ALZHEIMER’S

ALZHEIMER is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that usually starts slowly and gets worse over time. The most common early symptom is difficulty in remembering recent events , Short term memory loss. As the disease advances, symptoms can include Problem with Language, Disorientation ( including easily getting lost), mood swings loss of self drive,not managing self care.As a person’s condition declines, they often withdraw from family and society

\nHistory\n\nIn Ancient Civilization & Cultures Dementia was attributed to be part of old age.\n\nIn 1901, Dr Alois,German Psychiatrist, discovers the problem in her wife at the age of 55 years. After that he took care of her till her death in 1906. While after that, he also shared the experience and wrote about the disease in medical Journals describing the symptoms & it’s Complications.\n\nCause \n\nThe Exact cause is unclear but we can assume that Genetics & our Lifestyle are the predominant factors.\n\nLack of neurotransmitter Acetylcholine may be also a cause. Acetylcholine which also do not help all the times.\n\n\n\nOur Brain has about 100 Billion Neurons , they are all assigned to do specific tasks such as memory,speech,inte lligence,hearing,vision,cognition etc.\n\nIt is believed that in Alzhimers, there may be plaques of beta amyloids between 2 adjacent neurons blocking their function which in result affects the transmission of messages.\n\nResearch also shows that there ALZHEIMER’S ALZHEIMER is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that usually starts slowly and gets worse over time. The most common early symptom is difficulty in remembering recent events , Short term memory loss. As the disease advances, symptoms can include Problem with Language, Disorientation ( including easily getting lost), mood swings loss of self drive,not managing self care.As a person’s condition declines, they often withdraw from family and society Dr. Pargat Singh Bhurji MD,FRCP ( C ) Consultant Pediatrician Surrery BC could be tangles or tau protein in the neurons which affects them to function Appropriately .\n\nStages of Alzheimer’s \n\n-Misplacing items sometimes.\n\n-Minor Short term memory Loss.\n\n-Occasionally forgetting some things.\n\n-Not remembering exact details.\n\nEarly stage Alzheimer’s \n\n-Not remembering episodes of forgetfulness.\n\n-Forgets names of family or friends.\n\n-Changes may only be noticed by close friends or relatives.\n\n-Some confusion in situations outside the familiar.\n\nMiddle stage Alzheimer’s \n\n-Greater difficulty in remembering of recently learned information.\n\n-Deepening confusion in many circumstances.\n\n-Problems with sleep.\n\n-Trouble knowing where they are?\n\nLate stage Alzheimer’s \n\n-Poor ability to think.\n\n-Problem in speaking.\n\n-Repeats same conversations.\n\n-More abusive, anxious, or paranoid.\n\nDiagnosis \n\nAlzheimer’s disease is usually diagnosed based on the person’s medical history, that is being able to collect from relatives, and some by behavioural observations.\n\nCT Scan, MRI , PET Scans may also help Blood test Such as Sugar, Iron, Cholesterol, Thyroid Function are also being done to rule out other causes for these symptoms. Apart from that, assessment of intellectual testing & memory testing may also help to check Spinal Fluid for Beta Amyloid and Tau protein.\n\nPrevention \n\nNo Definitive study or proofs are available which can help in prevention. Diet rich in Omega 3 fatty acids , Mediterranean Diet, Fish, Avocado have been discussed is the best for our brain Keeping our Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar in Normal range. Brain exercises like Playing Chess, Cards, Games, Reading,Singing,music also may help maintaining healthy active lifestyle. Avoiding Stress Stop Smoking, Healthy eating, Meditation, Yoga, Volunteer Work\n\nManagement\n\nThere is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease; available treatments offer relatively small symptomatic benefit but remain Palliative in nature. Current treatments can be divided into pharmaceutical, psychosocial and caregiving.\n\n-Medications to Restore Acetylcholine\n\n-Psychological intervention\n\n-Behavioural Therapies\n\n-Care giving at home or in a Care facility\n\n-Self care with Bath,Nutrition , Elimination help & Monitoring\n\nALZHIMERS in Canada \n\n-In 2011 the estimated cases were about 750,000\n\n-15% of age 65 and above affected\n\n-More in women because they live longer than Men\n\n-Cost Analysis is about 33 Billion Dollars per year\n\n-Cost Analysis did not take in to Account the care givers cost, family missed time cost etc\n\nResearch\n\nA new medication Bexarotene, neurostatin is being Studied in Worms to Prevent Alzheimer’s. This medication is used to treat Cancers such as Lymphomas .It will take several years to conduct further Research.\n\n \n