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Alzheimers

 

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia.  It is a progressive condition that attacks nerves, brain cells and neurotransmitters. (Chemicals that carry messages within the brain).

The exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is not yet fully understood. Although, a number of factors are likely to increase your risk of developing Alzheimer's.

These include:

  • increasing age

  • a family history of the Alzheimer's

  • untreated depression, although depression can als be one of the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease

  • lifestyle factors and conditions linked to cardiovascular disease

Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease

As a progressive condition, the symptoms will slowly develop over time. Eventually becoming more severe.

The first sign of Alzheimer's disease is usually minor memory problems, such as:

  • forgetting recent conversations or events

  • forgetting the names of places and objects

As the condition develops, symptoms can become more severe, such as:

  • confusion, disorientation and getting lost in familiar places

  • difficulty planning or making decisions

  • problems with speech and language

  • problems moving around without assistance or performing sef-care tasks

  • personality changes, such as becoming aggressive, demanding and suspicious of others

  • hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)

  • delusions (believing things that are untrue)

  • low mood or anxiety

Who is at risk?

Alzheimer's disease is most common in people over the age of 65.

The Alzheimer’s Society estimates that Alzheimer’s disease affects 1 in 14 people over the age of 65; and 1 in 6 with people aged over 80.

Getting a diagnosis

As the symptoms of Alzheimer's progress slowly. It an be difficult to recognise that there is a problem.

An accurate and timely diagnosis of Alzheimer's can give the best chance to prepare. Plan for the future. As well as receive any treatment or support that may help.

Although there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease. Medication is available that can slow down the development of the condition.

For more information about Alzheimer's disease, please visit www.nhs.co.uk/alzheimers-disease.