Alzheimer’s Disease
According to NorthShore University HealthSystem, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of mental decline, also known as dementia. This disorder damages the brain and causes a steady loss of memory, meanwhile affecting judgment, intelligence, behavior and the ability to speak, think, work and do daily activities.
Alzheimer’s disease becomes worse over time; however, the speed at which it does so varies for different people. For example, some people become unable to carry on daily activities at early onset of the disease, while others are able to manage fairly well until much later into the disease.
Alzheimer’s disease is caused by changes in the brain. The direct cause is still unknown; however scientists have discovered that the disorder is due to a buildup of proteins in the brain that lead to a loss of neurotransmitters (the chemical messengers of the brain).
The disorder is most common in people over the age of 60. People who have a family history of Alzheimer’s have a high risk of developing the disease. Other risks include head injury, a hard fall and history of heart disease.
Although it is common to experience mild memory loss with age, it is important to see a doctor when experiencing new, frequent forms of memory loss. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include having trouble making decisions, confusion about the time and date, getting lost in well-known places, trouble learning and remembering new information, trouble finding the right words to say and more trouble doing daily tasks such as cooking or paying bills. As Alzheimer’s gets worse, people may develop sundowning, or getting restless and wandering in late afternoon and at night. They may also start to act very differently, withdrawing from family and friends, hallucinating, falsely believing others are lying, cheating, using or trying to harm them, and frequently lashing out at others.
Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s. However, doctors will prescribe certain medicines to help with memory, thinking, and confusion.
For more information, as well as treatment options, visit NorthShore University HealthSystem.
