What is Alzheimer's disease?

Alzheimer's disease is probably one of the commonest causes of Dementia. It is a degenerative disease of the brain which effectively starts in the cerebral cortex. It is usually characterised by the gradual and progressive decline in a person's mental abilities. It affects both sexes usually those who are over the age of 60, however Alzheimer's has been known to develop in people as young as 40.

The earliest symptoms of Alzheimer's disease are simple forgetfulness. This is often overlooked especially if the person is elderly as it is usually put down to their age, however it gradually progresses to more severe symptoms such as difficulty in performing simple or normal tasks such as fastening buttons or tying shoelaces.

There is a progressive deterioration in both the person's mental and physical condition and abilities and also their memory. There is also a change in the behavior and personality of the person with Alzheimer's, with their normal behavior a thing of the past. For instance someone who has always been gentle and kind may start to speak filthy language and make inappropriate sexual advances or become violent and start hitting and lashing out at people.

In the later stages of Alzheimer's, the person eventually becomes incapable of performing any task at all. They also become doubly incontinent, lose their power of speech, lose the ability to walk correctly, suffer paralysis and lose their complete memory.

If treatment is given early enough, it can slightly slow down the disease, but unfortunately is incurable at the time of writing.

Once Alzheimers disease is diagnosed, then the person should be given as much help and support as possible especially in the early stages. Unfortunately many people who start with Alzheimer's disease are aware at first that something is wrong with them (though they may go into denial), and knowing you are "losing your mind" can be a very upsetting and frightening experience.

Their family should also be given help to come to terms with the diagnosis as it can have a devastating effect on them especially if the person with Alzheimer's is younger and brings in part of the household income.

There are many support groups they can join who will help them to adjust and come to terms with the life changing disease that has befallen their loved one.

In the very later stages of Alzheimer's disease, the person becomes so bad that many families have no option but to place their relative in a nursing home so they can be cared for professionally. This can also be upsetting for both them and the person who is ill.
The cause of Alzheimers disease is not known, though scientists and doctors have many ideas about its origins. There have been many theories such as the deposition of aluminium in the brain, to fluoride in the water. None have been proved

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