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Alzheimer's Disease
One somber statistic is that 1 in 10 people over the age of 65 is affected by
Alzheimer's
disease (AD). AD is an incurable, progressive, neurodegenerative disease of the
brain that is characterized by abnormal clumps of abnormal proteins, or amyloid
plaques and tangled bundles of neuron fibers. Age and hereditary are the
important risk factors for developing AD, and loneliness is also a risk factor
for quicker disease progression. So far, three genes have been identified that
are associated with early onset or familial AD. Accumulation of amyloid protein
and plaque formation is associated with age-related AD. Memory loss, language
deterioration, poor judgment, confusion, restlessness, mood swings and general
mental impairment are the common symptoms of AD, which worsen with time until
the individual losses the ability to function.
Some cognitive
symptoms in the early stages of AD may be alleviated in response to treatment
with cholinesterase
inhibitors such as
tacrine
(Cognex), Donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), or galantamine (Reminyl).
Combination drug therapy may be the most effective. One controlled clinical
trial found that patients receiving donepezil plus memantine, a newly licensed
drug, did better on cognition scales than patients who received only
donepezil. Also
good results have been obtained by administering rivastigmine (Exelon) via a
skin patch, which was less likely to cause nausea and vomiting.
Also, other
traditional medications may be used to control behavioural symptoms like
sleeplessness, anxiety, and depression. The course of AD is long term and
patients can have AD for 5 to 20 years. Thus far, treatment is supportive care
by professionals who can look out for the patient's comfort and safety. Also,
it is thought that keeping the mind active by working puzzles and learning a new
language may defer AD.
The disease
progression of Alzheimer's Disease has been defined in stages.
Early-stage is when problems
with memory, the thought process and the ability to concentrate begin. At this
stage, individuals need minimal assistance and disease symptoms are often
dismissed as normal aging. Early stage is not to be confused with early onset AD
that is used to describe appearance of the disease in a person under 65, and
encompasses all stages of the disease. The Intermediate stage characterizes the
patient who has more difficulty remembering, completing simple tasks and needs
assistance with bathing and dressing, and exhibits restlessness and repetitive
behavior. At the severe stage of AD a patient cannot recognize friends and
family, may speak in gibberish and needs total assistance. This patient must
have support for daily functions and to ensure his safety. At this stage,
family members may also need support to cope with this very serious situation
that may last for years.
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