What is Alzheimer's?
Alzheimer's Disease is the most common type of dementia. Dementia is an overall term for diseases and conditions characterized by a decline in memory or other thinking skills that affects a persons ability to perform everyday activities. Dementia is caused by damage to nerve cells in the brain,which are called neurons. As a result of the damage, neurons can no longer function normally and may die. This, in turn, can lead to changes in ones memory, behavior, and ability to think clearly. In AD, the damage to and death of neurons eventually impair ones ability to carry out basic bodily functions such as walking and swallowing. People in the final stages of the disease are bed bound and require around-the-clock care. Alzheimer's disease is ultimately fatal.*
These images show the comparisons of a Healthy vs. Alzheimer's brain and how they are affected in this disease. To add to this disease process . Watch this (3 min.) video it explains the process profoundly. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wv9jrk-gXc&feature=player_detailpage
|
Scientists have identified several hallmark Alzheimer's brain abnormalities, including:
|
- Scientists do not know exactly what role plaques and tangles play in Alzheimer's disease. Most experts believe they somehow play a critical role in blocking communication among nerve cells and disrupting processes that cells need to survive. It's the destruction and death of nerve cells that causes memory failure, personality changes, problems carrying out daily activities and other symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
- Several studies have suggested that people who engage in intellectually stimulating activities, such as social interactions, chess, crossword puzzles, and playing a musical instrument, significantly lower their risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Other preventive actions include lowering homocysteine (amino acids), lowering cholesterol levels, lowering blood pressure, exercise, education, controlling inflammation, and long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and similar drugs.
Source:
Alzheimer's & Dementia: (2014). The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association, Volume 10, Issue 2 , Pages e47-e92, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jalz.2014.02.001
http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_alzheimers.asp#symptoms
Shiel Jr., W. C.,(2009),Dementia pictures slideshow:Disorders of the brain; alzheimer's disease, Medicine Net.com
http://www.medicinenet.com/dementia_pictures_slideshow/article.htm
Please return to the top of this page for succeeding page menu.
Alzheimer's & Dementia: (2014). The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association, Volume 10, Issue 2 , Pages e47-e92, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jalz.2014.02.001
http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_alzheimers.asp#symptoms
Shiel Jr., W. C.,(2009),Dementia pictures slideshow:Disorders of the brain; alzheimer's disease, Medicine Net.com
http://www.medicinenet.com/dementia_pictures_slideshow/article.htm
Please return to the top of this page for succeeding page menu.