What Is Alzheimer's Disease?
Dementia is a brain disorder that seriously affects a person's ability to carry out daily activities. The most common form of dementia among older people is Alzheimer's disease (also known simply as Alzheimer's). This condition initially affects parts of the brain that control thinking, memory, and language.
Alzheimer's is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German doctor. In 1906, Dr. Alzheimer noticed changes in the brain of a woman who had died of an unusual mental illness. Within the brain tissue, he found abnormal clumps (now called amyloid
plaques) and tangled bundles of fibers (now called neurofibrillary tangles). Today, these plaques and tangles in the brain are considered signs of Alzheimer's disease.
Although scientists are learning more every day, the exact causes of Alzheimer's are still unknown, and there is no cure. A few different medications are available to help with related symptoms, but these are only effective for a limited time.
Age is the most important risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. The number of people with the disease doubles every five years beyond age 65.
Scientists who specialize in
Alzheimer's research have discovered three genes that cause early symptoms of familial Alzheimer's disease. Researchers have also identified genetic mutations that cause excessive buildups of amyloid proteins, which are associated with age-related (sporadic) Alzheimer's.
Common Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease
Symptoms of this condition can include:
- Memory loss
- Language deterioration
- Impaired ability to interpret visual information
- Poor judgment
- Confusion
- Restlessness
- Mood swings.
Eventually, Alzheimer's destroys the person's thinking process, personality, and ability to function.
It is important to note that the early signs of this disease, which include forgetfulness and loss of concentration, are often missed because they resemble natural signs of aging.
Scientists think that up to 4.5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's. The disease usually begins after age 60, and the risk of developing it increases with age. While younger people may also get Alzheimer's, this is much less common. Approximately 5 percent of men and women ages 65 to 74 have the disease, and nearly half of those who are 85 years of age and older may have it. However, it is important to note that Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging.
The Progression of Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's is a slow disease that starts with mild memory problems and ends with severe brain damage. The course the disease takes and the progression of its symptoms varies from person to person. On average, people with Alzheimer's live for about 8 to 10 years after they are diagnosed, though the disease can last for as many as 20 years.
