Alzheimer's disease: Where does MEMORY?
Etiology
There are two main forms of disease process:
Senile. This form of the most common, it exposed people (mostly women) over 65 years. The higher the age of the person, the greater the likelihood of disease.
Presenile. Quite common in young people, can "debut" in the 45-65 years of age. In general, the formation of ailment causes the mutation of three genes - amyloid precursor protein (Chromosome 21), presenilin 1 (14th chromosome) and presenilin 2 (1st chromosome).
Doctors can not clearly answer, which is the main cause of senile dementia of the Alzheimer type. It is known that deposition occurs in dementia of amyloid - specific protein - between neurons and cluster neurofibrillary tangles (another type of protein) in the cells themselves. It is believed that dementia is directly linked with the neurodegenerative process.
The changes cause cognitive disorders, in Vol. H. Loss of memory, impaired ability to learn and perceive information, loss of skills (inability to master new). Unfortunately, dementia in Alzheimer's disease tends to worsen.
Doctors suggest that the main factors causing neurological disorder include:
Old age.
Heredity.
Endocrine disorders, in Vol. H. Thyroid dysfunction.
Continuous operation with heavy metals.
Various traumatic brain injury in Vol. H. Contusion.
Tumors that cause abnormalities in brain structure.
The high probability of catching pathology are people with Down syndrome. Congenital, provoked Down syndrome, can strengthen the process of formation of amyloid plaques, which are associated with progressive memory loss in some individuals.
Symptoms
Sudden onset of Alzheimer's disease and the initial symptoms - increased anxiety, forgetfulness, mood swings - can not always be on time seen loved ones suffering person. Behavioral problems are often blamed on old age, enfeeblement of an organism.
Symptoms of the disease are directly related to the stage of occurrence of disease, age of the patient. For each phase characterized by the following features, which creates a whole picture of a progressive disease process.
Thus, step degenerative brain disease:
Early dementia.
Moderate dementia.
Severe dementia.
The signs of early dementia
In most cases, the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease at an early stage of the failures occur in memory. For example, at this stage, the person may:
Forget "fresh" conversations.
Do not remember the names of objects.
Have difficulty with logical thinking.
Afraid to start (try) something new, do not wish to adapt to any changes.
Also in this phase, there is a loss of interest in family and apathy. Often the person is unable to adequately reflect on the money. There are problems with the speech - the patient becomes difficult to pick up and pronounce words, articulate thoughts.
When early neurological disorders, patients often lose things, forget the usual location of the subject. Earlier, cheerful and energetic person may become angry, moody, constantly feel sleepy, tired. Such patients often forget to eat, or, conversely, begin to eat much.
Signs of mild dementia
As the disease becomes more and more obvious trouble with memory. Man is becoming harder to remember names, recognizing colleagues, family members. Characterized by other symptoms, including:
Disorientation and confusion in the area.
Impulsive, compulsive behavior.
Delusions, hallucinations.
Emotional lability, which manifests itself in aggressive outbursts, crying.
Urinary incontinence.
During this period, a person may be a tendency to vagrancy, obsessive desire to leave home. Patients often are inaccurate, they need help going to the toilet, taking a shower. They can blame the closest people stealing things to send to their address the threat.
Signs of severe dementia
In the late phase of the disease symptoms are aggravated. The physical and moral position of the patient is a serious concern with relatives, carers and friends. Memory becomes fragmented, rapidly declining range of possibilities.
Tracking:
Difficulty chewing, swallowing.
The difficulty of movement on the street in the apartment.
The gradual loss of speech.
Incontinence of feces and urine (total or partial loss of control over these processes).
Part of the fall, the propensity to infections.
Desire is always in bed. A person can sleep for a long time or, on the contrary, constantly jumping up, somewhere to hurry up and go to bed again.
When a loved one is revealed senile dementia, it is important to know how to manifest the last stage: how many sick people live, than it is possible to maximize ease their condition. On average, the disease lasts for 15-20 years, severe falls, 3-5 years.
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis of a pathological condition necessarily involves talking with relatives, interviews with patients, inspect, conduct tests of different complexity.
It is also used for the survey:
EEG (electroencephalography) - recording and processing the electrical activity of the brain.
Extended (clinical) blood test.
Doppler ultrasound (Doppler) blood vessels of the neck and brain.
Going-over ophthalmologist.
CT (computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the brain.
SPECT (single photon emission CT) scan of the brain.
To clarify the diagnosis, a complete picture of the disease is sometimes resorted to lumbar puncture, in extreme cases - a brain biopsy.
As we have already indicated in the article above, Alzheimer's disease causes and treatments specific to each person, depending on many factors. It should be remembered that the old man's disease can not be cured, but it should make every effort to close the man remained longer with us, did not feel outcast. Even at the slightest suspicion of sclerosis of the brain should be treated immediately to physicians to prevent the disease chance of becoming more severe.
