SolveYourProblem Article Series: Alzheimers Disease
Help Me Understand Alzheimer's Disease

What Is Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer's is a progressive disease that results in the degeneration of neurons in the brain. It is a form of dementia, a term that includes a variety of illnesses or conditions that cause dysfunctions in the brain. It can begin with what appears to be simple forgetfulness that can normally happen to any individual. However, with someone suffering from Alzheimer's it will eventually progress to the point where they lose all of their memories and abilities. It is estimated to affect somewhere between 5 to 15 percent of people 65 years and older.

This disease was first discovered in 1906 by Dr. Alois Alzheimer after performing an autopsy on a middle aged woman who suffered for several years with declining mental health. The exact cause of the disease remains unknown. However, the characteristics of this condition include the accumulation of excess proteins in the brain that result in amyloid plaques in abnormal clusters and neurofibrillary tangles which are basically tangled bundles of fibers. It is thought that these accumulating obstructions cause interruptions in the normal flow of chemical reactions between the brain's nerve cells. Over time, the areas that are cut off and isolated cease to function properly.

The disease generally follows the pattern of first affecting the area of the brain that deals with how new information and memories are processed. Resulting in such difficulties as some memory loss, confusion, restlessness, mood swings and trouble making decisions. As it gets worse, higher abilities such as language will be affected. Familiar faces or locations are not recognizable. Eventually the most basic functions of how to care for oneself are lost. This may be to the point that the individual may forget how to even chew and swallow their food.

Alzheimer's is a difficult disease to diagnose. The family doctor will be the first one to consult. Typically the doctor will endeavor to eliminate any other of a number of conditions that may be the actual cause of an individual's dementia or symptoms thereof. Some disorders such as diabetes, thyroid disorders and anemia can be behind some of the same symptoms. These disorders would then be treated. Additionally, some forms of dementia are the result of an illness, an injury or possibly a stroke. In many of these cases there are treatments to alleviate the illness and thus the symptoms of dementia.

The doctor may also decide to bring in a specialist consultant. Together they will continue to work to narrow down the possible causes of the patient's form of dementia. After other possibilities have been eliminated the doctor may give a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. However, it is only after a person has died and an autopsy performed can there be a certainty.

Although there is at present no known cure for Alzheimer's there are treatments designed to help slow its progress down, to help alleviate some of the symptoms, to help the patient cope with the challenges of the disease, and to help achieve the best quality of life as possible. There are also a number of organizations that seek to help and give comfort to those with Alzheimer's and those that are caregivers.

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by SolveYourProblem.com : 2009

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