Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder that attacks the brain’s nerve cells, or neurons, resulting in loss of memory, thinking and language skills. It affects more than 5 million Americans and is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. It is an irreversible and ultimately fatal condition with no known cure at this time.
Causes
The exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease remains unknown but researchers believe it involves a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors as well as age-related changes in the brain. Genetics are thought to play a major role; mutations on three specific genes have been linked to late onset Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). These genes include APOE-e4 which increases risk for AD by up to 15 times compared to those without the mutation. Environmental exposure may be another factor; some studies have suggested that exposure to certain metals such as aluminum can increase one’s risk for developing AD later in life. Finally, lifestyle factors such as smoking or poor diet may also contribute to increased risk for developing Alzheimer’s later on down the line.
Symptoms
Early symptoms may include confusion about basic tasks like getting dressed or preparing meals; short term memory loss; difficulty concentrating; misplacing items regularly; difficulty doing simple math calculations; trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships (such as judging distances); mood swings including anxiety or depression (which can sometimes be mistaken for normal aging processes). As it progresses further into its course symptoms become much more severe including significant personality changes such as aggression or agitation along with complete dependence on others for daily living activities like eating dressing bathing etc.; eventually leading all the way through until total paralysis occurs due to dementia caused by destruction/degeneration within neural networks throughout entire cerebral cortexes leaving victims unable even move limbs let alone speak coherently or express needs feelings desires etc..
Treatment
Unfortunately there is currently no cure available however treatments do exist which work towards managing symptoms associated with Alzheimers & delaying progression of illness itself: these range from medications designed specifically target neurotransmitters responsible cognition learning recall information processing communication etc., via cholinesterase inhibitors acetylcholinesterase inhibitors NMDA receptor antagonists memantine other drugs treating associated problems insomnia mood swings psychosis depression etc., psychosocial interventions aimed providing emotional support enhancing quality life helping patient family caregivers cope better behavioral therapies attempting modify aggressive outbursts improve communication between patients caretakers nutrition supplements assist maintaining healthy weight levels physical exercise reduce mobility issues stimulate cognitive functioning so forth… All these together help maintain level functionality possible slow down progress ailment while keeping hardships minimum possible extent given current state medical technology…