Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that causes brain cells to degenerate and die, leading to a continuous decline in thinking, behavioral, and social skills.
Symptoms
- Memory loss
- Difficulty planning or solving problems
- Confusion with time or place
- Trouble understanding visual images
- Changes in mood and personality
Causes
- Genetic factors
- Age-related changes in the brain
- Accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles
- Cardiovascular disease
Treatments
- Cholinesterase inhibitors
- Memantine for moderate to severe stages
- Cognitive training
- Supportive therapies
- Management of coexisting conditions
Prevention
- Regular physical activity
- Healthy diet (e.g., Mediterranean diet)
- Mental stimulation
- Social engagement
- Managing cardiovascular risk factors