Alzheimer’s disease- symptoms, causes, prevention

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease attacks nerves, brain cells and neurotransmitters. It is a primary degenerative cerebral disorder.

Alzheimer’s disease-signs and symptoms

Early symptoms–

• Language problems, such as trouble finding the name of familiar objects.
• Misplacing items
• Getting lost on familiar routes
• Personality changes and loss of social skills
• Losing interest in things previously enjoyed, flat mood
• Difficulty performing tasks that take some thought, but used to come easily, such as balancing a checkbook, playing complex games (such as bridge), and learning new information or routines

• Moderate-—

• Forgetting details about current events
• Forgetting events in your own life history, losing awareness of who you are
• Change in sleep patterns, often waking up at night
• Difficulty reading or writing
• Poor judgment and loss of ability to recognize danger
• Using the wrong word, mispronouncing words, speaking in confusing sentences
• Withdrawing from social contact
• Having hallucinations, arguments, striking out, and violent behavior
• Having delusions, depression, agitation
• Difficulty doing basic tasks, such as preparing meals, choosing proper clothing, and driving

  Severe—

1. Do not understand language
2. Do not recognize family members
3. Could not perform basic activities of daily living, such as eating, dressing, and bathing

Others—

• Incontinence
• Swallowing problems

Alzheimer’s disease Causes     

1. Genetics—
   A close blood relative, such as a brother, sister, or parent who developed AD
2. Increasing age
3. Persistent high blood pressure
4. History of head trauma
5. Females 

Alzheimer’s disease classification

Early onset

1. Before age 60
2. Less common
3. Progress rapidly
4. Run in families

Late onset

1. Aged 60 or older
2. Most common

Investigations

1. Full blood count
2. Urea
3. Electrolytes
4. Thyroid function test
5. CT scan-Brain
6. MRI of brain

Treatment

1. Ayurveda Medicines
2. Behavior therapy
3. Family support
4. Caregivers

Alzheimer’s disease Complications

1. Abuse by an over-stressed caregiver
2. Bedsores
3. Failure of body systems
4. Falls and broken bones
5. Harmful or violent behavior toward self or others
6. Loss of ability to function or care for self
7. Loss of ability to interact
8. Malnutrition
9. Dehydration
10. Pneumonia
11. Urinary tract infections

Alzheimer’s disease Prevention

1. Consume a low-fat diet.
2. Intake of omega-3-fatty acid (fish like tuna, salmon, mackerel)
3. Reduce intake of linoleic acid (margarine, butter, and dairy products).
4. Increase intake of antioxidants (dark colored fruits and vegetables).
5. Maintain a normal blood pressure.
6. Stay socially active throughout life.
7. Do some brain activities (SUDOKU, Puzzles)