Alzheimer’s disease is the step-by-step degeneration of the brain. When a person has this disorder, most of the person’s memory and mental function erases. The brain cell keeps the brain alive and functioning. So when the brain cells degenerate, that person cannot function well as they should.
Alzheimer’s disease has three-stage of which it occurs, and it relates more to older people. There are lots of precautions one should take to avoid the disease. People with Alzheimer’s disease symptoms also have things to do to prevent it from getting worse.
1. Young People Can Also Have Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease symptoms are common in people aged sixty upwards. However, there are also chances that young people can have it as well. Young people between the ages of 20 to 30 years can develop Alzheimer’s as many have tested positive.
Amyloid build-up is one of the causes of Alzheimer’s disease in humans. This is also present in the nerve cells of young adults, causing Alzheimer’s disease.
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2. Alzheimer’s Disease Causes a Lack of Sleep
Sleeping helps clear the beta-amyloid from the brain. When a patient has Alzheimer’s disease, the brain contains beta-amyloid. As it gets severe, it makes sleeping difficult.
Alzheimer’s disease may cause degeneration or loss of brain tissue. The result of this leads to loss of mental abilities, which can also disrupt the sleep cycle. People will hyperactively sleep cycles can rest well, and that may lead to sleeping problems. When you can’t sleep, you increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
3. Alzheimer’s Disease Can Cause Death
Alzheimer’s disease not only causes memory loss but can also cause death. According to the CDC, it is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.
Alzheimer’s disease causes the loss of connection between the nerve cells in the brain. The nerve cells are responsible for transmitting messages in parts of the brain. And they also send messages from the brain to the muscles and other organs.
A patient’s body starts malfunctioning after losing nerve connection due to Alzheimer’s disease. And this can lead to serious health issues or death.
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4. Alzheimer’s Disease Causes Memory Loss
One of the most common and visible Alzheimer’s disease symptoms is memory loss. At the early stage of the disease, the acquired information is not accessible anymore. But as the disease progresses, the memory loss gets worse.
Someone with Alzheimer’s disease may suffer memory loss and forgetfulness. That person will not be able to recall past conversations.
Also, due to memory loss, the person will not be able to identify familiar things. And they might even forget family members and get lost in familiar places. Alzheimer’s disease affects the memory of a victim in various ways and manners.
5. Women have Higher Risks of Alzheimer’s Disease Than Men
Twice as many women have Alzheimer’s disease as men. Women with the disease tend to have severe brain shrinkage in comparison to men. Studies show that during menopause, women experience hormone fluctuations that may interact with the gene.
The effect explains why they are more vulnerable to Alzheimer’s disease. Around the age of 40 or 50, progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone levels drop in women. It then affects the brain, making them more liable to fall have Alzheimer’s disease.
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6. Education Reduces The Risk Of Alzheimer’s Disease
When a person has more years of education, that person has a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease. At old age, most adults who don’t engage in mental activities tend to be at a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Seniors should keep their brains active, by learning new languages and playing musical instruments. Taking classes is another way to reduce exposure to Alzheimer’s disease.
Also, engaging in group activities and interactions will help. People can also lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by staying close to friends and family.
7. It Is Linked To Loss Of Sense Of Smell
People with Alzheimer’s disease symptoms may lose their sense of smell. When a person loses their sense of smell, it shows the brain is losing its self-repair ability. They can’t smell well because of the presence of beta-amyloid protein. Caused by Alzheimer’s disease in the brain areas that help detect and perceive odors.
Loss of sense of smell is often an early indicator of Alzheimer’s disease so go for a test if you experience it.
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8. It Is Named After The Doctor That Discovered It
Alzheimer’s disease came from the name of doctor that discovered it. The doctor’s name is Dr. Alois Alzheimer, who was a German psychiatrist and neuroanatomist.
This doctor discovered the disease by examining a deceased patient’s brain. The patient had experienced “memory loss, language problems, and unexpected behavior.”
The doctor found unusual protein plaques (amyloid-beta plaques) and tangles of fibre (tau clusters). Disrupt communication between neurons, hence causing Alzheimer’s disease.
9. Alzheimer’s Disease Has Stages
Alzheimer’s disease has three main progressive stages; early, middle, and late. Each stage has its symptoms and the amount of damage done to the brain. At the early stage, the person can still carry out daily activities and take care of themselves. But they might not remember new information.
In the middle stage, memory loss gets worse. They only can’t remember new information but history and memories of events as well. Individuals at the late stage have serious difficulties communicating and interacting with their environment. Thus, they need to be taken care of by other people.
10. There Is No Cure
So far, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. But you can slow down the effects of the disease treatment and care. Several pharmaceutical treatments are available at various pharmacies and hospitals.
If you suspect any Alzheimer’s disease symptoms, you should see your doctor immediately. The physician will examine you and give you advice on seeing a specialist. Living with Alzheimer’s is possible, but it can take a toll on family members and loved ones.
Early detection can reduce the severity and save lives. That is why everyone needs to develop the habit of seeing a doctor at least three or four times a year.
