Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of dementia cases. Alzheimer’s typically begins with mild memory loss and confusion, which gradually worsens over time, leading to more severe cognitive impairment and the inability to carry out everyday activities.
The main features of Alzheimer’s disease include:
- Memory loss: Difficulty remembering recent events, conversations, and appointments.
- Cognitive decline: Trouble with thinking, reasoning, and judgment.
- Disorientation: Getting lost in familiar places, confusion about time or date.
- Changes in behavior and mood: Increased anxiety, depression, aggression, or withdrawal from social activities.
- Difficulty with daily tasks: Struggling with tasks like managing finances, cooking, or maintaining personal hygiene.
The cause of Alzheimer’s is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Two key changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s are the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles, which disrupt communication between brain cells and lead to their eventual death.
While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, treatments can help manage symptoms or slow the progression in some individuals. These include medications such as cholinesterase inhibitors and glutamate regulators, as well as non-drug approaches like cognitive therapies and lifestyle changes.
Researchers are continuing to study Alzheimer’s in hopes of finding better treatments or a cure. Early diagnosis and intervention can help individuals and families plan for the future and manage symptoms effectively.