Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's Disease (pronounced: alz-heimerz) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for loss of memory and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life.
Etymology
The disease is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German psychiatrist and neuroanatomist who first described it in 1906. The term "Alzheimer's Disease" was first used by his colleague Emil Kraepelin in the eighth edition of his textbook, Psychiatrie.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease include:
- Difficulty remembering newly learned information
- Disorientation
- Mood and behavior changes
- Deepening confusion about events, time and place
- Unfounded suspicions about family, friends and professional caregivers
- More serious memory loss and behavior changes
- Difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking
People with Alzheimer's may experience these symptoms to different degrees.
Causes
The exact cause of Alzheimer's Disease is not fully understood, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors that affect the brain over time. The disease is characterized by the formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease is usually based on the person's medical history, physical examination, and changes in behavior and thinking abilities. Sometimes, other tests such as brain imaging or blood tests may be used.
Treatment
There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's Disease, but treatments can temporarily slow the worsening of symptoms and improve quality of life. These treatments include medications for memory loss and treatments for behavioral symptoms.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Alzheimer's Disease
- Wikipedia's article - Alzheimer's Disease
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