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Alzheimer's disease
- 2. Alzheimer's disease (AD), also known in medical literature as Alzheimer disease, is the most common form of dementia. There is no cure for the disease, which worsens as it progresses, and eventually leads to death. It was first described by German psychiatrist and neuropathologist Alois Alzheimer in 1906 and was named after him
- 3. In 1991, the amyloid hypothesis postulated that amyloid beta (Aβ) deposits are the fundamental cause of the disease tau hypothesis, the idea that tau protein abnormalities initiate the disease cascade AD is caused by reduced synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Research indicates that the disease is associated with plaques and tangles in the brain
- 4. As the disease advances, symptoms can include ◦ confusion ◦ irritability ◦ aggression ◦ mood swings ◦ trouble with language ◦ long-term memory loss. ◦ withdraw from family and society. ◦ bodily functions are lost, leading to death
- 5. Computed tomography (CT) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Positron emission tomography (PET) Neuropsychological tests such as the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid for amyloid beta or tau proteins Blood tests ◦ thyroid function tests ◦ assess B12, ◦ rule out syphilis, ◦ kidney function, electrolyte levels and for diabetes ◦ assess levels of heavy metals (e.g. lead, mercury) ◦ anaemia.
- 6. There are no available treatments that stop or reverse the progression of the disease. Mental stimulation, exercise, and a balanced diet have been suggested as possible ways to delay symptoms in healthy older individuals, but they have not been proven as effective.
- 7. Because AD cannot be cured and is degenerative, the sufferer relies on others for assistance. The role of the main caregiver is often taken by the spouse or a close relative Alzheimer's disease is known for placing a great burden on caregivers; the pressures can be wide- ranging, involving social, psychological, physical, and economic elements of the caregiver's life. In developed countries, AD is one of the most costly diseases to society
- 8. People who engage in intellectual activities such as reading, playing board games, completing crossword puzzles, playing musical instruments, or regular social interaction show a reduced risk for Alzheimer's disease
- 9. Learning a second language even later in life seems to delay getting Alzheimer disease Physical activity is also associated with a reduced risk of AD.
- 10. Regular exercise Healthy diet Mental stimulation Quality sleep Stress management An active social life
- 11. Learn something new. Study a foreign language, learn sign language, practice a musical instrument, read the newspaper or a good book, or take up a new hobby. The greater the novelty and challenge, the larger the deposit in your brain reserves. Practice memorization. Start with something short, progressing to something a little more involved, such as the 50 U.S. state capitals. Create rhymes and patterns to strengthen your memory connections. Enjoy strategy games, puzzles, and riddles. Brain teasers and strategy games provide a great mental workout and build your capacity to form and retain cognitive associations. Do a crossword puzzle, play board games or cards, or work word and number games, such as Scrabble or Sudoku. Practice the 5 W’s. Observe and report like a crime detective. Keep a “Who, What, Where, When, and Why” list of your daily experiences. Capturing visual details keeps your neurons firing. Follow the road less traveled. Take a new route, eat with your non- dominant hand, rearrange your computer file system. Vary your habits regularly to create new brain pathways.