basics of alzheimer’s disease What it is and what you can do Basics of Alzheimer’s disease Alzheimer’s (AHLZ-high-merz) is a disease of the brain that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. It is not a normal part of aging. Alzheimer’s gets worse over time. Although symptoms can vary widely, the first problem many people notice is forgetfulness severe enough to affect their ability to function at home or at work, or to enjoy lifelong hobbies. Other symptoms include confusion, getting lost in familiar places, misplacing things and trouble with language.
With Alzheimer patient, atrophy (shrinking) of the frontal or temporal lobes of the brain, generalized atrophy, and or other "signal" changes in the white matter may appear on any of the above tests. An EEG may show non-specific changes. The types of treatment for Alzheimer patients: At this time there is no known definitive cure for Alzheimer. Treatment is aimed at relief of symptons and protection from the affects of the deteriorating condition. Tacrine and/or cognex may be used, and the results vary.
3) – Explain why depression, delirium, and age related memory impairment may be mistaken for dementia Depression, delirium and age related memory impairment may be mistaken for dementia because they all share many of the same symptoms as dementia. Symptoms of dementia: Increasing difficulties with tasks and activities that require concentration and planning Memory loss, Depression, Changes in personality and mood, Periods of mental confusion, Low attention span, Urinary incontinence, Stroke like symptoms, such as
Common causes of dementia that cannot be reversed are Parkinson disease, Dementia with Lewy Bodies, Picks Disease, Vascular Dementia and severe head injuries that caused unconsciousness. Huntington’s disease, Leukoencephalopathies, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease are less common and are irreversible. Some causes are treatable hypothyroidism, B12 deficiency, lead poisoning, HIV/AIDS, certain brain tumors, normal pressure hydrocephalus, and in some cases encephalitis and chronic alcoholism. When Dementia is caused by those treatable diseases it can help with the treatment of
This can be more common in people who have high blood pressure, type 1 diabetes and those who smoke. Also If someone has a stoke it can damage brain cells. However not everyone who has had a stroke will go on to develop vascular dementia. Other less common causes of dementia can be things such as head injuries that can cause memory loss, brain tumours and alcohol abuse which is the cause of korsikof dementia. 1.2 describe the types of memory impairement commonely experienced by individuals with dementia.
By affecting the kidney, it may impair their ability to rid waste from their body. If the lungs are affected then chest pains may occur, especially while breathing. When the central nervous system is affected headaches, dizziness, memory disturbances, vision problems, seizures, strokes, and changes in behavior may appear. Depending on what part of the body is affected will determine the type of medical doctor you will need to see. Most people who have mild to moderate disease will be treated by a rheumatologist, who specializes in the diseases of joints and muscles.
Nina 1 Dementia describes a group of symptoms that are caused by changes in brain function. Dementia symptoms may include asking the same questions repeatedly; becoming lost in familiar places; being unable to follow directions; getting disoriented about time, people, and places; and neglecting personal safety, hygiene, and nutrition. People with dementia lose their abilities at different rates. They are several neurologic disease for which dementia is the major symptom. They are called neurodegenerative disorder simply because they degenerate the nervous system .Alzheimer disease is by far the most common neurodegenerative disorder.The cause of AD are still very unclear.
Unit 533 - Understand the process and experience of dementia Learning outcome 1 - Understand the neurology of dementia 1. Describe a range of causes of dementia syndrome There are many different forms of dementia and each has its own causes. Dementia may also be a symptom that develops in the later stages of some illnesses. Some of the most common forms or causes of dementia include: • Alzheimer’s disease • Vascular dementia • Parkinson’s disease • Dementia with Lewy bodies • Huntington’s disease • Alcohol related dementia – Korsakoff’s syndrome • AIDS related dementia • Fronto Temporal Lobar Degeneration (FTLD) • Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Alzheimer’s disease Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and accounts for between 50 and 70 per cent of all cases.
DLB is characterized by fluctuations in alertness and attention, recurrent visual hallucinations, and motor symptoms (i.e. rigidity and the loss of spontaneous movement). In this disorder, the cognitive problems, such as hallucinations, tend to occur much earlier in the course of the disease and often precede the difficulties with walking and motor control. The similarities in symptoms between Parkinson’s disease, DLB, and Alzheimer’s disease can make it difficult to determine the cause of the symptoms. Indications that dementia may be caused by something other than Parkinson’s disease include agitation, delusions, language difficulties, and early onset of memory symptoms.
Some cultures view it as a form of possession and some cultures believe it is a form of insanity or mental illness. One common misconception is that dementia is the same thing as Alzheimer’s disease. Another misconception is that confusion and memory loss are a part of the normal aging process. Many people who play a role in the care and treatment of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s become frustrated when there are behavioral and personality changes and often feel people suffering from this disease can control their symptoms. One common factor shared across many cultures is the negative stigma associated with Alzheimer’s disease and its affects.