Alzheimer's disease, a neurological disease, impairs memory, thinking, and behavior.
It causes most dementia in older persons. Important Alzheimer's disease facts:
1. Worldwide prevalence: Millions of people have Alzheimer's disease. Its prevalence will rise as the population ages.
Alzheimer's is most common in people over 65. Most Alzheimer's cases are not hereditary, however a family history can increase risk.
Other Risk Factors: Cardiovascular health, diabetes, high blood pressure, diet, and exercise may affect Alzheimer's risk.
Early Stage: Memory lapses and cognitive issues. Memory loss, confusion, and behavioral abnormalities increase in middle stage.
4. Symptoms Memory loss, problem-solving difficulties, confusion about time and place, mood fluctuations, personality changes, and trouble performing familiar tasks are common symptoms.
5. Diagnosis: Alzheimer's is hard to diagnose. A complete medical history, physical and neurological exams, cognitive testing, and sometimes brain imaging are used to rule out other disorders.
6. Pathology: Beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain impede brain cell communication and kill them in Alzheimer's.
7. No Cure: Alzheimer's disease has no cure as of September 2021. Medication, lifestyle changes, and behavioral therapies manage symptoms and decrease disease progression.
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