Alzheimer

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is an organic brain disease. It is named after the German neurologist Alois Alzheimer (1864 - 1915), who first scientifically described the disease in 1906.

Causes & Risk Factors of Alzheimer's:

While we do not yet fully understand all the reasons why some people develop Alzheimer's and others do not, research has provided us with a better understanding of the factors that increase the risk.

• Age. The greatest risk factor for developing Alzheimer's disease is age. In rare cases, those affected are younger than 60 years old.
• Family members with Alzheimer's. If one of your parents or siblings has Alzheimer's, your likelihood of developing the disease is higher than in someone without a first-degree relative with Alzheimer's.
• Genetics. Researchers have identified several gene variants that increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
• Cardiovascular disease. Research shows that brain health is closely linked to the health of the heart and blood vessels. The oxygen and nutrients needed for normal brain function are supplied through the blood, and the heart is responsible for pumping blood to the brain. Therefore, factors that cause cardiovascular disease can also lead to a higher risk of Alzheimer's and other dementias. These include smoking, obesity, diabetes, as well as elevated cholesterol levels and high blood pressure in middle age.
• Traumatic brain injury. The risk of Alzheimer's or other dementias increases as a result of a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury, which can be caused by a blow to the head or injuries to the skull.

Progression of Alzheimer's:

The disease is characterized by the slow, progressive degeneration of nerve cells and nerve cell connections, which impairs brain function.

Symptoms include memory and orientation problems, language disorders, impaired thinking and judgment, and personality changes. These impairments vary in severity among those affected and increase as the disease progresses, making it increasingly difficult to manage daily life.

Patients increasingly require help and support. The specific needs for care, therapy, and medical treatment vary greatly. Alzheimer's patients are not a homogeneous group but individuals with diverse life stories, abilities, and deficits, living in different social and economic situations.

Treatment of Alzheimer's:

Currently, there is no treatment that can stop the progression of the disease. However, there are medications that can be used to treat dementia symptoms and thus delay the course of the disease.