Dementia refers to the symptoms caused by disorders that affect the brain. It is the progressive impairment of memory in the absence of any other explanatory central nervous system disorder. Dementia affects a person’s ability to think and perform their day to day functioning and is an increasing concern for both individual and their family. Alzheimer disease is the most common cause of dementia. Millions of people are suffering of Alzheimer making it the 6th leading cause of death. The incidence of Alzheimer’s disease increases after the age of 65 years. In fact it doubles every 5 years after the age of 65 years. There is no treatment available to cure dementia. But the available treatment can help in improving symptoms and slowing the progression of this disease.
 ALZHEIMER'S
DISEASE
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Alzheimer's
Disease: A Caregiver's Overview
Risk factors:
Age:
The chances of dementia increases with age after the age of 65 years. In fact it doubles every 5 years after the age of 65 years.
Family history
First degree relatives of people suffering with Alzheimer’s disease are more likely to develop dementia.
Gender:
Women are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia.
Other possible risk factors:
Depression, diabetes, hypertension are possible risk factors for Alzheimer
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s related dementia:
Early stages:
Memory impairment
Difficulty in finding words
Severe forgetfulness
Impairment in professional/social functioning
Repetitive questioning
Top Health Tips for Seniors
Later stages:
Loss of enthusiasm
Reduced social interaction
Loss of affection in personal relations
Psychosis is seen in 30-60% of people with AD
Hallucination is also seen in patients
Advanced stages:
Repetition on actions is observed
Abnormalities in appetite, sleep and sexual behavior
Reduced speech
Dependence
Ambulatory difficulties
Seizures are common in advanced stages.
Treatment and management:
Alzheimer disease is a neurodegenerative disorder. There is no permanent cure offered yet and the treatment is mainly directed towards improving the symptoms. Also the treatments and therapy needs to be started as soon as the symptoms start. Treatment and management of Alzheimer related dementia centers on medical and psychological support both to the patients and their families. Different treatment approach is directed towards different stages of the disease ranging from failing memory to managing behavioral problems and dependence.
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