Health Photos
-
Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative disorder, which destroys brain cells. It leads to a decline in mental function affecting memory, thinking, language and behaviour. The disease affects people more than 65 years old.
-
The exact cause of these changes is not known. Some people with Alzheimer's disease have a family history of the disease and show signs of the disease earlier in life, i.e. before the age of 65 years.
-
The symptoms of Alzheimer's disease vary and change as the disease gets worse. The first symptom is increasing forgetfulness. Most people begin to have some memory problems, as they get older.
-
Memory is usually the first to be affected. Then thinking is impaired and the patient becomes increasingly disoriented. He is unable to locate his whereabouts and loses the ability to read, write and care for his personal hygiene.
-
Alzheimer's disease can be diagnosed with a careful study of the patient's medical history and physical examination. Blood tests and brain scans are done to see whether there is a recognisable cause of the decline in brain function.
-
There is no cure. Consuming a healthy diet and regular exercising help preserve mental and physical function of the body.
-
Medicines may be sometimes helpful if used early in Alzheimer's disease to slow memory loss.
-
The brain function of a person having Alzheimer's disease continues to get worse until their death.
-
It must be noted that Alzheimer's is a degenerative disease, i.e., it gets worse with time. Therefore, people with a family history of this disease should see their doctor regularly.
