September is Alzheimer's Awareness Month:

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that leads to memory loss, cognitive decline and behavioural changes.

Key Features of Alzheimer's Disease:

Progressive Memory Loss:

Alzheimer's typically begins with mild memory loss, such as forgetting recent events or conversations. Over time, this memory loss becomes more severe, leading to difficulty recognising loved ones, disorientation and trouble with language.

It is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life.

Cognitive Decline:

As Alzheimer's progresses, individuals experience cognitive impairments, such as difficulty in making decisions, solving problems and performing familiar tasks. Planning and organising can also become challenging.

Behavioural and Personality Changes:

Changes in behaviour and personality are common in Alzheimer's patients. This may include increased anxiety, depression, mood swings, confusion and sometimes even aggression.

Stages of Alzheimer's:

Early Stage: Memory lapses, difficulty finding words and subtle personality changes.
Middle Stage: Greater memory loss, confusion, difficulty recognising family and friends, and increased dependence on others for daily tasks.
Late Stage: Severe cognitive and functional impairment, requiring full-time care, loss of the ability to communicate and significant changes in physical abilities.

Causes and Risk Factors:

The exact cause of Alzheimer's is not fully understood, but it involves the buildup of abnormal proteins in the brain. Risk factors include age, genetics, family history, cardiovascular disease and lifestyle factors like smoking, lack of exercise, and poor diet.

Diagnosis:

Alzheimer's is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, cognitive testing, physical and neurological exams and sometimes brain imaging. While there is no single test for Alzheimer's, these methods help rule out other causes of dementia.

Treatment and Management:

There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but treatments are available to manage symptoms. Medications can help with memory symptoms and other cognitive changes. Non-drug approaches, like cognitive therapy, physical activity and social engagement, are also important in managing the disease.

Impact:

Alzheimer's has a profound impact, not only on the individual but also on their family and caregivers. As the disease progresses, the need for support and care increases, which can be emotionally and physically demanding for caregivers.

Alzheimer's disease is a major health issue, affecting millions of people worldwide and research is ongoing to better understand, prevent and treat this condition.