Neuroscience

Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for approximately 60-80% of dementia cases. Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the gradual loss of cognitive function and can lead to a complete inability to perform daily activities.

The disease leads to the formation of abnormal protein deposits in the brain, which disrupt the communication between brain cells and ultimately result in the death of neurons. Alzheimer's disease typically progresses slowly, and symptoms worsen over time

A. Early Symptoms

The initial signs of Alzheimer’s are often subtle and may be mistaken for normal aging. Early symptoms include:

1. Memory loss: Difficulty remembering recently learned information, important dates, or events. People with Alzheimer’s may repeatedly ask for the same information or forget appointments.

2. Difficulty with familiar tasks: Problems completing everyday tasks, such as cooking, managing finances, or using electronic devices.

3. Disorientation: Confusion about time, place, or the identity of people. Individuals may forget where they are or how they got there.

4. Misplacing things: Putting things in unusual places and being unable to retrace steps to find them. Items may be lost and then found in strange locations.

5. Difficulty with problem-solving: Trouble following a plan or handling tasks that require concentration and focus, such as paying bills or keeping track of monthly expenses.

B. Middle-Stage Symptoms

As the disease progresses, cognitive and physical abilities decline further. Symptoms of moderate Alzheimer's include:

1. Increased memory loss and confusion: Individuals may forget personal history, lose track of time, or forget the names of family members and close friends.

2. Challenges with language: Struggling to find the right words, repeating phrases, or using unusual words for everyday objects.

3. Difficulty recognizing familiar people: The person may no longer recognize friends, family, or even themselves in a mirror.

4. Disorientation and hallucinations: The individual may become more confused about the time of day or where they are, and may even experience hallucinations or delusions.

5. Changes in mood and behavior: Depression, anxiety, agitation, or inappropriate behavior. The person may become fearful, suspicious, or easily upset.

6. Impaired motor skills: Problems with coordination and balance, leading to difficulty walking or performing physical tasks.