The 21st of September every year is observed as World Alzheimer’s Day to spread awareness about this degenerative disease of the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is the commonest cause of dementia and is characterized by a progressive loss of memory along with an inability to process information. The patient may find it difficult to speak or understand a language with ease. He usually cannot even recognize objects.
Such people cannot carry out skilled motor activities and may experience difficulty in walking. They lose their ability to plan, organize, or schedule their routine. Behavioral changes also occur; for example, the person may become aggressive or get agitated easily. Delusions are quite common, especially persecutory ones, where the individual suspects that people are out to get him. Depression may be present but not in a very severe form.
The onset and progress of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is gradual and usually develops in people over the age of 50 years. The patient passes away after more than ten years, usually in a very poor neurological state, a perfect stranger to himself, estranged from his own loved ones. There is no known cause for AD. An increase in the formation of free radicals that leads to oxidative damage of the nerves is the only explanation for the development of the condition.
The disease is diagnosed from the history and on the basis of a general examination. Cognitive testing can detect the condition, whereas psychometric tests can help to confirm the diagnosis. MRI usually reveals atrophy in the hippocampal regions of both sides of the brain. Decreased glucose uptake is often seen in the temporo-parietal regions on PET scanning. In some patients, these degenerative changes occur along with Parkinson’s disease. This is medically known as Parkinsonism plus syndrome.
The main goal of treatment is to support the patient and help him to live a life of dignity till the very end. The family members need to be counseled so that they can bear the emotional trauma of having to watch their loved one deteriorate day after day till the end comes. Â Antioxidants like vitamin E have shown some benefit, but not significantly great enough to reverse or retard the progress of this disease, which is for all practical purposes incurable as of now.
Related posts:
- Alzheimer’s Awareness Week 2010
- ‘Diagnosing Dementia: See It Sooner’
- World Osteoporosis Day 2010
- Do you have Alzheimer’s?
- World Lymphoma Awareness Day 2010
Tags: 21st september, Antioxidants, Behavioral changes, Cognitive testing, Delusions, Dementia, Depression, Free radicals, Loss of memory, Oxidative damage, Parkinson's, Parkinsonism plus syndrome, Psychometric tests, Stranger, Vitamin E, World Alzheimer's Day
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