What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Dementia
Dementia is an umbrella term for several symptoms related to a decline in intellectual abilities. Common symptoms include a gradual loss of memory, problems with reasoning, disorientation, difficulty in learning, loss of language skills, and the decline in the ability to perform daily functions.
It is not a disease in itself, but actually a group of related symptoms that may accompany other diseases or physical conditions.
Alzheimer’s disease
The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer’s disease (pronounced AHLZ-hi-merz) is a progressive, degenerative disorder that affects brain tissue, eventually resulting in abnormal brain function. The disease was first described in 1906 by German physician Dr. Alois Alzheimer, who noted the abnormal changes in the brain that are now associated with Alzheimer's disease. As the brains chemical balance changes, it loses the ability to produce special chemicals called neurotransmitters. The neurotransmitters help send signals throughout the body to ensure proper functioning. With Alzheimer's disease, and the lack of these chemicals, remembering and reasoning, can become a seemingly impossible task for anyone.
Progression of Alzheimer’s disease
With the progression of Alzheimer's disease, the patient may become increasingly dependent on the caregiver for even the most basic tasks. The duration of the illness may vary widely from patient to patient. The areas of the brain that control memory and thinking skills are affected first. Activities considered as second nature such as, driving, preparing meals, and going for unaccompanied walks may become dangerous. Employment and the management of money may no longer be appropriate for the patient. Eventually, the person with Alzheimer’s will need complete care, as daily hygene and dressing may be beyond the patient's capabilities.
For more information,
Please Visit
The Alzheimer's Association
