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Symptoms of Alzheimer's

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The most common early symptom of Alzheimer's is difficulty remembering newly learned information. Just like the rest of our bodies, our brains change as we age. Most of us eventually notice some slowed thinking and occasional problems with remembering certain things. However, serious memory loss, confusion and other major changes in the way our minds work may be a sign that brain cells are failing. The most common early symptom of Alzheimer's is difficulty remembering newly learned information because Alzheimer's changes typically begin in the part of the brain that affects learning. As Alzheimer's advances through the brain it leads to increasingly severe symptoms, including disorientation, mood and behavior changes; deepening confusion about events, time and place; unfounded suspicions about family, friends and professional caregivers; more serious memory loss and behavior changes; and difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking. To know more join ...

Changes Observed in Brain

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Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. In most people with Alzheimer’s, symptoms first appear in their mid-60s. Estimates vary, but experts suggest that more than 5 million Americans may have Alzheimer’s . Scientists continue to unravel the complex brain changes involved in the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. It seems likely that damage to the brain starts a decade or more before memory and other cognitive problems appear. During this preclinical stage of Alzheimer’s disease , people seem to be symptom-free, but toxic changes are taking place in the brain. Abnormal deposits of proteins form amyloid plaques and tau tangles throughout the brain, and once-healthy neurons stop functioning, lose connections with other neurons, and die. The damage initially appears to take place in the hippocampus, the part of the brain essential in ...

Why Alzheimer's Disease is Caused?

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Alzheimer's disease is caused by parts of the brain shrinking (atrophy), which affects the structure and function of particular brain areas. It's not known exactly what causes this process to begin. However, in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease , scientists have found amyloid plaques (abnormal deposits of protein), neurofibrillary tangles (containing tau) and imbalances in a chemical called acetylcholine. It's also common to have a degree of vascular damage in the brain. These reduce the effectiveness of healthy neurons. Over time, this damage spreads to several areas of the brain. The first areas affected are responsible for memories. Increased risk Although it's still unknown what triggers Alzheimer'sdisease , several factors are known to increase your risk of developing the condition. Age Age is the single most significant factor in the development of Alzheimer's disease. The likelihood of developing the condition doubles every...

Stages of Alzheimer's Disease (cont)

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These are the last three stages in Alzheimer's Disease Stage 5: Moderately Severe Decline During the fifth stage of Alzheimer’s , patients begin to need help with many day to day activities. People in stage five of the disease may experience: Significant confusion Inability to recall simple details about themselves such as their own phone number Difficulty dressing appropriately On the other hand, patients in stage five maintain a modicum of functionality. They typically can still bathe and toilet independently. They also usually still know their family members and some detail about their personal histories, especially their childhood and youth. Stage 6: Severe Decline Patients with the sixth stage of Alzheimer’s disease need constant supervision and frequently require professional care. Symptoms include: Confusion or unawareness of environment and surroundings Major personality changes and potential behavior problems The need for assistance with act...

Alzheimer's Disease: Stages

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Every person with Alzheimer’s disease experiences the disease differently, but patients tend to experience a similar trajectory from the beginning of the illness to its merciful end. The precise number of stages is somewhat arbitrary. Some experts use a simple three-phase model (early, moderate and end), while others have found a granular breakdown to be a more useful aid to understanding the progression of the illness. Stage 1: No Impairment During this stage, Alzheimer’s disease is not detectable and no memory problems or other symptoms of dementia are evident. Stage 2: Very Mild Decline The senior may notice minor memory problems or lose things around the house, although not to the point where the memory loss can easily be distinguished from normal age related memory loss . The person will still do well on memory tests and the disease is unlikely to be detected by physicians or loved ones. Stage 3: Mild Decline At this stage, the friends and family members o...

Statistics of Dementia

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Someone in the world develops dementia every 3 seconds. There were an estimated 46.8 million people worldwide living with dementia in 2015 and this number is believed to be close to 50 million people in 2017. This number will almost double every 20 years, reaching 75 million in 2030 and 131.5 million in 2050. Much of the increase will be in developing countries. Already 58% of people with dementia live in low and middle income countries, but by 2050 this will rise to 68%. The fastest growth in the elderly population is taking place in China, India, and their south Asian and western Pacific neighbors. Demographic ageing is a worldwide process that shows the successes of improved health care over the last century. Many are now living longer and healthier lives and so the world population has a greater proportion of older people. Dementia mainly affects older people, although there is a growing awareness of cases that start before the age of 65. There are over 9.9 million ...

Risk Factors of Dementia

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Certain risk factors are known to be associated with dementia . However, age is the biggest predictor. Other risk factors include: Smoking and alcohol use. Atherosclerosis (cardiovascular disease causing the arteries to narrow). High levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein). Above-average blood levels of homocysteine (a type of amino acid). Diabetes. Mild cognitive impairment can sometimes, but not always, lead to dementia. This means you can help reduce your risk of dementia by: Eating a healthy, balanced diet. Maintaining a healthy weight. Exercising regularly. Keeping alcohol to a minimum. Stopping smoking. Keeping blood pressure at a healthy level. To know more join us at International Conference on Alzheimers, Dementia and Related Neurodegenerative Diseases... https://bit.ly/2p9olWH