Alzheimers

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (pronounced: alz-HIGH-merz) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects memory, thinking and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for loss of memory and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life.

Etymology

The disease is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German psychiatrist and neuroanatomist who first described it in 1906. The term "Alzheimer's disease" was first used by his colleague Emil Kraepelin in the eighth edition of his textbook on psychiatry, published in 1910.

Symptoms

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by symptoms such as memory loss, difficulty thinking and understanding, confusion, and problems with speech and understanding language. As the disease progresses, symptoms can include changes in personality and behavior, difficulty with coordination and motor functions, and difficulty recognizing familiar people and places.

Causes

The exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is not fully understood, 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 plaques and tangles in the brain, which are made up of proteins called beta-amyloid and tau, respectively.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is usually based on the person's medical history, physical examination, and changes in thinking, day-to-day function and behavior. Additional tests may include brain imaging and blood tests. However, the only definitive way to diagnose Alzheimer's disease is through a brain autopsy after death.

Treatment

While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease, treatments can temporarily slow the worsening of symptoms and improve quality of life. These treatments include medications for memory loss and treatments for behavioral and sleep changes.

Related Terms

• Dementia
• Neurodegenerative disease
• Beta-amyloid
• Tau protein

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Alzheimers
• Wikipedia's article - Alzheimers

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