What is Alzheimer’s disease? Symptoms, Cause, and cure

In 1906, the German physician Dr. Alois first described Alzheimer’s as “a peculiar disease” – a memory loss and a change in the microscopic brain – a disease we now know as Alzheimer’s. It is a progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental activities. The disease causes gradual dementia symptoms over several years. In the early stages, although mild memory loss is mild, in the late stages Alzheimer’s people will lose the ability to continue conversations and respond to their environment. World Alzheimer’s Day is celebrated on September 21 every year. Also, since 2012, an awareness campaign has been launched and a global campaign is being observed each September to challenge the stigma surrounding dementia, marking September as World Alzheimer’s Month. This year 2020, the ninth world Alzheimer’s month is celebrated.

Symptoms :

Loss of memory is a major symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. First, people with this disease may be aware of the difficulty in remembering things and organizing thoughts. A family member or friend is more likely to notice how the symptoms get worse. Here are some symptoms undermentioned that have been studied from previous patients with this disease:

Having Memory lapse

It is normal to lose some memories over time. However, the memory impairment associated with Alzheimer’s disease continues and worsens, affecting the ability to work or work at home. Alzheimer’s patients can get lost in familiar places. They may ask the same thing more than once. They often forget about conversations, appointments, or events. In the end, forget the names of family members and everyday things. And much more.

Changes in personality and behaviour

Changes in the brain in Alzheimer’s disease can affect mood and behaviors. And these changes may include frustration, indifference, social withdrawal, mood swings, distrust of others, annoyance and aggression, delusion (As if believing something has been stolen), and even more. 

Risk Factors

Researchers believe that there is no single cause of Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists have identified factors that increase the risk of Alzheimer’s. It probably evolved from multiple factors such as genetics, lifestyle and the environment. Although some risk factors – age, family history and heredity – cannot be changed, emerging evidence suggests that there may be other factors that may affect us.

• Age : The biggest risk factor for Alzheimer’s is ageing, but these disorders are not a common part of ageing. It is not a direct cause of Alzheimer’s. Most people with the disease are 65 or older.
• Family history : A strong risk factor for Alzheimer’s is family history. People with Alzheimer’s parents, brothers or sisters are more likely to get the disease. Illness in multiple families increases the risk.
• Heredity : Researchers states that genes are involved in Alzheimer’s and there are two categories of genes influence whether a person develops the disease: risk genes and deterministic genes. Alzheimer’s genes have been found in both categories.
• Other risk factors that may influence : It has been estimated that half of all Alzheimer’s worldwide may have seven variable risk factors: diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, depression, cognitive impairment or low education and physical inactivity. 

Prevention :

Alzheimer’s disease is not a preventable condition, but several life-threatening causes for Alzheimer’s can be corrected. Evidence suggests that changes in diet, exercise and habits may reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have shown that preserved thinking skills and heart-healthy lifestyle choices may reduce risk of Alzheimer’s disease.