Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative neurologic condition in which the brain shrinks (atrophy) and cerebral cells die. Alzheimer's disease is the most frequent form of dementia, which is defined as a progressive loss of cognitive, behavioural, and social abilities that impairs a person's capacity to operate independently.

Alzheimer's disease affects around 4 million people in the USA aged 65 and over. Eighty per cent of them are 75 years or older. Alzheimer's disease is expected to affect 60 to 70 per cent of the world's 50 million dementia patients.

Symptoms

Alzheimer's disease is characterised by memory loss. Early warning indications include having trouble recalling recent events or discussions. Memory problems intensify as the disease develops, and additional symptoms emerge.

A person with This disorder may have difficulties recalling things and organising their thoughts at first. A member of the family or acquaintance may be more aware of how symptoms increase.

Alzheimer's disease causes changes in the brain that cause problems with:

Memory

Everyone experiences periodic memory lapses, but Alzheimer's disease causes memory loss that continues and worsens, making it difficult to operate at work or home.

Alzheimer's patients may:

• Replicate remarks and queries as needed.
• Forget about discussions, appointments, or events and forget about them.
• Frequently misplace belongings, putting them in strange places.
• Become disoriented in familiar surroundings.
• You will eventually lose track of your family members and common things.
• Have difficulty identifying items, expressing thoughts, or participating in conversations?

Reasoning and thinking

Alzheimer's disease impairs concentration and reasoning, particularly when it comes to abstract notions like numbers.

Multitasking is particularly tough, and managing funds, balancing chequebooks, and paying payments on time can be difficult. Ultimately, a person with Alzheimer's may be unable to recognize and deal with numbers.

Making decisions and judgements

Alzheimer's disease impairs one's capacity to make sound assessments and decisions in everyday settings. A person may, for example, make bad or unusual decisions in social encounters or dress inappropriately for the weather. It may be harder to respond successfully to ordinary concerns like a stove that is on fire or unexpected driving conditions.

Organizing and carrying out routine activities

As the condition develops, simple tasks that involve sequential processes, such as formulating an appropriate meal as well as playing a favourite game, become difficult. People with severe Alzheimer's disease frequently forget simple duties like dressing and washing.

Personality and behaviour changes

Alzheimer's disease causes changes in the brain that impact mood and behaviour. The following are examples of issues:

• Depression
• Apathy
• Social isolation
• Swings in mood
• Others' mistrust
• Aggressiveness and irritability
• Sleeping patterns change
• Wandering
• inhibitions are lost

Delusions, such as the belief that something has been stolen, are common.

Skill preservation

Even when symptoms deteriorate, many critical abilities are kept for extended periods. Reading as well as listening to books, sharing tales and reminiscing, singing, playing music, dancing, sketching, or creating crafts are all examples of talents that can be preserved.

These abilities may last longer since they are regulated by areas of the brain that are impaired later in the disease.

When should you see a doctor?

Memory loss and other dementia symptoms can be caused by a variety of illnesses, some of which are curable. If you're worried about your recollection or other cognitive abilities, see your doctor for a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis.

If you're concerned about a member of the family or friend's cognitive abilities, talk to them about it and see if you can go to the doctor together.