Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological disorder that causes our brains to shrink and brain cells to die. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia — a continuous decline in thinking, behavioral and social skills to a great extent that it interferes with the individual capacity to function correctly. The damage initially occurs in one part of the brain concerning memory; however, eventually, it affects other parts of the brain, such as the cerebral cortex.
The early signs of Alzheimer’s are a tendency to forget events, conversations, and activities; as the diseases progress, the severity increases to permanent memory loss. No set treatment can cure Alzheimer’s; however, noting the symptoms and visiting the doctor at the earliest can slow down the process of Alzheimer’s.
What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s?
Memory loss is one of the significant symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, followed by other signs such as difficulty remembering recent events, activities, and conversations. At the onset, the person from Alzheimer’s may remember that they forget things; however, the signs & symptoms of the disease may worsen with time. The character & symptom of AD also varies on the stage of the disease and are highlighted below:
- Forgetting things and activities
- Memory loss issues
- Language problem
- Difficulty in managing complex tasks
- Behavior and personality issues
- Losing and misplacing the objects
- Difficulty in performing daily tasks
- Sleep disturbance
- Taking time to recognize friends and family
- Repeating words, stories, ideas, and events
People who are in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s may face severe symptoms such as:
- Total Memory loss
- Complete unaware of their surroundings
- They need additional help in their basic activities, such as eating, sitting, and walking
- Complete loss of their ability to communicate
What causes Alzheimer’s?
Scientists believe that an abnormal buildup of proteins in the brain causes Alzheimer’s disease. This protein buildup causes the brain cells to die, resulting in Alzheimer’s disease. Initially, the damage or death of nerve cells starts in one area of the brain, and with time it spreads to other areas. Additionally, some researchers suggest complex changes in the brain caused by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors are responsible for the diseases.
What is the treatment for Alzheimer’s disease?
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s; however, understanding the signs & symptoms of the disease and visiting the doctor without delay will help manage the condition and eventually slow down the process of dementia. Early treatment also helps in managing behavioral symptoms and daily functioning.
Treatment of Alzheimer’s is contingent on the patient’s condition, and the doctor may provide a highly individualized treatment plan. Therefore, it is essential to follow the symptoms of your loved ones and consult the doctor at the earliest.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written after performing in-depth secondary research related to the topic from various articles, blogs, and journals which have expertise in writing for healthcare. If you have doubts related to Alzheimer’s or any symptoms related to dementia, such as forgetting things and so on, we advise you to book an appointment with the doctor.