Dementia is a syndrome (a collection of symptoms) and behind it may be many diseases. Dementia is usually divided into primary degenerative disease and vascular dementia and secondary forms. Its condition may also be present together in various combinations in a single patient.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease (about 60-70 percent of all cases). Vascular dementia forms are the second most common and occurs in about 20 percent of cases.
Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's dementia, which means that the memory is disturbed while providing reduced attention span and språkförståelse. Alzheimer's disease atrophy nerve cells in the brain where memory is seated. In addition to memory impairment may have difficulty expressing themselves, worse sense of direction and more difficult to perform the appropriate body movements. Those who have the disease may have impaired judgment and concentration. These qualities and skills are affected when the nerve cells shrivel.
No one knows what causes
Alzheimer's disease. Researchers have discovered some risk factors. They are advanced age, hypertension, dyslipidemia and obesity. Repeated head injuries, which can be obtained, for example, boxing is also a risk factor. Scientists have great optimism that in the near future be able to stop the disease process using an antibody vaccine. Through measurements of a particular form of beta-amyloid in the patient is also expected to detect the disease much earlier than today. It is hoped that early treatment will do that brain damage does not become equal.
Alzheimer - Symptoms
The most common
symptom of alzheimer is having a hard time remembering what happened recently. At first, the sufferer often aware of their problems and try to hide them. Gradually, it becomes more difficult to cope with daily life with such purchases, pay bills and locate themselves. The sufferer is often depressed, anxious and worried. The failing memory functions and often distorted perception of reality can also make the situation difficult to handle for families.
Treatment of Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's disease is currently no cure. However, it can relieve the symptoms and slow the progression of medicines strengthens the signal system that was damaged in the brain. Medicine can improve your ability to concentrate, memory and language. These drugs are used in the early stages of the disease. For patients with advanced disease are drugs that suppress signaling system is overstimulated.
For people with Alzheimer's disease, it is important to live a life of strict routines to facilitate everyday life. Different ways to compensate for the reduced memory function may be to use memory words and key words. A balanced diet is important as vitamins necessary for the brain cells to function.
Did you know ...
- Each year, falls ill about 20 000 people in dementia.
- In the whole world is about 36 million people affected
- Alzheimer's disease affects mostly older people.
- About 10 000 people who have the disease are under 65.
Research on the
brain is essential for us to develop new effective treatments. With your support, we can work together to research on
Alzheimer's disease progresses. Just share this article on your social accounts.