Alzheimer’s: The Most Common Cause of Dementia

According to the National Institute of Aging, U.S. Department of Health &Human Services, Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. Stats show that in the United States, folks age 65 and above have this disease though there are also many under 65 who might have this same disease.

Causes of Alzheimer’s

Scientists are unsure of what triggers this disease, but one thing they are sure of is that the symptoms do not appear immediately. The disease is always in the body system long before the symptoms begin to manifest.

Even though medical researchers are yet to discover the root cause of the protein build-up in the brain cells that leads to this disease scientifically, we need to understand the factors that increase the risk of having this disease, and they include:

#1 Age

#2 Genes

#3 Obesity

#4 Smoking

#5 Diabetes

#6 High Cholesterol

#7 Down Syndrome

#8 High Blood Pressure

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s

Earlier in this article, it is mentioned that the symptoms do not appear early in one’s life; they gradually progress all through the years till they become full-fledged and noticeable. It is important to note that the progression of the symptoms is not the same for everyone; the progression is faster in some than in others. The symptoms associated with this disease include:

#1 Confusion

#2 Forgetfulness

#3 Disorientation

#4 Loss of Memory

#5 Vision Problems

#6 Misplacement of Items

#7 Concentration Difficulty

#8 Poor Decision-Making Skill

#9 Mood Swings and Behavioral Issues

#10 Familiar Tasks Become Difficulty to Do

#11 Difficulty Remembering New Information

#12 Difficulty in Following or Joining a Conversation

#13 Inability to Plan and Proffer Solutions to Problems

#14 Difficulty in Speaking, Swallowing Food, and Walking

The effects of these symptoms are detrimental not just to the person with Alzheimer’s but to friends and family. This is why treatment should be prescribed by a specialized doctor. Therefore, when you identify any of these symptoms in a friend or family member, you should encourage such an individual to book an appointment with a medical practitioner and give them as much love as you can give because they really need it. Let your disposition resonate with Sally P. Karioth’s quote – “even if I can’t cure, I can still care.”