What is Alzheimer disease?
Alzheimer disease is a type of dementia that usually affects people older than 65. Dementia is a brain problem that makes it hard to remember, think, understand language, and learn.
Brain problems get worse over time. People with Alzheimer disease eventually need help from other people to do daily activities.
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Everyone’s brain changes with age, but Alzheimer disease destroys brain tissue and creates many abnormal brain cells
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Alzheimer disease is more likely in people older than 65, women, and those with a family member who had it
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At first, recent events may be forgotten, and slowly, over time, memory gets worse
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Most people live for about 7 years after getting Alzheimer disease
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Doctors think genes play a role in Alzheimer disease, but don’t know for sure what causes it
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Doctors suspect Alzheimer disease based on the symptoms, an exam, and other tests
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Medicines can help people live safely and comfortably for as long as possible
What causes Alzheimer disease?
Alzheimer disease seems to be caused by abnormal substances that build up in the brain. These substances interfere with brain cells and eventually kill them. The more brain cells die, the worse the brain works. Doctors aren't sure what causes the abnormal substances to build up. The problem does seem to run in families.
What are the symptoms of Alzheimer disease?
Alzheimer disease causes many of the same symptoms as other types of dementia. However, people with Alzheimer disease may have an especially hard time remembering recent events.
Alzheimer disease causes problems with:
These problems make it hard to do normal daily tasks, such as shopping, making meals, and managing money. People also may have trouble behaving appropriately.
Early symptoms of Alzheimer disease:
Care for Caregivers
Later symptoms of Alzheimer disease:
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Trouble remembering past events
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Not recognizing familiar people and things
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Wandering
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Getting irritated easily to the point where the person may lash out and hit others
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Not knowing the time or place
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Needing help to do daily activities, such as eating, getting dressed, and bathing
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Unable to hold urine
Eventually, people with Alzheimer disease lose almost all brain function. They can't get out of bed or even move. Eventually, they can't even swallow food that's placed in their mouth.
How can doctors tell if someone has Alzheimer disease?
Doctors suspect Alzheimer disease based on:
Doctors may do other tests, such as blood and imaging tests to look inside the brain. The imaging tests could be computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These tests help the doctor see if there are any other treatable conditions like delirium. Doctors may also do a spinal tap to get a sample of spinal fluid to look for the abnormal substance associated with Alzheimer disease.
How do doctors treat Alzheimer disease?
How can I prevent Alzheimer disease?
Doctors think these things may help prevent Alzheimer disease:
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Keeping cholesterol at a normal level by eating a low-fat diet and taking needed medicine
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Keeping blood pressure at a normal level
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Exercising
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Keeping mentally active with activities like doing crossword puzzles, reading the newspaper, and learning new skills
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Drinking fewer than 3 alcoholic drinks a day—but once Alzheimer disease is diagnosed, it’s best not to drink alcohol at all because it can make symptoms worse
