Alzheimer

Alzheimer disease (AD), also known as Alzheimer disease, senile dementia of Alzheimers disease (SDAT), primary degenerative dementia of the Alzheimer type (PDDAT), or Alzheimers dementia is the most common. This incurable, degenerative and terminal has been described by a German psychiatrist and neuropathologist Alois Alzheimer in1906 and bears his name. In most cases diagnosed more than 65 yearsof age, although less common than early onset of Alzheimers diseasemay occur much earlier. In 2006 was 26.6 million sufferers worldwide. Alzheimers is expected to affect 1 in 85 people worldwide by 2050.

Although the course of Alzheimers disease is unique to each individual, there are many common symptoms. The first observable symptoms are often mistakenly regarded as age related concerns, or manifestations of stress. At first, the symptom most commonly accepted is the inability to acquire new memories, such as difficulty remembering the events observed recently. When AD is suspected, the diagnosis is usually confirmed by assessments of cognitive and behavioral tests, often followed by a brain scan if available.

As the disease progresses, symptoms include confusion, irritability and aggressiveness, mood swings, language breakdown, loss of long-term memory, and general withdrawal of the victim that her senses decline. Gradually, bodily functions are lost, ultimately leading to death. Individual prognosis is difficult to assess because of the duration of the disease varies. AD develops for an indeterminate period of time before becoming fully apparent, and can progress undiagnosed for years. Average time after diagnosis life expectancy is about seven years. Less than three percent of the population live more than fourteen years after diagnosis.

The cause and progression of Alzheimers disease is not well understood. Studies show that the disease is associated with plaques and tangles in the brain. currently used treatments offer a small symptomatic response to treatment, no treatment to slow or stop the progression of the disease are still available. Since 2008 more than 500 clinical studies have been carried out to identify a potential treatment for AD, but it is not known whether any of the intervention strategies tested promising results. Number of non-invasive, life-styles have been proposed prevention of Alzheimers disease, but it is not sufficient evidence to link these recommendations and to reduce the degeneration. Mental stimulation, exercise and healthy diet have been proposed both as a possible prevention and a sensible way to manage the disease.

Because AD can not be cured, and degenerative changes, it is important to treat patients. The main role of the caregiver is often a spouse or close relative. Alzheimer's is known for placing great burden on caregivers, the pressures can be wide-ranging, the matters social, psychological, physical and economic life of the caregiver. In developed countries, AD is one of the most costly disease for society