Alzheimer
Keeping routine and at familiar place helps wellbeing and health of Alzheimer patients
Most common cause of dementia (forgetfullness).
This disease is progressive.
Causes
The proteins amyloid and tau accumulate in the brain.
This causes braincells to die.
The hippocampus (memory area of the brain) is first to be damaged.
Why the proteins accumulate is unknown.
Symptoms
Short term memory loss
Repeating questions
forgetting things
Speech
Speech Problems
Behaviour
Change in behaviour
Daily tasks
Recognition problems
Problems with usual daily tasks (cooking, getting dressed)
Problems with planning
Poor direction sense
Confusion
Risk Factors
- Genetics (5%)
- Old age
- Female gender
- Depression
- Head injury
Diagnosis
Patients clinical history
History from family
Neuropsychological test
MRI/CT
Sometimes spinal tap or EEG
Treatment
No cure
Medication can sometimes help reduce memory loss.
Keep Alzheimer patients at home (familiar place) as long as possible.
Prognosis
During disease the patient becomes depended on others.
The median disease duration is 8-13 years .
Will lead to death.
