Alzheimer's disease is one form of dementia, which is a neurological condition that affects normal brain function. The Alzheimer's Association states that 10 percent of individuals older that 65 are diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease each year in the United States; that number increases to 50 percent for the 85 and older age bracket. Alzheimer's disease is a non-reversible condition, and over time, essential brain function deteriorates. Some of the major neurological functions that are damaged by Alzheimer's disease are memory, personality, thinking and judgment.
Memory Loss
Memory loss is one of the first neurological symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The memory loss begins as lapses in memory, where the patient forgets about recent events. As the disease progresses, the Mayo Clinic notes that the patient begins to repeat things said to him (as he cannot retain the information) and misplaces items. Not only does the patient forget about events and people around him, he also experiences memory loss regarding information about him (such as where he was born or where he went to school). In the late stage of Alzheimer's disease, the patient can no longer remember or recognize his family.
Personality Changes
Another neurological function affected by Alzheimer's disease is personality, where the patient undergoes changes in her mood and behavior that appear strange to family and friends. The Mayo Clinic states that the personality changes begin as mood swings, where the patient may exhibit aggressiveness or have increased distrust in people; becoming more stubborn is another personality change associated with Alzheimer's disease. Mood disorders can also occur, such as anxiety and depression. The NIH notes that the patient loses her social skills, which can result in social withdrawal. In some cases, the patient may also have hallucinations and delusions.
Thinking and Judgment Problems
Impaired thinking and judgment from Alzheimer's disease make it difficult for the patient to solve problems. The NIH states that the patient will develop poor judgment and will no longer be able to identify danger; this can be dangerous for patients who are living alone. The Mayo Clinic adds that the abstract thinking process is affected, impairing the patient's ability to recognize and deal with numbers. As the disease progresses, the patient loses his ability to care for himself.
