Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that results in the degeneration of neurons in the brain. It is a form of dementia, a term that includes a variety of illnesses or conditions that cause dysfunctions in the brain. Alzheimer’s symptoms begin with what appears to be simple forgetfulness that can typically happen to any individual.
However, someone who has Alzheimer’s will eventually progress to the point where they lose all of their memories and abilities. It is estimated to affect somewhere between 5 to 15 percent of people 65 years and older.
This disease was first discovered in 1906 by Dr. Alois Alzheimer after performing an autopsy on a middle-aged woman. She had suffered for several years with declining mental health. That’s where Alzheimer’s disease got its name, Dr. Alois Alzheimer.
We can define the characteristics of what is Alzheimer’s. The exact cause of the disease remains unknown. However, the characteristics of this condition include the accumulation of excess proteins in the brain. They form as amyloid plaques in abnormal clusters and neurofibrillary tangles. Tangled bundles of fibers prevent nerve cell to nerve cell communication.
These accumulating obstructions cause interruptions in the normal flow of chemical messengers between the brain’s nerve cells. Over time, the areas with neurofibrillary tangles cease to function correctly.
Alzheimer’s disease generally follows the pattern of first affecting the brain area that deals with how new information and memories are processed. Resulting in such difficulties as some memory loss, confusion, restlessness, mood swings, and trouble making decisions.
As it gets worse, higher abilities such as language will be affected. Familiar faces or locations are not recognizable. Eventually, the most basic functions of caring for oneself are lost. It may progress to the point that the individual may forget how to chew and swallow their food.
Alzheimer’s is a complex disease to diagnose. The family doctor will be the first one to consult. Typically the doctor will endeavor to eliminate several conditions that may be the actual cause of an individual’s dementia or symptoms.
Some disorders such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and anemia can be behind some of the same symptoms. The physician would then treat these disorders. Additionally, some forms of dementia result from an illness, an injury, or possibly a stroke. In many of these cases, there are treatments to alleviate the disease and thus the symptoms of dementia.
The doctor may also decide to bring in a specialist consultant. Together they will continue to narrow down the possible causes of the patient’s form of dementia. After eliminating other possibilities, the doctor may diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. Only after a person has died and an autopsy performed can there be a certainty.
There is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease. There are treatments designed to help slow down its progress. To help alleviate some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Also, to help achieve the best quality of life possible.
Ther are organizations that seek to help and comfort those with Alzheimer’s and those who are Alzheimer’s caregivers.