2. Contents
• Introduction
• Causes and Symptoms
• Comparison Between Normal And
Affected Condition
• Diagnosis and Assessment
• Current Treatment Approaches
3. Introduction
•Alzheimer's disease is a common neurological disorder that
primarily affects the brain's cognitive functions, including memory,
thinking, and behavior.
•It's the most common cause of dementia, a general term for a
decline in cognitive ability severe enough to interfere with daily life.
•Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, meaning it gets worse over
time.
•It affects people of all races and backgrounds.
•Although most common in older adults, it can also affect younger
individuals (early-onset Alzheimer's).
4. Causes and Symptoms
• Causes of Alzheimer's:
• Alzheimer's is caused by abnormal changes in the brain. These
changes include the accumulation of protein fragments known as
beta-amyloid plaques and twisted tangles of another protein
called tau.
• Symptoms of Alzheimer's:
• Early symptoms include:
• Memory loss that disrupts daily life.
• Difficulty planning or solving problems.
• Confusion about time or place.
• As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:
• Trouble completing familiar tasks.
• Changes in mood and personality.
• Withdrawal from friends and family.
7. Diagnosis and Assessment
• Early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is essential for optimizing
care and planning for the future. Diagnosis involves a
comprehensive assessment that includes:
• Medical History: Understanding the individual's medical history and
any cognitive changes over time.
• Cognitive Tests: Administering standardized tests to assess
memory, thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Neurological Examinations: Assessing reflexes, coordination, and
sensory functions.
• Brain Imaging: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Positron
Emission Tomography (PET) scans can reveal brain changes
associated with Alzheimer's, such as atrophy and abnormal protein
deposition.
8. Current Treatment Approaches
• While there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, current treatments
aim to manage symptoms and improve quality of life:
• Cholinesterase Inhibitors: Drugs like donepezil, rivastigmine, and
galantamine can temporarily improve cognitive function by
increasing levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in
memory and learning.
• NMDA Receptor Antagonist: Memantine helps regulate glutamate,
another neurotransmitter linked to learning and memory.
• Lifestyle Interventions: Engaging in regular physical exercise,
maintaining a healthy diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty
acids, and staying mentally active can potentially slow cognitive
decline.