Alzeheimer's
| Alzheimer's disease | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Alzheimer disease, Alzheimer's |
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| Comparison of a normal aged brain (left) and the brain of a person with Alzheimer's (right). Characteristics that separate the two are pointed out. | |
| Specialty | Neurology |
| Symptoms | Difficulty in remembering recent events, problems with language, disorientation, mood swings |
| Usual onset | Over 65 years old |
| Duration | Long term |
| Causes | Poorly understood |
| Risk factors | Genetics, head injuries, depression, hypertension |
| Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms and cognitive testing after ruling out other possible causes |
| Differential diagnosis | Normal aging |
| Medication | Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, NMDA receptor antagonists (small benefit) |
| Prognosis | Life expectancy 3–9 years |
| Frequency | 29.8 million (2015) |
| Deaths | 1.9 million (2015) |
| Classification |
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| External resources |
Alzheimer's disease (AD), also referred to simply as Alzheimer's, is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that usually starts slowly and worsens over time. It is the cause of 60–70% of cases of dementia. The most common early symptom is difficulty in remembering recent events (short-term memory loss). As the disease advances, symptoms can include problems with language, disorientation (including easily getting lost), mood swings, loss of motivation, not managing self care, and behavioural issues. As a person's condition declines, they often withdraw from family and society. Gradually, bodily functions are lost, ultimately leading to death. Although the speed of progression can vary, the typical life expectancy following diagnosis is three to nine years.
The cause of Alzheimer's disease is poorly understood. About 70% of the risk is believed to be genetic with many genes usually involved. Other risk factors include a history of head injuries, depression, or hypertension. The disease process is associated with plaques and tangles in the brain. A probable diagnosis is based on the history of the illness and cognitive testing with medical imaging and blood tests to rule out other possible causes. Initial symptoms are often mistaken for normal ageing. Examination of brain tissue is needed for a definite diagnosis.Mental and physical exercise, and avoiding obesity may decrease the risk of AD; however, evidence to support these recommendations is not strong. There are no medications or supplements that have been shown to decrease risk.
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