Alzheimer's disease - causes, stages and prevention

This disease mainly occurs in elderly people, although there are cases when it occurs in people under 60. But such cases are unique and unique.

This disease was first described in detail in 1907.It was first discovered by the German psychiatrist A. Alzheimer. Then this disease was named in his honor.

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by deterioration of memory, attention and other intellectual functions. It is believed that it is inherited. Most often, this disease occurs in the female. Such strangeness can be explained by the fact that women live longer. Alzheimer's disease is also more common in people with low social and financial status. Disease, the causes of which have not yet been studied, are more common in uneducated people.

Alzheimer's disease is one of the most complex and less studied. Until now, scientists are trying to unravel the cause of this disease, but there is no clear reason yet. The most common versions are the destruction of a large number of nerve cells responsible for memory. This can cause severe illnesses, head injuries, stress, poisoning with strong toxic materials, which can lead to complications of

.

Stages of the disease

Alzheimer's disease develops slowly, gradually, at the initial stages it is invisible. Diagnosis of the disease is made solely by a psychiatrist. There are 4 stages of Alzheimer's disease:

• is mild;
• moderate;
• moderately heavy
• heavy.

Based on these concepts, Dr. Bury Raisberg developed a system that distinguishes 7 stages of the disease:

1. patients do not notice any signs of disease and disorders in their body;
2. a slight decrease in mental abilities. This sign can be both a sign of old age, and a sign of illness. Patients begin to forget some minor things. These problems are not significant, but are perceived as natural, so they are not detected during the survey;
3. more significant reduction of mental abilities. Close people start to notice some symptoms. Patients may start to write incorrectly, forget the names of family members, lose valuable things, etc. The ability to plan or organize something is reduced;
4. in the patient decreases the number of memories, the patient may begin to feel that he is in some way infringed. At this stage, the shortcomings are visible with a thorough examination. The patient can not do elementary mental calculations;
5. reduced mental capacity of moderate severity. Patients get confused in numbers, event dates. At this stage, patients still do not need help during a toilet or meal. Patients retain important information about themselves and their loved ones, but they may forget their address, telephone, etc. At this stage, daily assistance is required. Can not choose clothes for the season. Can not remember some important details from the past;
6. is an Alzheimer's disease of moderate severity. Memory worsens very seriously. The patient shows more and more symptoms. Cases of incontinence of feces and urine begin, help is needed when dressing, eating, or toileting. Patients begin to get lost in the events, they can start hallucinations, patients can behave aggressively. Some may have an attempt to begin the life of a tramp;
7. late( last) stage of the disease. Patients do not react to the environment, they can not talk and control movement. Patients can not move without help, automatic movements( blinking, smiling) disappear, there is a general incontience of urine. Patients may not recognize the words, and swallowing is impaired.

The onset of Alzheimer's disease close to the patient is often perceived as normal aging processes. And this is not surprising, because they are very similar. Therefore, the doctor begins to treat this disease in later stages. Today, it is not possible to completely cure Alzheimer's disease.

Therefore, the treatment that the doctor prescribes can only slow the progression of the disease, but not stop it. Which is more effective in the initial stages, but in the late stages one can expect only a slight slowdown in the progress of the disease. Also, complicating the treatment is that the patient may have some additional pathology.

Doctors advise close relatives of the patient to actively involve him in an active way of life. This will help stimulate the brain .After the diagnosis is established, the patient can live 2-8 more years. Drugs prescribed only by a doctor!

To help drug treatment, you need to carry out self-simple exercises. The patient can keep a diary, it will help to stimulate memory. With the patient you need to communicate and support him as much as possible. Also it is desirable to occupy those activities that are most interesting to him.

Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease

There is no specific prophylaxis for Alzheimer's disease. However, the risk can be reduced slightly if:

• leads a healthy, active lifestyle;
• to eat healthy food;
• refuse to take alcohol and cigarettes;
• is often outdoors;
• doctors also strongly recommend carefully monitoring their health. It is necessary to maintain a normal level in the blood of insulin and cholesterol, monitor blood pressure;
• at retirement will be useful to do some favorite thing. It should be associated with the training of brain functions and motor functions. In general, physical education will be very useful;
• should avoid serious stress, which can provoke the disease. Doctors recommend to think more. This stimulates brain activity. Also, since the risk of morbidity is 2 times higher in people who have suffered craniocerebral injuries, you need to protect your head.

At the first similar symptoms for Alzheimer's disease, you should immediately consult a doctor. Then the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease is slightly less.

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