Alzheimer's Disease Symptoms
Alzheimer's Disease is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German
doctor. In 1906, Dr. Alzheimer noticed changes in the brain tissue of a
woman who had died of an unusual mental illness. He found abnormal clumps, now
called amyloid plaques and tangled bundles of fibers, now called neurofibrillary
tangles. Today, these plaques and tangles in the brain are considered signs of Alzheimer's
Disease. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, which is a brain disorder that seriously affects a person's ability to carry out daily
activities that involve the parts of the brain that controls thought, memory, and language. Although scientists are learning more every day, right now they still do not know what causes AD, and there is no cure.
Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's Disease begins slowly. At first, the only symptom may be mild
forgetfulness. In this stage, people may have trouble remembering recent events,
activities, or the names of familiar people or things. They may not be able to
solve simple math problems. Such difficulties may be a bother, but usually they
are not serious enough to cause alarm.
However, as the disease goes on, symptoms are more easily noticed and become
serious enough to cause people with AD or their family members to seek medical
help. For example, people in the middle stages of AD may forget how to do simple
tasks, like brushing their teeth or combing their hair. They can no longer think
clearly. They begin to have problems speaking, under-standing, reading, or
writing. Later on, people with AD may become anxious or aggressive, or wander
away from home. Eventually, patients need total care.
Caring for someone with Alzheimer's takes patience and a focus on the things
a person can still do and enjoy. Those with Alzheimer's, as well as those who
care for them, need support and affection from friends and family to cope.
Recommended Book - Learning
to Speak Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's Disease Symptoms
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