Alzheimer's dementia
Alzheimer's dementia
Alzheimer's dementia (pronunciation: /ˈælts.haɪ.mərz ˈdɛm.ən.ti.ə/) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases.
Etymology
The term "Alzheimer's" is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German psychiatrist and neuroanatomist who first described the disease in 1906. The term "dementia" comes from the Latin dementia, meaning "madness", which is derived from de- ("without") + mens (genitive mentis) "mind".
Symptoms
The symptoms of Alzheimer's dementia include memory loss that disrupts daily life, challenges in planning or solving problems, difficulty completing familiar tasks, confusion with time or place, and changes in mood and personality.
Causes
The exact cause of Alzheimer's dementia is unknown, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors that affect the brain over time. The disease is associated with the formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Alzheimer's dementia is usually based on the person's medical history, physical examination, and changes in thinking, day-to-day function, and behavior. Additional tests such as brain imaging and blood tests may also be used.
Treatment
While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's dementia, treatments are available to help manage symptoms. These include medications for memory loss and treatments for behavioral and sleep changes.
Related terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Alzheimer's dementia
- Wikipedia's article - Alzheimer's dementia
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