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What is Alzheimer’s disease?
The neurological disorder was first discovered in 1906 by German neurologist Dr. Alois Alzheimer, who was studying the pathology of a woman he had treated for an unusual mental illness.
When her brain was examined posthumously, Alzheimer noticed significant changes in the brain tissue and found many abnormal clumps (amyloid plaques) and tangled bundles of fibers (neurofibrils or tau tangles) Knot). These plaques and tangles in the brain are still considered hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease and still require a pathological diagnosis.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia worldwide. Dementia is a term used to describe an overall dysfunction of the brain and describes a group of symptoms associated with a decline in memory, reasoning, or other thinking skills.
The changes in the brain can lead to memory loss, as well as changes in the behavior and personality of those affected. There are more than 400 types of dementia, which affect three areas of the brain: language, memory and decision-making.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, an estimated 6.5 million Americans age 65 and older have Alzheimer’s disease, and about one in nine people age 65 and older have the disease. disease. As the elderly population in the United States grows rapidly, so will the number of Alzheimer’s cases.
The number of people aged 65 and over living with Alzheimer’s disease is projected to increase to 12.7 million by 2050 unless medical breakthroughs are made to prevent, slow or cure Alzheimer’s disease.
Age is the greatest known risk factor for the disease. The researchers also believe that family history may play a role in the development of the disease.
In addition, ongoing research is investigating whether education, diet, and environment play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease, and there is growing scientific evidence that healthy behaviors that have been shown to prevent cancer, diabetes, and heart disease can also Reduced risk for subjective cognitive decline.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include memory loss that affects daily life; problem-solving challenges; difficulty performing familiar tasks; disorientation in time and place; difficulty understanding visual images and spatial relationships; language challenges; misplacing things places and can’t find them; impaired judgment; social withdrawal; and changes in mood or personality.
Alzheimer’s disease gets worse over time, and on average, people with Alzheimer’s live four to eight years after diagnosis, but can also live longer, depending on other factors. up to 20 years.
Medications may temporarily improve or slow the progression of symptoms. These treatments can sometimes help people with Alzheimer’s disease maximize function and maintain independence for a period of time. Different programs and services can help support people with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers.
If you or someone you know is showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider.Additional resources and support can be found at alz website or locally alzbr website.
Other dementias will be reviewed in future columns.
Questions about Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders can be sent to Dana Territo, author of What My Grandchildren Taught Me About Alzheimer’s Disease at thememorywhisperer@gmail.com.
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