Named for the German psychiatrist who defined the disease in 1906, Alzheimer's disease is a form of dementia that affects a sufferer's ability to behave appropriately, conceive thought, and remember events, people, places, and objects. Alzheimer's is a brain disease that progressively degenerates brain function, and may progress rapidly or slowly depending on the individual.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease progress at different stages. Early symptoms include frequently misplacing items, changes in personality, and forgetting upcoming appointments and events. In more advanced stages the symptoms become much more obvious and include hallucinations and violent behavior, difficulty performing daily activities, and forgetting personal memories. In the end stages the Alzheimer's patient will no longer be able to function without constant supervision, they will no longer recognize family and close friends, no longer be able to understand speech, and will need assistance with basic activities like eating.
Causes and Considerations
The risk of developing Alzheimer's disease increases as a person ages; for example, most patients are over age 60. A family history of Alzheimer's increases the risk of developing the disease, as well as a history of head trauma, high levels of the body chemical homocysteine, and high blood pressure that has lasted for many years. Women are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease, but experts think this is because women tend to live longer than men.
Testing
Alzheimer's disease can only be confirmed following the death of a patient. After death a sample of brain tissue is examined. If Alzheimer's is present then there will be numerous tissues throughout the brain blocking passage through the nerve cells. Testing can be done to determine the possibility of Alzheimer's so that treatment may be instituted before the death of the patient. Once symptoms are recognized, a doctor may recommend neurological examinations, mental status examinations and MRIs.
Treatment and Survival Rates
Although there are many medications on the market today geared at slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease, unfortunately there are no cures. Once the onset of Alzheimer's has begun it will be present in the victim's life until he dies. Whether the patient suffers from Alzheimer's disease for five years or 20, it's an incurable disease that is also not preventable. Alzheimer's patients may die from infections they obtain from bed sores in the late stages of the disease. In the United States alone, more than 50,000 Alzheimer's patients pass away each year. There is an average of 4 million patients living with Alzheimer's disease.
Prevention/Solution
Medications are available to slow the progression of the disease and tests are being done on medications that hope to cure Alzheimer's.
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