Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and is the most common cause of dementia, or loss of cognitive functioning in older adults. Alzheimer’s disease causes changes in the brain that lead to the loss of brain cells.
These changes include :
- Plaques: microscopic groups of proteins called beta-amyloid peptids
- Tangles: twisted microscopic strands of TAU protein
- Loss of connections between cells in the brain leading to problems with memory, learning and communication
- Inflammation: resulting from the brain’s response to fend off these changes in the brain
- The eventual death of brain cells and loss of brain tissue
(Source: Alzheimer’s Association)
Alzheimer’s disease causes significant difficulties in memory, thinking, language, social skills and problem-solving. In addition, individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease may experience changes in behavior or personality. Symptoms develop slowly and worsen over time. Over the course of the disease, these changes often become severe enough to interfere with activities of daily life, such as managing finances, living independently, bathing, feeding oneself and dressing on one’s own.
Some early signs a person may have Alzheimer's disease Include:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Challenges in planning or solving problems
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure
- Confusion with time or place
- Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
(source: Alzheimer’s Association)
- New problems with words in speaking or writing
- Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
- Decreased or poor judgement
- Withdrawal from work or social activities
- Changes in mood and personality
Clinical Trials
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