Alzheimer's disease (AD) First described by German psychiatrist and neuropathologist ALOIS ALZHEIMER in 1906 and was named

d after him. It is the most common form of DEMENTIA. There is no cure for the disease, which worsens as it progresses. Characteristics The disease course is divided into four stages, with progressive patterns of cognitive and functional impairments. 1. Pre-dementia These symptoms are often mistakenly attributed to aging or stress. The early symptoms can affect the most complex daily living activities. The most noticeable deficit is memory loss, which slows up as difficulty in remembering recently learned facts and inability to acquire new information. 2. Early In this stage, the person with AD is usually capable of adequately communicating basic ideas. Language problems are mainly characterized by a shrinking vocabulary and decreased word fluency, which lead to a general impoverishment of oral and written language. 3. Moderate In this stage reading and writing skills are progressively lost. Complex motor sequences become less coordinated as time passes and AD progresses, so the risk of falling increases. Memory problems worsen, and the person may fail to recognize close relatives. Long-term memory, which was previously intact, becomes impaired. 4. Advanced During this last stage, the person is completely dependent upon caregivers. Language is reduced to simple phrases or even single words, eventually leading to complete loss of speech. They can`t perform even the simplest task without assistance. Cause

The cause of AD is UNKNOWN.

Symptoms

Confusion Irritability and aggression Mood swings Trouble with language Long-term memory loss

Diagnosis AD is usually diagnosed clinically from the patient history, collateral history from relatives, and clinical observations, based on the presence of characteristics neurological and neuropsychological features and the absence of alternative conditions. Prevention At present, there is no definite evidence to support that any particular measure is effective in preventing AD. Mental stimulation, exercise and a balance diet have been suggested as possible ways to delay symptoms in healthy older individuals, but they have not been proven as effective. Management There is no cure for AD; available treatments offer relatively small symptomatic benefit but remain palliative in nature.

Prepared By: VALDEZ, Fretcel B.