Symptoms and Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer disease is a disease that affects the brain and can lead to the death of the person affected. It can be diagnosed at any stage and it can affect a person’s memory and thinking skills. However, there are some signs and symptoms that can help in recognizing the disease. They include forgetfulness, problems with memory, and difficulties in learning new skills.
What is the main cause of Alzheimer’s?
Several factors are implicated in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Some genetic factors are known to increase the risk of developing the disease, including a variant of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene called APOE e4. Though it’s common to have a high level of this allele, not all people who have it develop the disease. Other factors may also play a role, including environmental factors and lifestyle.
Scientists believe that Alzheimer’s disease is caused by an abnormal buildup of proteins within brain cells. These proteins build up into plaques and tangles and block normal communication between brain cells. As a result, brain cells begin to die. The loss of brain cells eventually leads to the need for long-term care.
What Alzheimer’s does to a person?
Alzheimer’s disease affects the thinking process of a person, causing him or her to have difficulty with memory and judgment. Early symptoms of the disease may be less noticeable to the person’s family and friends, but as the disease progresses, they will need more help. The person will also have difficulty with basic tasks, such as dressing and toileting. Stage seven is the most advanced stage of Alzheimer’s disease, with increasing symptoms and need for increased support.
Treatment for Alzheimer’s disease varies from patient to patient. Some medicines can be used to slow the disease’s progress. These medicines may be prescribed for months or years. Other treatments may be needed to address mood or sleep disorders, while support groups can help family members cope. Although there are no proven ways to prevent Alzheimer’s, experts say that living a healthy lifestyle is the best way to protect the brain.
How long do Alzheimer patients live?
The life expectancy of Alzheimer patients can vary significantly based on a number of factors, such as age at diagnosis. In a recent study published in Archives of Neurology, researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that the age at which a person is diagnosed with the disease is one of the most important factors in determining their survival. Using this information, families and caregivers can make plans and value each day.
Depending on their age and overall health, the average life expectancy for a person with Alzheimer’s disease is between eight and twelve years. However, if they remain physically and mentally fit, it may be considerably longer. According to one study conducted in the US, people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease live from one to 26 years from the time they first start to exhibit signs.
Nhs alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia in the UK, affecting people’s memory and mental abilities. Researchers from the University of Leicester, LifeArc, and the University of Gottingen have developed an antibody-based vaccine to reduce symptoms of Alzheimer’s in mice. This drug targets the amyloid beta protein, which is found in the brain as a flexible string-like protein. These proteins eventually join together to form plaques and fibres.
Early detection is the key to successful treatment. Although Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of the ageing process, an accurate diagnosis can help patients plan for the future and receive the proper support and treatment. If you suspect that your loved one has dementia, visit your GP for a full assessment. If possible, bring a loved one with you for reassurance.
