Conditions Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition that affects the brain. It can cause a range of symptoms, including memory problems, confusion and problems with speech and language. The cause of Alzheimer’s disease isn’t fully understood yet, although increasing age and a family history of the condition are thought to increase your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

In those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease the connections between the nerve cells in the brain are lost when proteins build up and form abnormal structures, called tangles or plaques. The nerve cells eventually die and brain tissue is lost. People with Alzheimer’s disease also have fewer chemicals in the brain that are responsible for sending signals between the cells. Drug treatments are available to help boost these chemical levels which can alleviate some symptoms.

The symptoms Alzheimer’s disease can be mild to begin with but worsen as the disease progresses. Common symptoms include difficulty learning new information or recalling recent events, forgetting a friend’s name, getting lost in a familiar place, or forgetting significant dates. Other symptoms include speech problems, difficulty concentrating, problems making decisions and disorientation.