Alzheimer's disease
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Alzheimer's Disease: The Basics - Alzheimer's Los Angeles
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, irreversible neurological disorder and the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases. It causes brain cells to degenerate and die, leading to memory loss, cognitive decline, and personality changes, primarily affecting those over 65. While no cure exists, treatments can manage
Early Signs and Symptoms
Memory loss that disrupts daily life, especially short-term memory.
Difficulty performing familiar tasks.
Disorientation regarding time or place.
Language problems (e.g., struggling with vocabulary).
Misplacing items and losing the ability to retrace steps.
Changes in mood, behavior, or personality.
Causes and Brain Changes
Abnormal protein buildups: Amyloid plaques and tau tangles accumulate between and inside neurons, disrupting communication and causing cell death.
Brain shrinkage: The brain, particularly the hippocampus (responsible for memory), shrinks significantly.
Factors: A combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors is believed to cause the disease, which develops over many years.
Stages of Alzheimer's Disease
Mild (Early Stage): Individuals may function independently but experience memory lapses (e.g., forgetting words, locations).
Moderate (Middle Stage): The longest stage, marked by increased confusion, mood changes, difficulty managing daily tasks, and potential behavioral issues.
Severe (Late Stage): Individuals lose the ability to respond to their environment, carry on conversations, and eventually control movement.
Age: The greatest risk factor, with risk increasing after 65.
Family History/Genetics: Those with a family history are at higher risk, though familial Alzheimer's (early-onset) is rare (<1%).
Lifestyle & Environmen
