing this, this will prevent or delay the development of their Alzheimers Disease.