Alzheimer's disease is a type of neurological degenerative disease. When symptoms of Alzheimer's disease begin, family members may mistake them for natural aging. However, while Alzheimer's disease is a common disease among the elderly, it is not part of normal aging. Patients begin to lose their independence as well as their cognitive abilities. Causes of Alzheimer's disease vary from aging and family history to previous medical conditions. Unfortunately, Alzheimer's disease cannot be prevented nor can it be cured.
Onset
According to the National Institutes of Health, two types of onsets exist of Alzheimer's disease. Early onset, the most common form of Alzheimer's disease, appears before the age of 60. Late onset of Alzheimer's disease, which occurs later in life, accounts for five to ten percent of Alzheimer's disease patients. However, late onset of Alzheimer's disease progresses rapidly.
Causes
The two largest causes of Alzheimer's disease are thought to be aging and family history. Statistically, women are at greater risk for developing Alzheimer's disease because they live longer than men, according to the National Institutes of Health. Other factors that can contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease include longstanding high blood pressure, a history of head trauma and high levels of homocysteine.
Early Symptoms
According to the National Institutes of Health, early symptoms include repeating statements, misplacing items in peculiar areas, having trouble finding names for familiar objects, getting lost on familiar routes, losing interest in pleasurable activities, having problems performing tasks and demonstrating personality changes. In early Alzheimer's disease, patients may seem more irritable or have mood shifts.
Advanced Symptoms
As Alzheimer's disease becomes more advanced, the symptoms become more pronounced and can no longer be confused with natural aging. Advanced symptoms include forgetting details about current events, forgetting events that occurred earlier in the patient's life, lashing out at people, experiencing difficulty choosing appropriate clothing, hallucinating, being argumentative, displaying violent behavior, delusions, depression or agitation, and having difficulty performing basic tasks. At the advanced stage of Alzheimer's disease, patients require more care for daily activities.
End Stage Symptoms
By the time Alzheimer's disease has progressed to the end stage, patients are no longer able to take care of themselves. At this stage, patients no longer understand language, cannot recognize family members or perform basic activities of daily living.
