Alzheimer’s Disease
The most common form of dementia is a degenerative disease. The symptoms in most cases are thought to be age related, since Alzheimer disease is seen mostly in people of age over 65 years and more. This does not mean that Alzheimer does not affect people of younger age. The disease in its early stage makes the patient suffer from inability to remember or to have fresh memories. This followed by symptoms that include memory loss, confusion, unable to talk fluently, lack of spontaneity to normal actions and general withdrawal as senses decline. The disease in many patients takes more time to be identified, as such, the diagnosis happens after few years.
German psychiatrist and neurologist Alois Alzheimer described this disease and in 1906 it was named after him as ‘Alzheimer Disease’ or ‘AD’. AD also called as ‘senile dementia’, ‘primary degenerative demetia’. It is estimated that about 30 million suffer worldwide due to Alzheimer. Although, Alzheimer’s disease is unique for every individual, there are many common symptoms, such as memory loss, difficulty in recalling names of own members of family or friends, change in behavioral patterns, less reflex action, etc.
Alzheimer’s disease causes and how it progresses are not understood clearly, and research indicates that the disease is associated with plaques and tangles in the brain. Treatments found to treat Alzheimer disease offers little relief as the disease progresses. This gives only the option to manage the disease wherein a number of non-invasive, life-style habits have been suggested for its prevention. Physical exercise, mental stimulating exercise, simple memory recollection tests, a balanced diet is suggested.
