Alzheimer’s Disease
A common causative factor of dementia, it is an irreversible and progressive disease of the brain that gradually destroys thinking and memory. Dementia refers to loss of cognitive ability to such an extent that daily activities of a patient are significantly affected. The initial signs and symptoms are usually seen after the age of 60. Alzheimer’s disease affects up to 5.1 million Americans (Alzheimer’s Association, 2011). Its cause is not yet fully understood but may be attributed to a series of complex events taking place in the brain over a prolonged period of time. Age related changes in the brain including atrophy or production of free radicals or inflammation has been cited as a possible cause of this condition. The brain shows notable changes in Alzheimer’s disease notably, development of tangles in deep areas of the brain and also formation of plagues in other areas (Grossberg & Sanjeev, 2009). These accumulate and affect efficiency of healthy neurons which eventually die leading to atrophy of the brain in affected areas.
Signs and Symptoms
Early stages are characterized by memory problems. As the disease progresses, other cognitive changes become apparent like getting lost, poor judgment, prolonged duration of doing simple tasks, hallucinations, delusions and paranoia, increased confusion. In terminal stages, there is loss of speech and patients are bedridden. The condition is diagnosed by taking patient history or by clinical observation.
It can be managed by use of acetyl cholinesterase inhibitors. Psychological intervention can also be used reminiscence therapy.
References
Alzheimer’s Association. (2011). What is Alzheimer’s? Web.
Grossberg, G., & Sanjeev, M. (2009). Alzheimer’s: the latest assessment and treatment strategies. Sudbury: Jones & Bartlett Learning.