ALZHIM DISEASE: WHAT IS IT?
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a slow and progressive disease of the nervous system for which there are no drugs, and a temporary solution is death. The disease destroys nerve cells and connections between cells, leading to dementia (senility), physical and emotional inducing. During the course of the illness, patients have difficulty learning and remembering, mood swings, anxiety and depression. At later stages, patients become unable to perform such simple tasks as bathing, feeding, and even using a bath. In the end, patients are completely bedridden and muffled, which requires round-the-clock assistance. Alzheimer's disease can last from five to twenty years from the onset of the first symptoms to death.
WHO GETS IT
Alzheimer's disease is the fourth leading cause of death for adults and the most common cause of mental decline in the United States, affecting up to 4 million elderly people. It is estimated that 50% of nursing home residents and almost 50% of people over 85 suffer from Alzheimer's disease. Although both sexes get AD, the disease most often affects women. Each race and ethnic group suffers from AD, but some of them pose a greater risk of illness than others. For example, black Americans have four times more risk than white, and white white Latin Americans have twice the risk. The populations least affected by Alzheimer's are Native Americans and Southeast Asians.
DIAGNOSIS
There are currently no laboratory tests that could diagnose AD with complete certainty. There are about 36 diseases that cause dementia. The task of diagnosis is to determine whether the patient may experience dementia from other causes. A detailed history of the patient's symptoms and how they came to give the best clues as to whether they have Alzheimer's disease or some other disease. A close family member familiar with the patient’s case history can be very helpful in this detection process. Questions of concern to the doctor include which medications the patient can take, and any family history of problems with thinking and memory. From there a complete physical and neurological exam is conducted, and then tests designed to measure the patient's ability to think clearly.
CAUSES
Although many facts about Alzheimer's disease have been revealed in the last decade or so, the exact cause of the disease remains a mystery. However, recent research may help explain how brain failure occurs in later life. Researchers have identified a certain variation of the ApoE4 gene as a possible risk factor for the disease. ApoE4 can also contribute to early fall (up to 60 years) of Alzheimer's disease, a rare and aggressive form of the disease. Other risks that are believed to contribute to Alzheimer's disease: first-degree attitudes to Alzheimer's disease (mother, father, sibling), head injury, lack of education, exposure to magnetic fields, and insufficient amounts of certain hormones such as estrogen that can protect older women from AD. Current research has shown that the use of aluminum products does not contribute to Alzheimer's disease.
TREATMENT
In recent years, research into treatment options for AD has exploded. Researchers are investigating the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamin E and gingko bilboa memory herbs as a treatment that can help slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease or prevent it all together. Significant progress has also been made in controlling the behavioral and psychological problems characteristic of Alzheimer's patients. Changes in the home environment can significantly affect the reduction of dangerous behaviors such as wandering. It is recommended to install external locks, limit distractions, establish predictable daily procedures and controlled exercises.
WHAT'S FUTURE HOLES
Great hope exists for the future study of Alzheimer's disease. Solving this tragic disease puzzle is a top priority for neurobiotics. Studies are underway to study how brain cells die, what environmental and nutritional factors can lead to Alzheimer's disease, and which gene mutations affect the disease. Research is also aimed at improving the quality of life of patients and their families, as the march to medication lasts.
WHEN AND WHERE TO GET HELP
While it is natural for older people to experience some decline in some mental functions, including memory, dementia is not a normal part of aging. Dementia, a general decline in mental function, is often a serious medical problem. Some of the symptoms of dementia include confusion, anxiety, erroneous judgment, delusions, paranoia and depression. If you or a family member has two or more of these symptoms, contact your primary health care provider immediately.
