Alzheimer's disease has been hitting the headlines quite a
bit recently, partly due to the fact that well known and
best selling author Terry Pratchett OBE has a form of the
disease and partly because recent research has highlighted
that the number of people developing Alzheimer's disease is
on the increase. However, many people are still unaware of
what Alzheimer's disease actually is, what to expect if you
or someone close to you is diagnosed with it, and how to
spot the early warning signs.
What is Alzheimer's disease?
Alzheimer's disease was first described in 1906 by German
neurologist Alois Alzheimer. It is a progressive disease
affecting the brain that ultimately ends in death. Over
time, plaques and tangles develop and the brain
deteriorates and atrophies due to a loss of neurons and
synapses in the cerebral cortex and some sub-cortical
regions of the brain. As the disease and the subsequent
brain damage progresses, the symptoms become more and more
severe. How long the process takes from onset to death can
vary considerably from person to person.
How common is it?
It is in fact the most common form of dementia affecting as
many as 5 million Americans and just over 400,000 people in
the UK and approximately 24 million people worldwide.
What causes it and who gets it?
Alzheimer's disease is generally associated with elderly
people as it often begins over the age of 65, and the
greater the age, the greater the risk, however, there is
also an early form of Alzheimer's disease that is
relatively rare but which progresses more rapidly.
Both men and women can develop Alzheimer's but women seem
to be slightly more at risk than men. Other risk factors
include medical conditions affecting the heart and
arteries, environmental factors such as smoking, and diet.
There isn't a definitive cause; nether is there an
established genetic link, although research is currently
being done in this area as some families do seem to show a
genetic tendency, particularly if two direct relatives have
the disease. Other environmental causes that have been
suggested in the past include exposure to magnetic fields,
or to aluminium, but these have never been scientifically
validated.
What are the early signs and symptoms?
The most common early symptom reported is memory lapses.
Although some memory loss is perfectly normal as we age, in
people with Alzheimer's disease there is a much faster
decline as well as other cognitive problems that become
increasingly evident.
It is usually the sufferer's family and friends that will
first notice that someone isn't behaving in the way that
they used to. For example, short term memory lapses become
more common and the individual finds it difficult to
concentrate on tasks that they once found easy. Personality
changes may become evident as well as problems with
communication.
Early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease can include
any or all of the following:
- Confusion
- Apathy
- Avoiding social contact
- Irritability and anxiousness
- Forgetting names and places on a regular basis
- Repeating oneself often in a short space of time
- An inability to get organised, plan and think coherently
- Difficulty with daily routine tasks and making decisions
- Difficulty with arithmetic, reading, writing and other
cognitive tasks
- May become disorientated in familiar places
- Indulging in strange behaviour
It is important to note that these symptoms do not
necessarily indicate that someone is in the early stages of
Alzheimer's disease as these same symptoms can occur as a
result of other completely unconnected factors.
In the early stages, an individual may be able to
compensate quite well for these problems and will continue
to live and work independently for some time. However, the
nature of Alzheimer's is that the symptoms will always get
progressively worse, severe dementia is inevitable.
What is the prognosis?
There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease so treatment is of
a palliative nature. As the disease progresses, an
individual's ability to function independently will decline
until eventually they lose control of their mental
faculties and all bodily functions. If the disease is
diagnosed early, then there is some evidence that with a
good diet and the right kind of support and care, it may be
possible to delay the progression of the disease; however,
this is not conclusive.
One of the most devastating aspects of this disease is the
effect it can have on family and friends who are forced to
watch their loved one deteriorate to the point that they no
longer recognise them. Indeed, there is a higher rate of
depression amongst carers of people with Alzheimer's
disease than those with Alzheimer's themselves.
Many people with Alzheimer's stay at home, particularly in
the early stages, and are cared for by family. There is a
great deal that can be done on a practical basis to ensure
that the individual suffering from Alzheimer's remains as
independent as possible for as long as possible, as well as
help and support available for those who care for them.
There are a number of organisations that have been set up
with the primary aim of doing just that. You can find out
more information about what is available in your area by
speaking to your doctor or other health care professional.
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Depression and anxiety are serious mental health conditions
that can strike anyone at anytime. For more information
about depression and selp help come and visit
http://www.fightingdepression.co.uk
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