What is Alzheimer's?
Alzheimer's is a progressive multi-factorial disease of the brain that causes dementia, which is a steady loss of memory, judgment, and capability to function. This disorder usually appears in people older than 65; however, there are less common forms of the disease which appear earlier in adulthood. Memory loss is the most common sign or symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. Forgetfulness may be primarily subtle, but the loss of memory progressively worsens over time until it interferes with aspects of daily life. Even in familiar home settings, a person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease may get lost or disorganized. Routine tasks can become challenging. Moreover, it may become difficult to recognize people and the names of objects. People affected increasingly require help with personal care.
Institute of ageing, N. (2014, April 24). About Alzheimer's Disease: Alzheimer's Basics. Retrieved April 12, 2017, from https://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/topics/alzheimers-basics
Alzheimer's is a progressive multi-factorial disease of the brain that causes dementia, which is a steady loss of memory, judgment, and capability to function. This disorder usually appears in people older than 65; however, there are less common forms of the disease which appear earlier in adulthood. Memory loss is the most common sign or symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. Forgetfulness may be primarily subtle, but the loss of memory progressively worsens over time until it interferes with aspects of daily life. Even in familiar home settings, a person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease may get lost or disorganized. Routine tasks can become challenging. Moreover, it may become difficult to recognize people and the names of objects. People affected increasingly require help with personal care.
Institute of ageing, N. (2014, April 24). About Alzheimer's Disease: Alzheimer's Basics. Retrieved April 12, 2017, from https://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/topics/alzheimers-basics
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 forming memories. As more neurons die, additional parts of the brain are affected, and they begin to shrink. By the final stage of Alzheimer’s, damage is widespread, and brain tissue has shrunk significantly.
Institutes of Health, N. (2017, February 27). Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet. Retrieved April 14, 2017, from https://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/publication/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet
Heading Picture: Senior Care, H. I. (2015, June 25). 8 Interesting Facts About Alzheimer's [Digital image]. Retrieved April 25, 2017, from https://www.homeinstead.ca/514/blog/facts-on-alzheimers