Alzheimer’s: All you need to know about the Neurological Disorder
What is Alzheimer’s disease? Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and eventually the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. The disease can be diagnosed in two different ways, one is late-onset type where symptoms first appear in their mid-60s, the other one is early-onset Alzheimer’s which occurs a person’s 30s and 60s but it’s very rare.
CAUSES There is no accurate test to detect Alzheimer’s but knowing the main cause for these types of neurological disorders. 1. It’s inherited: The cause for Alzheimer’s is still relatively unknown but popular belief is that it’s caused by genetic factors and most commonly runs in families. This disease is inherited when one parent has the dominant abnormal gene. Most children develop the Alzheimer’s before the age of 65.
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2. Changes in the brain: Alzheimer’s disease causes parts of the brain to degenerate, destroying nerve cells and reduces the responsiveness of the other remaining nerve cells while disrupting the flow of neurotransmitters.
SYMPTOMS The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are as follows
Problems communicating clearly.
Memory loss (short term or long term).
Drastic change in personality.
Disorientation.
Problems performing daily tasks.
Disruptive or inappropriate behavior.
DIAGNOSIS Diagnosing mental disorders can be difficult and needs a lot of experience and expertise. The best Neurologists in Bangalore are of the opinion that mental status testing, image testing of the brain are the most common ways to diagnose Alzheimer’s. These tests include simple tasks and questions that help determine if the patient does indeed have the Alzheimer’s disease. The disease can be confirmed only when brain tissue sample is removed after death and examined under a microscope.
PREVENTION Years of research by renowned neurologists have determined certain measures that may help in preventing the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
Maintaining Cholesterol levels
Controlling high blood pressure
Keeping mentally active along with physical exercise
Avoiding alcohol
TREATMENT
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Treatment of Alzheimer’s disease treatment can be difficult as there is no permanent cure. There are drugs that might help in maintaining mental capacity. Patients will need round the clock care and there should be a safe environment for the patients. Mentally stimulating activities have shown to make some progress in treating the condition. Columbia Asia is one of the best neurology hospitals in Bangalore.
CONCLUSION For a progressive disorder such as Alzheimer’s, the life span is about 7 years after diagnosis even though many patients have lived longer with the disease. The disease is unique and hard to diagnose and even harder to give proper treatment. But a supportive and caring environment has proven to make changes.
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