Depending on the phase of disease, various drugs that slow down the decomposition of acetylcholine. Helps to cope with the symptoms at all stages of drugs "Aricept", "Exelon" (also used in the diagnosis of "Parkinson's disease"), with moderate to severe form - "Namenda." These medications do not cure the disease completely, but in some cases can improve memory, promote mental activity, allow you to perform a primitive action.
In the early stages assigned:
"Kogneks."
The drug also slows the breakdown of acetylcholine. The application can cause abnormal liver function, digestion and sleep, rash, feeling tired.
"Razadin '(' Reminyl ').
Pharmacies can acquire the drug in the form of capsules, liquids, lozenges.
The additional use of Ginkgo biloba, coenzyme Q10, vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), coral calcium, unfortunately, can not significantly improve the condition of the patient, suspend the development of the disease.
How to protect yourself from disease
Basically the prevention of Alzheimer's disease is based on compliance with the recommendations of preventing development of the disease:
Do not let go of stress and depression in your life.
Create brain intelligent load in Vol. H. Participate in discussions, solve crossword puzzles, learn a foreign language, play a variety of board games.
Do yoga - exercises strengthen neuronal cells.
Regularly eat foods that fill the body with fatty acids, in Vol. H. Mackerel, tuna. Include in the diet of leafy vegetables, squash, beans, whole grains, nuts and others.
Remember that getting aluminum in the body may increase the risk of developing the disease. Do not buy food in aluminum foil, do not prepare food in aluminum cookware.
Do not neglect recreation.
At last
Sinister and unknown ailment able to take away the mind and life forces have not yet quite old people. It seems incredible, but our planet is home to nearly 30 million people suffering from the pathological process. The topic is so relevant that has not gone unnoticed, and for the world of cinema. Taken a lot of movies, theme ill-affecting disorders. They can not be viewed without trepidation, excitement.
A film about Alzheimer's "The Last Hope" makes think again about how great fortune to be a healthy person, like everything in life is unpredictable ... tenderly cares for a sick father, a charismatic figure and sexual Justin Timberlake in an amusing comedy "Friends with Benefits". On the cleverest women of her time, who know the terrible disease - Margaret Thatcher, Iris Murdoch - filmed "The Iron Lady," "Iris."
If you want to have a clear head to the very old age, remember that the best cure for ailments - optimism, positive emotions, physical activity. Love your loved ones and be healthy!
There are two main forms of disease process:
Senile. This form of the most common, it exposed people (mostly women) over 65 years. The higher the age of the person, the greater the likelihood of disease.
Presenile. Quite common in young people, can "debut" in the 45-65 years of age. In general, the formation of ailment causes the mutation of three genes - amyloid precursor protein (Chromosome 21), presenilin 1 (14th chromosome) and presenilin 2 (1st chromosome).
Doctors can not clearly answer, which is the main cause of senile dementia of the Alzheimer type. It is known that deposition occurs in dementia of amyloid - specific protein - between neurons and cluster neurofibrillary tangles (another type of protein) in the cells themselves. It is believed that dementia is directly linked with the neurodegenerative process.
The changes cause cognitive disorders, in Vol. H. Loss of memory, impaired ability to learn and perceive information, loss of skills (inability to master new). Unfortunately, dementia in Alzheimer's disease tends to worsen.
Doctors suggest that the main factors causing neurological disorder include:
Old age.
Heredity.
Endocrine disorders, in Vol. H. Thyroid dysfunction.
Continuous operation with heavy metals.
Various traumatic brain injury in Vol. H. Contusion.
Tumors that cause abnormalities in brain structure.
The high probability of catching pathology are people with Down syndrome. Congenital, provoked Down syndrome, can strengthen the process of formation of amyloid plaques, which are associated with progressive memory loss in some individuals.
Symptoms
Sudden onset of Alzheimer's disease and the initial symptoms - increased anxiety, forgetfulness, mood swings - can not always be on time seen loved ones suffering person. Behavioral problems are often blamed on old age, enfeeblement of an organism.
Symptoms of the disease are directly related to the stage of occurrence of disease, age of the patient. For each phase characterized by the following features, which creates a whole picture of a progressive disease process.
Thus, step degenerative brain disease:
Early dementia.
Moderate dementia.
Severe dementia.
The signs of early dementia
In most cases, the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease at an early stage of the failures occur in memory. For example, at this stage, the person may:
Forget "fresh" conversations.
Do not remember the names of objects.
Have difficulty with logical thinking.
Afraid to start (try) something new, do not wish to adapt to any changes.
Also in this phase, there is a loss of interest in family and apathy. Often the person is unable to adequately reflect on the money. There are problems with the speech - the patient becomes difficult to pick up and pronounce words, articulate thoughts.
