Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the brain, leading to memory loss and cognitive decline severe enough to interfere with daily life. It is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life.
The exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. In Alzheimer’s disease, abnormal protein deposits build up in the brain, forming plaques and tangles that interfere with communication between brain cells and eventually cause them to die. As a result, brain tissue shrinks over time, leading to the characteristic symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
These symptoms typically include:
- Memory loss, especially recent memories.
- Difficulty in problem-solving, planning, and completing familiar tasks.
- Confusion about time and place.
- Challenges with language, including finding the right words and understanding conversations.
- Impaired judgment and decision-making.
- Changes in mood and personality.
Alzheimer’s disease progresses gradually, worsening over time. In the later stages, individuals may require full-time care as they lose the ability to communicate, recognize loved ones, and care for themselves.
Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are treatments available that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life for some individuals. Research into the causes and potential treatments for Alzheimer’s disease is ongoing, with the hope of one day finding a way to prevent or effectively treat this devastating condition.