Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Alzheimer's Disease - Symptoms & Coping Needs

Alzheimer's disease is a symbol of dementia or the gradual loss of a sound mind. It is progressive in nature, while gradually robbing the victim of the ability to think and to properly function, sometimes lessening their lifespan. Alzheimer's disease is not a standard part of the aging process. You do not normally expect this to happen in the latter part of life. Alzheimer's disease is not the rule, but rather the exception in old age.

Some of the suspected causes quite often involve the following: the persons age and the history of the family, certain DNA genes,higher than normal deposits of protein in the brain, problems with the immune system and other environmental factors.

It is necessary to watch for warning signals and indications of alzheimer's disease. You can distinguish Alzheimer's from other dementia distinctive changes that take place in the brain, but are only visible with a microscopic exam. during an autopsy. Alzheimer's is a neuro-degenerative and progressive disease that takes place as nerve cells die in the brain, resulting in the memory and thinking becoming impaired, as well as confusion and restlessness, behavior and personality changes, flawed judgment and communication skills and unable to follow instructions, deteriorating in speech, flawed thought process involving visual and space awareness and emotional insensitivity. With alzheimer's disease, motor performance is often protected.

Forgetting pieces of knowledge or information gets more routine and there is less of a chance of remembering. The person may sometimes not recognize friends and family members, which is perhaps the most painful aspect of alzheimer's disease. It is needful to gather as much information as you are capable of gathering, as your doctor is going to ask many questions regarding medical conditions which are both past and present. He will want family history of other members who possibly may have had the disease in some form or other. There are some families who may have several members that have been afflicted, but because of being open to the identical surroundings, it may not be possible to know how much of the fault lies in heredity. There may be times when there is no one available that is capable of answering such questions. Therefore, having collected this information could prove very valuable for all concerned, in helping your doctor with an early diagnosis of alzheimer's disease before the condition is too aggressive.

Alzheimer's disease is very disruptive and stressful for the entire family. Alzheimer's, as well as other dementia problems with the memory, judgments and also with the thought process, make it difficult for the patient to work or to take any part in the daily social and family life. Those who have alzheimer's disease, as well as the family and other care-takers, need as much love and support as possible, from family as well as friends, in order to cope with the situation.

The Mayo Clinic has experts who offer lots of information and advice concerning the treatment and needed care for patients who are afflicted with alzheimer's disease. They will be able to answer many of your questions and explain the process of this disease.


Clara Nolt is interested in health and cancer research. Some of Clara's work can be seen at
  • Cancer Cure Book and One Stop Health Resources
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