When early neurological disorders, patients often lose things, forget the usual location of the subject. Earlier, cheerful and energetic person may become angry, moody, constantly feel sleepy, tired. Such patients often forget to eat, or, conversely, begin to eat much.
Signs of mild dementia
As the disease becomes more and more obvious trouble with memory. Man is becoming harder to remember names, recognizing colleagues, family members. Characterized by other symptoms, including:
Disorientation and confusion in the area.
Impulsive, compulsive behavior.
Delusions, hallucinations.
Emotional lability, which manifests itself in aggressive outbursts, crying.
Urinary incontinence.
During this period, a person may be a tendency to vagrancy, obsessive desire to leave home. Patients often are inaccurate, they need help going to the toilet, taking a shower. They can blame the closest people stealing things to send to their address the threat.
Signs of severe dementia
In the late phase of the disease symptoms are aggravated. The physical and moral position of the patient is a serious concern with relatives, carers and friends. Memory becomes fragmented, rapidly declining range of possibilities.
Tracking:
Difficulty chewing, swallowing.
The difficulty of movement on the street in the apartment.
The gradual loss of speech.
Incontinence of feces and urine (total or partial loss of control over these processes).
Part of the fall, the propensity to infections.
Desire is always in bed. A person can sleep for a long time or, on the contrary, constantly jumping up, somewhere to hurry up and go to bed again.
When a loved one is revealed senile dementia, it is important to know how to manifest the last stage: how many sick people live, than it is possible to maximize ease their condition. On average, the disease lasts for 15-20 years, severe falls, 3-5 years.
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis of a pathological condition necessarily involves talking with relatives, interviews with patients, inspect, conduct tests of different complexity.
It is also used for the survey:
EEG (electroencephalography) - recording and processing the electrical activity of the brain.
Extended (clinical) blood test.
Doppler ultrasound (Doppler) blood vessels of the neck and brain.
Going-over ophthalmologist.
CT (computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the brain.
SPECT (single photon emission CT) scan of the brain.
To clarify the diagnosis, a complete picture of the disease is sometimes resorted to lumbar puncture, in extreme cases - a brain biopsy.
As we have already indicated in the article above, Alzheimer's disease causes and treatments specific to each person, depending on many factors. It should be remembered that the old man's disease can not be cured, but it should make every effort to close the man remained longer with us, did not feel outcast. Even at the slightest suspicion of sclerosis of the brain should be treated immediately to physicians to prevent the disease chance of becoming more severe.
Depending on the phase of disease, various drugs that slow down the decomposition of acetylcholine. Helps to cope with the symptoms at all stages of drugs "Aricept", "Exelon" (also used in the diagnosis of "Parkinson's disease"), with moderate to severe form - "Namenda." These medications do not cure the disease completely, but in some cases can improve memory, promote mental activity, allow you to perform a primitive action.
In the early stages assigned:
"Kogneks."
The drug also slows the breakdown of acetylcholine. The application can cause abnormal liver function, digestion and sleep, rash, feeling tired.
"Razadin '(' Reminyl ').
Pharmacies can acquire the drug in the form of capsules, liquids, lozenges.
The additional use of Ginkgo biloba, coenzyme Q10, vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), coral calcium, unfortunately, can not significantly improve the condition of the patient, suspend the development of the disease.
How to protect yourself from disease
Basically the prevention of Alzheimer's disease is based on compliance with the recommendations of preventing development of the disease:
Do not let go of stress and depression in your life.
Create brain intelligent load in Vol. H. Participate in discussions, solve crossword puzzles, learn a foreign language, play a variety of board games.
Do yoga - exercises strengthen neuronal cells.
Regularly eat foods that fill the body with fatty acids, in Vol. H. Mackerel, tuna. Include in the diet of leafy vegetables, squash, beans, whole grains, nuts and others.
Remember that getting aluminum in the body may increase the risk of developing the disease. Do not buy food in aluminum foil, do not prepare food in aluminum cookware.
Do not neglect recreation.
At last
Sinister and unknown ailment able to take away the mind and life forces have not yet quite old people. It seems incredible, but our planet is home to nearly 30 million people suffering from the pathological process. The topic is so relevant that has not gone unnoticed, and for the world of cinema. Taken a lot of movies, theme ill-affecting disorders. They can not be viewed without trepidation, excitement.
A film about Alzheimer's "The Last Hope" makes think again about how great fortune to be a healthy person, like everything in life is unpredictable ... tenderly cares for a sick father, a charismatic figure and sexual Justin Timberlake in an amusing comedy "Friends with Benefits". On the cleverest women of her time, who know the terrible disease - Margaret Thatcher, Iris Murdoch - filmed "The Iron Lady," "Iris."
If you want to have a clear head to the very old age, remember that the best cure for ailments - optimism, positive emotions, physical activity. Love your loved ones and be healthy!