When the brain works perfectly, you are able to make decisions, remember things that you read in the paper and discuss relevant topics that you saw on the news. Alzheimer's disease is a form of dementia that makes all those daily functions difficult due to a slow degeneration of brain tissue.
History
Alzheimer's disease was identified in the early 1900s by Alois Alzheimer, a German physician. After treating a patient that had progressive problems with behavior, memory and language, Alzheimer discovered two changes in brain tissue called "neurofibrillary tangles" and "neurotic plaques." These changes are what he deemed responsible for the condition to develop.
Significance
Alzheimer's is not a disease that is normal with the aging process, but the odds of getting it do go up as you get older. According to the Mayo Clinic, approximately 5 percent of people between the ages of 65 and 74 have Alzheimer's and nearly half of the people over 85 have Alzheimer's disease.
Symptoms
Occasional memory loss is normal with everyone, but with Alzheimer's disease, it is more extreme and persistent. Items are often misplaced and put in illogical places, words and sentences are repeated often, conversations and appointments are forgotten and family members' names are forgotten. Cognitive problems like balancing a checkbook, finding the right words to say in a conversation, solving problems and performing routine tasks can all appear. Changes in personality--like mood swings, depression, anxiety, increased stubbornness and aggressiveness--can be seen.
Risk Factors
Age is the biggest determining factor when it comes to getting Alzheimer's, but there are other things that can raise your risk as well. If your sister, brother or parent had it, you are susceptible. Women are more likely than men to get Alzheimer's, and lifestyle factors like high blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes and high cholesterol make you a more likely candidate.
Treatments
As of today, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but there are two prescription medications that are used to help reduce the accompanying symptoms. Donepezil, galantamine and rivastigmine are cholinesterase inhibitors that help improve the release of brain neurotransmitters. Memantine is a drug that helps protect brain cells from damage. Both types of drugs can cause side effects like dizziness, vomiting, nausea and diarrhea.
Identification
Alzheimer's disease can be prevented or postponed by partaking in some lifestyle adjustments. Having the diet consist mainly of fruits, vegetables, whole grain grains, beans, nuts, seeds, fish and poultry are all examples of nutritional changes that can be done. Physical and mental exercise can keep the brain and body stimulated and reduce the chances of dementia taking place.
