Everything you need to know about Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease, Worldwide incidences of the disease, Early diagnosis, Death rate, Initial symptoms, Constant care, Middle-stage symptoms, Losing awareness, Duration of illness, Difficulty in diagnosis, Treatment, Alternative treatments, Cognitive and behavioral therapy

Alzheimer's disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that usually starts slowly and worsens over time. It most often begins in people over 65.

Worldwide incidences of the disease

Alzheimer's disease, Worldwide incidences of the disease, Early diagnosis, Death rate, Initial symptoms, Constant care, Middle-stage symptoms, Losing awareness, Duration of illness, Difficulty in diagnosis, Treatment, Alternative treatments, Cognitive and behavioral therapy

Estimates published by the WHO indicate that around 47 million people worldwide are currently suffering the condition, with 10 million new cases recorded every year.

Early diagnosis

Alzheimer's disease, Worldwide incidences of the disease, Early diagnosis, Death rate, Initial symptoms, Constant care, Middle-stage symptoms, Losing awareness, Duration of illness, Difficulty in diagnosis, Treatment, Alternative treatments, Cognitive and behavioral therapy

The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the greater the chances of reducing its progress. Recognizing the symptoms is key in managing the condition.

Death rate

Alzheimer's disease, Worldwide incidences of the disease, Early diagnosis, Death rate, Initial symptoms, Constant care, Middle-stage symptoms, Losing awareness, Duration of illness, Difficulty in diagnosis, Treatment, Alternative treatments, Cognitive and behavioral therapy

In the United States, the disease is the fourth biggest killer of people aged between 75 and 80 years of age, behind only heart attack, stroke, and cancer.

Causes

Alzheimer's disease, Worldwide incidences of the disease, Early diagnosis, Death rate, Initial symptoms, Constant care, Middle-stage symptoms, Losing awareness, Duration of illness, Difficulty in diagnosis, Treatment, Alternative treatments, Cognitive and behavioral therapy

It is also accepted that genetic differences are responsible for 1-5% of cases.

Initial symptoms

Alzheimer's disease, Worldwide incidences of the disease, Early diagnosis, Death rate, Initial symptoms, Constant care, Middle-stage symptoms, Losing awareness, Duration of illness, Difficulty in diagnosis, Treatment, Alternative treatments, Cognitive and behavioral therapy

The most noticeable deficit is short-term memory loss, which can impact on work and social relations. Depression and irritability are also early indicators.

Constant care

Alzheimer's disease, Worldwide incidences of the disease, Early diagnosis, Death rate, Initial symptoms, Constant care, Middle-stage symptoms, Losing awareness, Duration of illness, Difficulty in diagnosis, Treatment, Alternative treatments, Cognitive and behavioral therapy

Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease can sometimes be confused with the general aging process, which can delay treatment. Suffers require round-the-clock care.

Middle-stage symptoms

Alzheimer's disease, Worldwide incidences of the disease, Early diagnosis, Death rate, Initial symptoms, Constant care, Middle-stage symptoms, Losing awareness, Duration of illness, Difficulty in diagnosis, Treatment, Alternative treatments, Cognitive and behavioral therapy

As the disease progresses, the sufferer becomes more forgetful of recent events, people's names, and can even become disoriented in their own home. In addition, behavioral changes become more apparent.

Losing awareness

Alzheimer's disease, Worldwide incidences of the disease, Early diagnosis, Death rate, Initial symptoms, Constant care, Middle-stage symptoms, Losing awareness, Duration of illness, Difficulty in diagnosis, Treatment, Alternative treatments, Cognitive and behavioral therapy

Late stage Alzheimer's disease is a distressing period for all concerned. Sufferers become unaware of the time and place, and experience difficulty in walking.

Duration of illness

Alzheimer's disease, Worldwide incidences of the disease, Early diagnosis, Death rate, Initial symptoms, Constant care, Middle-stage symptoms, Losing awareness, Duration of illness, Difficulty in diagnosis, Treatment, Alternative treatments, Cognitive and behavioral therapy

At this stage, the disease can progress rapidly, although to what extent depends on the individual. The Alzheimer's Association indicates that late stages of the disease usually endure for one to five years.

Difficulty in diagnosis

Alzheimer's disease, Worldwide incidences of the disease, Early diagnosis, Death rate, Initial symptoms, Constant care, Middle-stage symptoms, Losing awareness, Duration of illness, Difficulty in diagnosis, Treatment, Alternative treatments, Cognitive and behavioral therapy

Often overlooked as general indicators of old age, the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease need to be identified as early as possible and it is vital to seek professional diagnosis immediately.

Treatment

Alzheimer's disease, Worldwide incidences of the disease, Early diagnosis, Death rate, Initial symptoms, Constant care, Middle-stage symptoms, Losing awareness, Duration of illness, Difficulty in diagnosis, Treatment, Alternative treatments, Cognitive and behavioral therapy

There is no cure for Alzheimer's, but the disease can be managed effectively with the administration of some prescribed drugs and long-term care.

Alternative treatments

Alzheimer's disease, Worldwide incidences of the disease, Early diagnosis, Death rate, Initial symptoms, Constant care, Middle-stage symptoms, Losing awareness, Duration of illness, Difficulty in diagnosis, Treatment, Alternative treatments, Cognitive and behavioral therapy

Herbal remedies, dietary supplements, and medical foods are promoted as memory enhancers or treatments to delay or prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Some sufferers have turned to these products.

Cognitive and behavioral therapy

Alzheimer's disease, Worldwide incidences of the disease, Early diagnosis, Death rate, Initial symptoms, Constant care, Middle-stage symptoms, Losing awareness, Duration of illness, Difficulty in diagnosis, Treatment, Alternative treatments, Cognitive and behavioral therapy

Drug and non-drug treatments may help with both cognitive and behavioral symptoms, but expert medical advice should always be sought beforehand.

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