Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. Learn about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease, and how it affects the patient’s life and their family.
What Is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It’s a progressive disease, where dementia symptoms gradually worsen over a number of years. It involves parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language.
You can help your family member or loved one by recognizing the signs of this type of dementia and learning about treatment. Therefore, make sure you read up on the disease.
Alzheimer’s disease symptoms
In 2013, as many as 5 million Americans were living with Alzheimer’s disease. Although the greatest known risk factor is increasing age, it is not a normal part of aging.
Changes in the brain can begin years before the first symptoms appear. Therefore, it is imperative to be aware of the signs.
Someone with Alzheimer’s disease may experience one or more of the following signs and symptoms:
- Gets lost
- Has trouble handling money and paying bills
- Repeats questions
- Takes longer to complete normal daily tasks
- Displays poor judgment
- Loses things or misplaces them in odd places
- Displays mood and personality changes
- Irritability or aggressiveness
- Distrust in others or paranoia
- Forgets important events or facts
What is the treatment?
Currently, there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s Disease. Nonetheless, it’s essential to get help as soon as possible. There are treatments that can slow the progression of the disease.
Doctors can help you identify ways to support your family member. As a result, it’s important to seek help.
If you or a loved one has any of the above symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease, visit urgent care. An urgent care doctor can do an exam and refer you or your family member for additional tests.