Alzheimers
Definition- Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.
Symptoms- Mental decline, difficulty thinking and understanding, confusion in the evening hours, delusion, disorientation, forgetfulness, making things up, mental confusion, difficulty concentrating, inability to create new memories, inability to do simple math, or inability to recognize common things aggression, agitation, difficulty with self care, irritability, meaningless repetition of own words, personality changes, lack of restraint, or wandering and getting lost, anger, apathy, general discontent, loneliness, or mood swings.
Symptoms-early symptom of Alzheimer's is difficulty remembering newly learned information, slowed thinking and occasional problems with remembering certain things. However, serious memory loss, confusion
deepening confusion about events, time and place; unfounded suspicions about family, friends and professional caregivers; more serious memory loss and behavior changes; and difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking.
Diagnosis- Mental status testing, a physical and neurological exam, tests (such as blood tests and brain imaging) to rule out other causes of dementia-like symptoms.
Treatment- No cure exists, but medications and management strategies may temporarily improve symptoms.
History- Alzheimer's disease is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer. In 1906, Dr. Alzheimer noticed changes in the brain tissue of a woman who had died of an unusual mental illness. Her symptoms included memory loss, language problems, and unpredictable behavior.