Alzheimer's Walk

Alzheimer's disease is a disorder involving group parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language. Alzheimer's disease is becoming tragically common. It is estimated that there are currently 18 million people worldwide with Alzheimer's disease. Dementia is a disease of the nervous system characterized by the loss of certain mental capacities. This loss is severe enough to disrupt normal activities and lasts at least six months. Dementia is the term for the deterioration of brain function that causes memory loss, reduced language skills, impaired reasoning and behavioral and emotional problems. As the disease develops, a person loses the ability to perform familiar tasks, to reason, and exercise trial. Moods, personality and ability to communicate may also be affected. Individuals with AD typically die within eight years of their diagnosis. Some people may die within a year of diagnosis, others may live as long as twenty years.

Alzheimer's disease is progressive, which means that symptoms worsen over time. Language difficulties are also common in people with Alzheimer's disease. People with Alzheimer's disease may lose track of time and place - they may, for example, dress in the middle of the night or go away and get lost. new environment and new people can be confusing. The disease usually progresses to a stage where it is difficult for the patient to be understood by others or to understand others, and in the final phase, the patient is bedridden. Free radicals are another factor in the formation of tangles and plaques. Free radicals are highly active chemicals that form in brain cells and brain damage. Chemicals known as antioxidants react with and destroy free radicals. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease. However, medications can help slow the progression or relieve some symptoms and delay the need for care facilities. Other therapies and support are available.

The causes of Alzheimer's Disease

The causes of Alzheimer's disease exect are currently unknown. On Alzheimer's is caused by a loss of brain cells, as well as changes in the cerebral cortex. Free radicals are another factor in the formation of tangles and plaques. Free radicals are highly active chemicals that form in brain cells and brain damage. Chemicals known as antioxidants react with and destroy free radicals. Another risk factor is heredity. People whose family members had AD are more likely to develop Alzheimer's than those whose families do not have this history. People who have hypothyroidism or who have experienced traumatic brain injury are also at relatively high risk of AD. Environmental factors have sometimes been proposed as possible causes of Alzheimer's disease.

Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease

The first symptom of Alzheimer's disease is memory loss. Memory loss is not in itself an indication that the person has Alzheimer's disease. Some memory loss is a natural part of aging. People with Alzheimer's disease may lose track of time and place - they may, for example, dress in the middle of the night or go away and get lost. In the early stages of the disease, family or friends may notice changes in behavior. As the disease progresses, memory loss is worsening, and some people have difficulty in learning new skills. Changes in behavior may become more obvious, with people saying or doing things that are out of character. Some people become depressed because they realize what happens. During the final stages of the disease, people with Alzheimer's may become totally dependent on others for care. Walking can become difficult and urinary incontinence may develop.

Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

There is currently no cure, and almost no medical treatment for Alzheimer's disease.