It worsens over time until it severely affects how those with the disease function and interact with the world.
Read more to learn about Alzheimers symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and related topics.
Although dementia typically affects older adults, it is not a normal part of aging.
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Alzheimers disease is the most common form, affecting around 6080% of people with dementia.
Early-Onset vs. Late-Onset Alzheimers
Most people with Alzheimers have late-onset disease, affecting people 65 and older.
Early-onset Alzheimers is typically more severe than late-onset, and it may take longer to be diagnosed.
Symptoms
Alzheimers symptoms vary depending on the severity of the disease.
Unlike other kinds of brain problems, symptoms of Alzheimers come on gradually.
Memory challenges are characteristic of Alzheimers, but visual processing or language issues can also occur.
But because the disease comes on slowly, identifying it can prove challenging.
Moderate Alzheimers
In moderate disease, symptoms become more apparent.
They might not remember basic information about themselves and their family members.
Some people also experiencepersonality changes, agitation or depression, or delusions.
Severe Alzheimers
In thelater stages, individuals become severely impaired in memory and cognition.
Complications
People with Alzheimers can suffer complications of their disease.
Certain common problems among older adults may worsen due to communication challenges.
Some examples are:
What Causes Alzheimers Disease?
The exact cause of Alzheimers is unknown.
However, researchers do know it has to do withchanges in the brain.
One theory is that abnormal strands and clumps of specificpeptidesin the brain may trigger inflammation.
However, it is likely that many factors, not just one, cause the disease.
Risk Factors
Increasing age is the most critical risk factor for Alzheimers.
Other risk factors for Alzheimers are less clear.
Some other factors that may contribute to risk include:
Is Alzheimers Genetic?
Genes and environment play a role in Alzheimers risk.
The most significant gene for increasing the risk of Alzheimers isapolipoprotein E(APOE).
One exception is early-onset Alzheimers.
Down Syndrome and Alzheimers Risk
About 70% of people withDown syndromedevelop Alzheimers by age 60.
This may be because they have an extra copy of the genes on chromosome 21.
However, they rarely perform these tests, which are usually the responsibility of specialists.
Non-Pharmacological Interventions
Memory aids can be helpful in the early stages.
Maintaining consistent but straightforward routines can help people with Alzheimers navigate their environment.
Healthcare providers may help the caregiver find better ways to communicate with the affected person and reduce problematic behaviors.
Its also critical to managing other medical conditions.
Medication
The FDA approved three medications in a drug class calledcholinesteraseinhibitors to treat Alzheimers.
These medications include:
One additional FDA-approved medication is called Namenda (memantine).
A healthcare provider may prescribe one of the four approved medications alone or combine a cholinesterase inhibitor with Namenda.
Unlike previous treatments, it potentially targets the underlying cause of the disease.
Emerging treatments are currently undergoing clinical trials.
These needs change as a person progresses from mild to moderate to severe disease.
However,caregiving burnoutis a hazard, particularly for individuals who dont have enough support.
Prioritize your health and needs so you could continue supporting your loved one.
Some are the Alzheimers Association, the Alzheimers Foundation of America, and Alzheimers Disease International.
When Is Alzheimers Awareness Month?
Summary
Alzheimers is a chronic progressive brain disorder and the most common form ofdementia.
Talk to a healthcare provider if you or a loved one suspects Alzheimers.
A provider can offer testing, diagnosis, and treatment options.
People with Alzheimers and their caregivers benefit from solid support systems.
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