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Writer's pictureSara Sutherland

WHAT IS ALZHEIMER’S? | ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW



When the topic at hand is “Alzheimer’s,” most people automatically think of an elderly person with a severe case of dementia.


This mental disorder can indeed lead to memory loss and confusion, but what many people don’t know is that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive illness that can affect people of all ages.


In the following paragraphs, we will have an in-depth look at Alzheimer’s and answer some common questions about this condition.


Stay tuned!



What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?


Alzheimer's disease is, unfortunately, a common condition that affects millions of people around the world.


This chronic and progressive illness causes severe cognitive decline and interferes with daily functioning, interfering with everything from basic memory tasks to important decision-making skills.


Many factors may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, including age, genetics, and lifestyle.


Despite the ongoing research into this complex condition, there is still no known cure for Alzheimer's disease.


However, with proper care and support, those living with this condition can maintain their quality of life for as long as possible.



Symptoms


Alzheimer's disease is quite complex in nature and often misunderstood.


At its core, Alzheimer's is characterized by symptoms of a progressive decline in cognitive abilities, including memory loss, difficulties with judgment, and confusion about recent events.


However, this description only skims the surface of what can be an extremely complicated illness.


Other common symptoms of Alzheimer's include problems with speech or language, changes in mood or behavior, and difficulty completing simple daily tasks like cooking or dressing oneself.


In addition to these physical symptoms, the emotional toll of Alzheimer's cannot be understated.


Many patients experience feelings of anxiety or sadness as they face progressively deteriorating abilities and uncertainty about the future.



Causes


Alzheimer's disease is a complex and mysterious condition that continues to baffle scientists and doctors alike.


Now, there are many theories about what causes this neurodegenerative disorder, but no one really knows for sure.


More often than not, the cause is said to be "complex," meaning that a variety of factors contribute to it.


Some researchers have suggested that the key role played, is genetic in nature. This implies that some people are simply more susceptible to developing Alzheimer's than others.


Others argue that lifestyle factors, like diet or poor sleep habits, might contribute to the development of the disorder.


Yet another possible cause is environmental exposure – perhaps some external toxin or trauma induces changes in the brain, that can therefore lead to Alzheimer's later on in life.


Ultimately, it seems clear that we still have much to learn about this condition.



Treatments


Unfortunately, there's no known cure for this disease, and treatments typically focus on alleviating symptoms or slowing its progression.


However, recent research has suggested that certain lifestyle changes might help to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's or slow its progression.


For example, eating a healthy diet high in vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids can help to protect the brain from damage.


Additionally, regular exercise may help to improve brain health as well as maintain healthy levels of growth factors and neurotrophic factors within the brain.


While these treatments do not offer a cure for Alzheimer's disease, they may be able to increase the life quality of individuals living with this condition.



Conclusion


Although Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease, we are learning more about it every day.


With new discoveries in the medical field and with support from loved ones, those living with Alzheimer’s can enjoy life to the fullest extent possible.


If you or someone you know is affected by Alzheimer’s, please don’t hesitate to reach out to The Alzheimer's Association.


The Alzheimer’s Association provides information, as well as support for caregivers and patients alike.


We hope this article has provided you with a better understanding of what Alzheimer’s is, how it progresses, and some tips on how to cope.


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