What is Alzhelmer'sdisease?

Question

What is Alzhelmer'sdisease?

Answer 1

Alzheimer's disease (AD), also called Alzheimer disease or simply Alzheimer's, is the most common type of dementia. Alzheimer's is a degenerative and terminal disease for which there is no known cure. In its most common form, it afflicts individuals over 65 years old, although a less prevalent early-onset form also exists. It is estimated that 26.6 million people worldwide were afflicted by AD in 2006, which could quadruple by 2050, although estimates vary greatly. The disease was first described by Alöis Alzheimer in 1901.

Each individual experiences the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease in unique ways. Generally, the symptoms are reported to a physician when memory loss becomes apparent. If AD is suspected as the cause, the physician or healthcare specialist may confirm the diagnosis with behavioral assessments and cognitive tests, often followed by a brain scan, if available. The prognosis for an individual patient is difficult to assess, as the duration of the disease varies. AD develops for an indeterminate period of time before becoming fully apparent, and it can progress undiagnosed for years. The mean life expectancy following diagnosis is approximately seven years, while fewer than three percent of patients live more than fourteen years.In the early stages, the most commonly recognised symptom is memory loss, such as the difficulty to remember recently learned facts. Earliest occurring symptoms are often mistaken as being noncritical age-related complaints, or forms of stress. As the disease advances, symptoms include confusion, anger, mood swings, language breakdown, long-term memory loss, and the general withdrawal of the sufferer as his or her senses decline.Gradually, minor and major bodily functions are lost, leading ultimately to death.

The cause and progression of Alzheimer's disease are not well understood. Research indicates that the disease is associated with plaques and tangles in the brain. Currently used treatments offer small symptomatic benefit. Many preventive measures have been suggested for Alzheimer's disease, but their value is unproven in reducing the course and severity of the disease. Mental stimulation, exercise and a balanced diet are often recommended, both as a possible prevention and as a sensible way of managing the disease. As of 2008, more than 400 pharmaceutical treatments for AD were being investigated but is unknown if any of them will prove successful.

Because AD cannot be cured and is degenerative, management of the Alzheimer's patient is essential. The role of the main caregiver is often taken by the spouse or a close relative. Alzheimer's disease is known for placing a great burden on caregivers, and the pressures can be wide-ranging, including social, psychological, physical and economic elements of the caregiver's life.AD is one of the most economically expensive diseases to society.

Answer 2

It's a disease the old people tend to get, which makes them forget stuff.

http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_wh...

Answer 3

a disease that affects the brain , especially in old people & gradually make it difficult for them to move, talk or 'remember things'

Answer 4

It is a viral disease, having severe feaver, headach, vomiting, bodyach.

Answer 5

I t is a neurogenerative disease due to deposition of certain type of protein.

Answer 6

It is a neuro- degenerative disease. It is due to accumulation of amyloid protein plaques in the brain. It causes degeneration of neurons. This disease is due to ageing, involevement of chromosome 21 or chromosome 19.