Alzheimer’s disease: Causes and symptoms

Alzheimer’s is a type of neurodegenerative disease. This is the most common form of dementia. There is no cure for this disease, the disease worsens as it progresses and eventually leads to death.

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder in which brain cells die. It usually affects people 65 years of age or older. And in some cases seen in younger people. People with Alzheimer’s disease are a little confused at first and start to forget a lot.

As brain cells are affected, the number of neurotransmitters involved in sending messages or signals to brain cells decreases. Levels of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, are lower in the brain, especially in people with Alzheimer’s disease.

We will discuss the causes and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

Causes of Alzheimer’s disease

The exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not yet known. It is hypothesized, however, that at an early stage brain proteins fail to function normally which disrupts the function of brain cells. Gradually the cells become damaged and lose contact with each other. Eventually, the cells die. Let us discuss it –

• Most people with Alzheimer’s disease have genetic or familial causes.
• Lifestyle and environmental factors can also cause Alzheimer’s disease.
• If you have high blood pressure and age.
• Severe head injury.
• In case of severe emotional shock and high cholesterol in the blood.
• Due to being overweight.
• Due to alcohol consumption.
• Smoking and less sleep.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease

Over time, the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease get worse. One of the main symptoms of this disease is forgetting the events that happened a few days ago. Below are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease –

• Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include social isolation, discomfort, sleep disturbances, aggression, confusion, and the perception that something has been stolen.
• Asking the same question over and over or saying the same thing over and over again.
• Forgetting to do key things like bathing or getting dressed.
• Can’t remember anything.
• Loss of daily necessities or relocation unintentionally.
• Not being able to find the right word to identify or express an idea.
• Not recognizing familiar places.
• Forget the names of acquaintances.
• Being hesitant about what to eat or not being able to say what you ate.

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. However, it is possible to improve cognitive, sensory, and behavioral symptoms and a person’s quality of life through medication and other treatments.