What do you know about Alzheimer's disease?

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Alzheimer’s disease vs Dementia??

They are two different terms. Before we talk about Alzheimer’s disease, let’s look at what is dementia first. Dementia can be caused by many diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, and Parkinson’s disease with dementia. **Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common causes of dementia.

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So, what is dementia?

Dementia is a group of symptoms marked by memory loss, and difficulties with thinking, problem solving and language. In shorts, dementia is decline in cognitive function. It is increasingly prevalent due to overall aging populations in the world and increased life expectancy. In the US, 13% of those 65 years old and above, and 43% of those aged 85 and above. In Malaysia, it is estimated at around 6% of those aged 60 and above.

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The following are the risk factors of getting Alzheimer’s disease:

• Age
• Previous head trauma
• Metabolic syndrome
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Family history

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The causes of Alzheimer’s Disease

It is believed that genetics play a significant role in causing Alzheimer’s disease. Genetics resulting in abnormal processing of amyloid precursor protein and overproduction of β-amyloid. Apolipoprotein E-4 will also increase the deposition of β-amyloid. β-amyloid will lead to overproduction of plaques, causing neuronal death through apoptosis, direct toxicity, and oxidative and metabolic stress. All these damages of the brain will lead to loss of function of brain, thus resulting in Alzheimer’s disease.

Apart from this, neuronal change is another likely cause of Alzheimer’s disease. Neuritic plaques and the associated neurofibrillary tangles may cause brain atrophy (degeneration of brain), thus leading
to Alzheimer’s disease.

Another possible cause of Alzheimer’s disease is a decrease in enzyme and neurotransmitter activity. For your information, neurotransmitter is chemical messenger that communicate information throughout our brain and the body. A decline in neurotransmitter such as choline acetyltransferase and acetylcholinesterase will decrease cholinergic transmission, thus reduction in cognitive function of brain.

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Alright, enough of the science. Let’s go back to the signs and symptoms of dementia.

Signs & symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease

• Difficult to learn or retain new information - This is the most common symptoms and usually the first sign noticed. He/she may forget our recent conversations, loses or misplaced items and repeat questions for many times.

• Unable to handle complex task - Dementia patients may no longer be able to handle complex task. Work or task that he/she used to find it easy may suddenly become a very complex task.

• Impaired reasoning – Dementia patients may have an altered or inappropriate social behaviour.

• Impaired spatial orientation – Dementia patients may tend to get lost or disorientated easily. He/she may forget the location he/she is currently at and today’s date more frequent than usual people.

• Language deficits – Dementia patients may have problem finding appropriate words for everyday objects as well.

• Behavioural changes – Do not be surprised that dementia patients have an altered personality.

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To diagnosed dementia, appropriate history from caregivers and patients is necessary. Medical history, past medication history as well as physical examination is helpful in diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease. Laboratory tests should also be done to differentiate dementia from other disorders. In addition, brain imaging including computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used in diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease too.

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It is of utmost essential to recognize and diagnose Alzheimer’s disease as early as possible.

The goal of treating Alzheimer’s disease is to maintain dependence for as long as possible.
It is sad to say that the treatment for Alzheimer’s disease is only to slow down the progress of the disease, patient’s condition become worsen eventually. Patient will eventually loss the ability to take care of himself/herself. The family members of patients need to be educated properly about the realistic expectations of dementia/Alzheimer’s disease.

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