While Alzheimers information on the causes of the disease is still somewhat limited, there are some specific factors that may help to determine the probability of developing the disease. The study of plaques and tangles in the brains of deceased people has played a big role in the ability for scientists to begin to understand the causes of Alzheimers. Plaques are deposits of the beta-amyloid protein that develop between the gaps among the nerve cells of the brain, and tangles are deposits of the tau protein, which is found inside these nerve cells.
Plaques and tangles in the brain are not measurable in a living human being; however, autopsies performed on the brain of deceased individuals who suffered from the disease show that one of Alzheimers causes is an abundance of extra buildup of these proteins in the brain. Scientists believe the extra protein buildup blocks the nerve cell;s ability to communicate, which may cause the cells to die. No one knows exactly why some people develop this condition leading to Alzheimers disease, but there are additional believed causes and risks for the disease. Age plays a role after the age of 65 and a family history of Alzheimers greatly increases the risk of developing the disease. Lifestyle can also influence an individual's chances of developing Alzheimers including a previous significant brain injury. Keeping intellectually active and exercising the body, along with eating healthy food and staying away from alcohol and tobacco, can equally help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimers disease.
Alzheimer's Signs and Symptoms
Even though there is a certain amount of memory loss that is caused by aging, memory loss that interferes with daily living is not a normal part of growing old. Alzheimers disease proves to be a fatal brain disease that produces a slow loss of the ability to remember, think and reason in a normal aging manner. Warning signs of Alzheimers symptoms include:
- Forgetting recently learned information and dates of events, along with asking the same questions repeatedly or writing down things they would normally remember day to day
- Not being able to follow basic steps such as a favorite recipe or balancing a checkbook
- Confusion of where they are or losing track of time, including the passing of time as in the seasons of the year
- Unable to complete any type of familiar daily tasks
- Not being able to follow a conversation or repeating the same things during the conversation
- Losing things often and not remembering where they put things that they use daily
- Poor reasoning in handling their money, including giving it away
- No longer grooming themselves and refusing to take showers
- Withdrawal from work, social activities and hobbies because they struggle to keep up with what is going on around them
- Personality changes such as depression, fearfulness, anxiousness and confusion, especially when in unusual surroundings
- Not recognizing their own reflection in a mirror or visual problems in identifying distance, color or words
Treatment for Alzheimers Disease
Researchers are continually uncovering new information about Alzheimers treatment; unfortunately, the Alzheimers information on treatment is very limited and there is not yet a cure. There are various medicines and alternative therapies available to help with Alzheimer symptoms like depression, sleeplessness and agitation.
It is crucial to make the house safe for someone who is suffering from the symptoms of Alzheimers. They can accidentally ingest harmful medications or go out the door and get lost in the neighborhood, or even worse - run over by a car. It is equally important to make a decision about long-term Alzheimers treatment care for a loved one that includes all legal issues, living assistance and financial planning.
