Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia among older adults. Here are some key points to understand about Alzheimer's disease:
Causes and Risk Factors
1. Genetics: Certain genes, such as APOE-e4, increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's.
2. Age: The risk increases significantly after age 65.
3. Family History: Individuals with a parent or sibling with Alzheimer's are at higher risk.
4. Lifestyle and Heart Health: Factors like smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol may increase the risk.
Symptoms
1. Early Stages:
- Memory loss affecting daily activities
- Difficulty planning or solving problems
- Confusion with time or place
- Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
- Problems with words in speaking or writing
- Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
- Poor judgment and decision-making
2. Middle Stages:
- Increased memory loss and confusion
- Difficulty recognizing friends and family
- Greater risk of wandering and getting lost
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Personality and behavioral changes, including hallucinations and delusions
3. Late Stages:
- Severe memory loss and cognitive decline
- Inability to communicate
- Need for full-time care
- Loss of physical abilities, such as walking, sitting, and swallowing
### Diagnosis
1. Medical History and Physical Exam: Assessment of symptoms and medical history.
2. Neurological Exam: Tests of reflexes, coordination, muscle tone, and strength.
3. Mental Status Tests: Cognitive tests to assess memory, problem-solving, attention, and language.
4. Imaging Tests: MRI or CT scans to rule out other conditions.
5. Blood Tests: To identify other potential causes of symptoms.
### Treatment and Management
1. Medications:
- Cholinesterase Inhibitors: Donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine.
- NMDA Receptor Antagonist: Memantine.
- Others: Medications to manage symptoms like depression, anxiety, and aggression.
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