All About Alzheimer’S Disease That Naturally Occur at the Later Stage of Life

As part of the aging process, there are various diseases that are idiopathic in their occurrences, these diseases occur naturally as a result of the aging process often with no known predisposition. These diseases naturally occur at the later stage of life and impact people mentally and impaired their physical capacities. This is the case with Alzheimer’s disease; which is a disease that occurs mostly in the elderly age group and impairs memory.

Alzheimer’s disease was first discovered by Dr. Alois Alzheimer in 1906, he discovered the disease after examining a woman who had died because of unusual mental illness and because of the death, he started making his research about the disease, studying the brain and various changes in its structure. The signs and symptoms included memory loss, language problems, and unpredictable behavior. Dr. Alois Alzheimer used the signs and a symptom found in this lady to make his research which is now the staple indication of the disease and for his work, the disease was named after him.

Alzheimer’s disease primarily affects the brain with changes noted to be happening several years before symptoms of the disease become noticeable. Chemical changes in the brain are the mainstay of Alzheimer disease; initiated by protein deposits which lead to the formation of plaques and tangles in the brain; these are two of the main features of Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, amongst the other changes in the brain is the loss of connections between nerve cells (neurons) in the brain. Neurons are a key component of brain function; they communicate and transmit information which has a direct impact on how the body functions. The pathway of communication between neurons is key to how well the body functions, but when the communication and speed of communication are slowed and impaired by the formation of amyloid plaques and tangles, the communication line is interrupted and thereby impairing the body’s normal functions.

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 including basic activities of daily living. In most people with Alzheimer’s, symptoms first appear in their mid-60s and progressively get worse over time. The signs and symptoms of this disease can be similar to other diseases and therefore it can only be determined by a physician. If an individual is suffering from Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s disease usually starts with depression in some people, the individual involved become so disturbed and worried over issues that are not really issued to be worried about. Another symptom of the disease is memory loss. Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease always suffer memory loss, which becomes even more severe as the disease progresses. Because of the memory loss, they forget about the things they used to do and even their family members and names. The complications of the disease further extend to caregivers; it becomes difficult for the caregivers to communicate and attend to the health needs of the patient, and it takes lots of patience, care and love for an individual to take care of people with Alzheimer’s disease.

As a result of the inconsistencies with memory, Alzheimer’s disease impairs an individual’s ability to take care of their important functions like finances, shopping, and other basic activities requiring the ability to retain information.

When the family of a patient start noticing the signs and symptoms outlined above, it is important to consult a doctor and for the right test to be administered in order to get a clear diagnosis. At this point depending on the severity and stages of the disease, special attention may be required to ensure the safety of the individual beginning with the supervision of the day to day activities to ensure they are no harm to themselves.

As time goes by, technology is improving; researchers in the health field keep doing their findings of diseases like cancer, HIV/AIDS and other prevalent diseases in the health field. Alzheimer’s is one of those diseases that research is still ongoing regarding its causes and how it can be predicted in individuals. There have not been any test that has been determined to detect the presence of Alzheimer’s disease, so for doctors to determine if a patient has the disease, he has to take into consideration the signs and symptoms that patient is having. Generally, a diagnosis of dementia is more common determinant which can be linked with Alzheimer’s. Not only will the doctor look at the signs and symptoms of the disease, but he also has to do a thorough medical history from the parent, siblings and then the patient involved. The doctor might have to examine the patients’ neurological function by testing their reflexes and senses. In addition, a urine test and MRI scan for the brain may be carried out to diagnose if that patient is suffering from depression. As a part of the diagnosing process, the doctor will do some kind of cognitive test to know what that individual patient remembers. For example, he might ask the patient questions like who is the president of the United States of America, Depending on whatever responses the patient gives, the doctor will now gather all this information and determine if that individual is exhibiting the more common signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s or not.

Even with the large amounts of research and medical attention given to Alzheimer’s disease, currently, there is no cure for this disease. There is no specific medication that an individual will take that will cure the disease or bring back memories lost. The best available approach in combating the disease is by the use of medication to slow and calm its symptoms. These medicines will help a patient with Alzheimer’s to manage their symptoms and function a little bit better. Patients who are able to have these medications do not only feel better inside, it makes them feel a little independent and confidence in whatever they are doing. These medications have not only gone a long way to help the patient gain dignity, but it also brings relief to caregivers as they know that their loved ones rely even a little less on them.

One of the primary medications used to combat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease is cholinesterase. Cholinesterase inhibitors are prescribed to a patient with mild Alzheimer’s disease and this help reduce memory loss and behavioral symptoms. Cholinesterase prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine which is a brain chemical that is believed to be important for memory and thinking. As reported, there is no cure for this disease; the best practice continues to be the regulation and management of its symptoms to improve the daily lives of individuals and those involved in their care.

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the illnesses that researchers have not been able to find a cure for but still they are medications that aid the symptoms. The question now is, is there any possible means Alzheimer’s disease can be prevented before it starts affecting an individual? Researchers in the medical field have not been able to come up with any proven medication that can be used to prevent this disease from occurring. There are a lot of different diseases in the health field that affects people and some of these diseases have some common preventive measures that work for other diseases like diabetes, and cancer. Exercising and healthy eating habit is one of the preventive measures of Alzheimer’s. This is because when a person exercises it keeps the body and brain, in particular, to benefit brain cells by increasing blood and oxygen flow. Exercises do not only benefit an individual with Alzheimer’s disease it is very necessary for every individual as it keeps the body healthy and the heart. Healthy eating habits, on the other hand, can be said to prevent Alzheimer’s disease by the natural nutrients and vitamins gained from eating a lot of fruits, vegetables, drinking a lot of water and avoiding a lot of sugar and saturated fats.