Dementia. Looking At Forgetting As A Symptom Of Dementia.

Dementia is characterized by the loss of or decline in memory and other intellectual and thinking abilities, caused by various diseases and conditions that result in damaged brain cells. Experiencing problems in thinking and memory should not be ignored just because you are old.

Difficulty remembering names and recent events is often an early clinical symptom; apathy and depression are also often early symptoms. Later symptoms include impaired judgment, disorientation, confusion, behavior changes and difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking.

In Alzheimer's disease, as in other types of dementia, increasing numbers of nerve cells deteriorate and die and as a result information areas in the brain begin to fail. Brains with advanced Alzheimer's show dramatic shrinkage from cell loss but patients who showed no sign of memory loss had clean brains. A healthy adult brain has over 100 billion nerve cells.

SYMPTOMS OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Alzheimer's disease can affect different people in different ways, but the most common symptom pattern begins with gradually worsening difficulty remembering, ability to reason or care for themselves.

SOME WARNING SIGNS

Memory loss that disrupts daily life
Confusion with time or place
Changes in mood and personality

In Advanced Alzheimer's people need help with bathing, dressing, using the bathroom, eating and other daily activities.

Although families generally prefer to keep the person with Alzheimer's at home as long as possible, most people with the disease eventually move into a nursing home or other residence where professional care is available

Risk FACTORS FOR ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Most experts agree that Alzheimer's like other common chronic condition probably develops as a result of multiple factors rather than a single cause.
The greatest risk factor for Alzheimer's disease is advancing age, but Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging.

A significant portion of people with mild brain impairment, but not all, will later develop Alzheimer's. Mild brain impairment is a condition in which a person has problems with memory, language or other function.

TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

No treatment as yet is available to slow or stop the deterioration of brain cells in Alzheimer's disease. Researchers have identified treatment strategies that may have the potential to change its course.

Studies have shown that active medical management of Alzheimer's and other dementias, the use of supportive services such as counseling, activity and support groups and adult day center programs, can significantly improve quality of life through all stages of the disease.

Increases in short- and intermediate-term risks for Alzheimer's were seen not only at age 65, but also were markedly increased at age 75 and 85 for both women and men.

The increased numbers of people with Alzheimer's will have a marked impact on healthcare systems, not to mention families and care givers.

Although Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, data collected, suggest that the attribution of dementia to specific types may not be as clear.

Studies report that mostly older people have changes in the brain, often evidence of multiple types of brain disease.

CAUSES OF DEMENTIA maybe more complicated than initially believed.

Some factors not to be ignored: Promoting public awareness, encouraging brain health, early diagnosis and treatment.

By: Isma

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I have been in the health care business for over 25 years. I am passionate about a healthy outlook on life and feel strong about caring and advising people. I decided to do research on Dementia, collecting as much as possible information, to share with others.