Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that causes memory loss, confusion and an inability to carry out daily activities. It is the most common form of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease affects 5 million people in the United States alone. It is estimated that by the year 2020, it will affect more than 14 million people. The most common symptom of Alzheimer’s disease is memory loss. Other symptoms include disorientation, depression, personality changes, hallucinations, and delusions.
Dementia is a general term used to describe any mental impairment that is severe enough to interfere with normal everyday activities. Dementia can be caused by a variety of factors, including Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and epilepsy.
Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by recurrent seizures. Epilepsy can be classified into two types, generalized and partial. Generalized seizures are characterized by abnormal electrical activity in the entire brain. Partial seizures are characterized by abnormal electrical activities in only part of the brain.
Stroke is a sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain caused by a clot or hemorrhage. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts or is blocked by a blood clot. A stroke can also be caused by bleeding inside the brain.
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) is a warning sign of a possible stroke. A TIA is an episode of temporary loss of vision, speech, or movement caused by a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. TIA is not a stroke.
Mental disorders are a group of conditions that cause serious problems with thinking, memory, emotions, behavior, and social interactions. Mental disorders are often grouped together under the heading of “psychiatric disorders”.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects the motor system. Symptoms include tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and impaired posture.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. It is a chronic degenerative disease of the brain that results in progressive loss of memory and other intellectual functions. Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the presence of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain.
Dementia causes are unknown. Some researchers believe that there may be genetic predisposition to the disease. There may be a relationship between dementia and vitamin deficiencies, infections, and hormonal imbalances. Some research suggests that Alzheimer’s disease is related to age, but no definite link has been established.
