Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. Dementia impacts a person’s ability to function independently and can include memory loss, difficulty communicating, trouble understanding new information, confusion with time or place, impaired judgment, and changes in personality. Alzheimer’s disease causes the brain to shrink (atrophy) and brain cells to die. There are currently 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease. An estimated 200,000 Americans turn 65 every month. Nearly 46 million people worldwide are living with the disease. Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in America. It is the fifth leading cause of death among women and the eighth among men.
It is the third leading cause of death in older Americans and the only cause of death among the top ten that cannot be prevented, cured, or even slowed.
According to liferesearchco this disease accounts for more than 60% of all cases of dementia. There are four stages of Alzheimer’s disease: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) – Mild memory changes with no impact on daily function; MCI has no effect on independence. MCI can sometimes be a warning sign, pointing to full-blown Alzheimer’s at some point down the road. These changes are the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease and can appear in people as young as 45, though it is unusual before age 50. The average length of time it takes for MCI to become Alzheimer’s disease is about five years. Alzheimer’s disease Moderate to severe memory impairment that disrupts normal daily function; many people with Alzheimer’s report problems using familiar objects. People who develop this stage of the disease are at increased risk of injury. Early-stage
This disease is often described by patients and caretakers as a loss of “self” or the “person inside.” This stage can be recognized by caregivers when they notice that the person with Alzheimer’s begins to lose familiar abilities, including memory, language skills, ability to pay attention, reasoning, and judgment skills. As these faculties fail the person with Alzheimer’s may become dependent upon others for meeting even basic needs (bathing, dressing), which may require an increase in assistance from outside sources (nursing home).
In some cases, the person with Alzheimer’s disease will be unable to recognize others and have little memory of being in a family. The person with Alzheimer’s may be incontinent and lost in daydreams. They may skip meals, wander away, or not know how to use the bathroom.
Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition, meaning that the symptoms get worse over time. Disease is often characterized by memory loss and confusion, which are among its many symptoms. This will usually progress slowly in most people; however, it can also happen quickly for some people with Alzheimer’s. It typically takes years to develop Alzheimer’s and there are options available to help slow down or stop its progression. If you think you show signs of Alzheimer’s or if your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, we hope this blog post provides some useful information on the topic!
If you think that you or your loved one exhibits any of the following signs, please contact your health care provider immediately:
– Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
– Random mood swings, depression, or anxiety
– Difficulty sleeping at night or excessively disrupted sleeping patterns
– Slower responses to daily activities, such as grooming and dressing oneself
– Loss of ability to do daily tasks, such as planning meals for the day – Difficulty mentoring other people in a way that is meaningful to.
– Using the wrong words or speaking gibberish
– Visually seeing things that aren’t there (hallucinations)
In general, when it comes to Alzheimer’s disease, the sooner you are diagnosed with it, the better. This is because the earlier diagnosis can lead to a better chance of managing and treating this disease and improving outcomes. The earlier in the disease process is when a person presents with mild cognitive impairment, the better. A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can result in a range of symptoms and behaviors, which can be difficult to manage or treat, but you and your health care provider will work together to find an approach that will suit your needs. Understanding what Alzheimer’s is and how it progresses can be difficult, especially if you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with the disease.
