Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia found mostly in individuals above the age of 65. It is a degenerative and incurable disease. This disease builds up gradually affecting the individual little by little. The first symptom of Alzheimer’s is memory loss. Slowly a person’s reaction, responses, his emotions, ability to differentiate between right and wrong are impaired.
Causes
In recent times researchers are getting specific factors that cause Alzheimer’s. The brain cells are affected by certain environmental and genetic factors. These cause loss of cells in the part of the brain that is responsible for the working of the mental faculties like memory, emotions etc.
Neurofibrillary tangles, Beta Amyloid, Amyloid precursor protein are the biological factors that are said to be involved in causing Alzheimer’s. The two processes involved are oxidation and inflammatory process. There is a build up of beta amyloid in certain individuals which becomes toxic and affects the person. On going research is focusing on discovering reasons behind the same. Certain genetic factors are also said to contribute towards Alzheimer’s.
Risk
Women are more at risk than men of getting Alzheimer’s. Also people above the age of 65 are at higher risk of Alzheimer’s. By the age of 85, half of the population contracts the disease. The life span of people with Alzheimer’s reduces greatly. Those who have a history of the disease in the family are at a bigger risk. Similarly individuals with Down syndrome are more at risk. In addition to this high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, diabetes, stroke and increased presence of an amino acid called homocysteine which protects the nerves are said to cause Alzheimer’s.
Prevention
There are some changes in ones’ habits that would help with prevention of Alzheimer’s though it is not proven.
Medications: Medications for blood pressure, stroke, cholesterol, diabetes etc would help slowdown and in some cases prevent Alzheimer’s.
Hormone Replacement: Hormone replacement therapies may be particularly helpful for men and women. Testosterone is believed to reduce beta amyloid and hence a small dose of this might help in preventing Alzheimer’s.
Diet: It is essential to maintain a healthy diet with lower intake of fatty food replacing saturated fat with unsaturated fat and including lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.
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