Alzheimer's disease (AD), also known
as just Alzheimer's, is a long term disease that usually starts slowly
and gets worse over time. It is the cause of 60% to 70% of cases of dementia. Dementia is a loss,
usually progressive, of the ability to reason and understand. It does not
affect consciousness. It can
be caused by a variety of disorders including
severe infections and toxins, but most commonly associated with physical damage
to the brain structure. People with dementia experience disorientation (confused
and not knowing where to go or what to do), impaired memory, judgment, and inability
to understand and to think in an intelligent way.
The most common early symptom is difficulty in remembering recent events (short-term
memory loss). As the disease advances, symptoms can include problems with
language, disorientation (including easily getting lost), mood swings, loss of motivation,
not managing self care, and behavioural issues. As a person's condition
declines, they often withdraw from family and society. Gradually, bodily
functions are lost, ultimately leading to death. Although the speed of
progression can vary, the average life expectancy following diagnosis is three
to nine years.
The cause of Alzheimer's disease is poorly understood. About 70% of the
risk is believed to be genetic with many genes usually involved. Other things
that could increase your chances of getting the disease include a history of head
injuries, depression, or hypertension.
The disease process is associated with the presence of some things known as
plaques and tangles in the brain. Initial symptoms are often mistaken for
normal aging. Examination of brain tissue is needed for a definite diagnosis.
At present, there is no definitive evidence to support that any particular
measure is effective in preventing AD. Global studies of measures to prevent or
delay the onset of AD have often produced inconsistent results. Medical researchers
have proposed relationships between certain factors, such as diet,
cardiovascular risk, pharmaceutical products, or intellectual activities among
others, and a population's likelihood of developing AD. Only further research,
including clinical trials, will reveal whether these factors can help to
prevent AD.
Although cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypercholesterolaemia, hypertension,
diabetes, and smoking, are associated with a higher risk of onset and course of
AD, the use of statins, which are cholesterol lowering drugs, have not been
effective in preventing or improving the course of the disease.
Long-term usage of pain medications known as non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), an example of which is ibuprofen, is associated
with a reduced likelihood of developing AD. However, long term use of these
drugs can predispose to development of stomach (peptic) ulcers. These are just
observations in research, therefore NSAIDS should not be taken with the aim of
preventing alzheimer's disease.
Hormone replacement therapy, although previously used, may increase the
risk of dementia.
POWERFUL GUIDE TO ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE PREVENTION
People who engage in intellectual activities such as reading, playing board
games, completing crossword puzzles, playing musical instruments, or regular social
interaction show a reduced risk for Alzheimer's disease. Education delays the
onset of AD syndrome, but is not related to earlier death after diagnosis. Learning
a second language even later in life seems to delay getting Alzheimer disease. Physical
activity is also associated with a reduced risk of AD.
People who eat a healthy diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, have a
lower risk of AD. Those who eat a diet high in saturated fats and simple sugars
have a higher risk.
There is limited evidence that light to moderate use of alcohol,
particularly red wine, is associated with lower risk of AD. There is tentative
evidence that caffeine may be protective (another reason to drink coffee). A
number of foods high in nutrients known as flavonoids, such as cocoa, red wine,
and tea may decrease the risk of AD.
Reviews on the use of vitamins and minerals have not found enough
consistent evidence to recommend them. This includes vitamin A, C, E, selenium,
zinc, and folic acid with or without vitamin B12. Additionally
vitamin E is associated with health risks.
There is inconsistent and unconvincing evidence that ginkgo has any
positive effect on cognitive impairment and dementia.
Some researchers support the use of medical marijuana in the prevention and
treatment of AD. This is however a controversial topic.
Mental and physical exercise and avoiding obesity may decrease the risk of
AD. There are no medications or supplements that decrease risk.
No treatments stop or reverse its progression, though some may temporarily
improve symptoms. Affected people increasingly rely on others for assistance,
often placing a burden on the caregiver; the pressures can include social,
psychological, physical, and economic elements. Exercise programmes are
beneficial with respect to activities of daily living and can potentially
improve outcomes. Treatment of behavioural problems or psychosis due to
dementia with some drugs known as antipsychotics (used in treating psychosis)
is common but not usually recommended due to there often being little benefit
and an increased risk of early death.
In 2015, there were approximately 48 million people worldwide with AD. It
most often begins in people over 65 years of age, although 4% to 5% of
cases are early-onset Alzheimer's which begin before this. It affects about 6%
of people 65 years and older. In 2010, dementia resulted in about 486,000
deaths. It was first described by, and later named after, German psychiatrist
and pathologist Alois Alzheimer in 1906. In developed countries, AD is one of
the most financially costly diseases.
Ronald Wilson Reagan (February 6, 1911 –
June 5, 2004), an American politician and actor who served as the 40th President
of the United States from 1981 to 1989, prior to his presidency, he was the 33rd
Governor of California from 1967 to 1975, following a career as a Hollywood
actor and union leader, disclosed his diagnosis with Alzheimer's disease in
1994. He died ten years later at the age of 93. An icon among Republicans, he
ranks favorably in public and critical opinion of U.S. Presidents.
No Responses to "Alzheimer's disease (AD), causes and prevention"
Post a Comment