Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a form of dementia in which there is loss of brain functions that worsens over time.

In this disease, the short-term memory is affected very early and gradually deteriorate other intellectual functions or critical judgment and judgment is impaired. Most people with advanced Alzheimer's disease lose the ability to perform normal activities of daily living.

The disease usually begins after age 60, may occasionally affect younger people.

There is still much to discover about the causes and mechanisms responsible for the manifestations of Alzheimer's disease. Individuals with this disorder have excessive deposits of two proteins in your brain. Researchers believe that these proteins disrupt communication between brain cells.

In this disease, the levels of acetylcholine (a chemical that helps transmit messages between nerve cells) begin to descend, which can exacerbate the problems of communication between brain cells.

Finally, the cells themselves are affected brain, beginning to deteriorate and die.

The following factors may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease:

• Age. The risk increases with age.

• Family history and genetic factors. The risk increases if the family members, especially parents or siblings have or had Alzheimer's disease

Prevention

There is no way to prevent Alzheimer's disease. However, the physical and intellectual activity and a balanced diet is important to prevent cognitive deterioration.

Treatment

There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease. The aim of treatment is to control the clinical manifestations and delay disease progression.

The drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastagmina, galantamine) help restore communication between brain cells by increasing brain levels of acetylcholine. These drugs can slow cognitive decline in some people with Alzheimer's disease mild to moderate.

Another drug that shown to stabilize memory in people with moderate to severe disease is memantine, which is an antagonist of NMDA glutamate receptor.

The neuropsychology techniques can be used to help patients, including memory training.

Drugs can also be administered to reduce the symptoms of depression or agitated behavior control.

As far as possible, patients with Alzheimer's disease are:

• have a regular exercise routine

• maintain normal social contacts with family and friends

• continue the intellectual activities.

Patients and their families should take advantage of existing resources in the community and support groups and should discuss all safety concerns (especially with regard to driving) with the patient's doctor.

Several OTC products claim to improve mental function but the scientific evidence is weak and therefore the doctor should be contacted prior to administration of any over the counter medicine.