Aging is a natural process and with it, comes many problems. One of them is the Alzheimer’s disease which is very common among senior citizens of advanced years. For ages, we have taken Alzheimer’s disease and dementia as a natural and inevitable part of growing older; but new scientific research has shown that these two diseases can be battled and even if they are not completely cured, their effects can be reduced so that the person can live with dignity and independence. Science has also shown how and why these problems occur to some of us while others live with all faculties and thoughts intact well into their 80’s and 90’s.

Here is some information on Alzheimer’s disease that can help you out:

– First of all, Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia which happens to most of us as we age. Generally people over 65 are diagnosed with this problem while there have been instance of it occurring in much younger people.

– How the problem will manifest differs from person to person. Some of the common symptoms are the loss of ability to remember recent events or inability to gather new memories. When it increases, persons may face confusion, language breakdown and their moods may become irritable and cranky. In the later stages, long-term memories are lost and slowly bodily functions stop one by one. Generally it is seen that a person who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease lives around 7 to 8 years with the problem while some have even lived to about 14 years.

– The causes for this problem have not been pinpointed as of yet, but there are many hypothesis regarding it. One such study shows that it is genetically inherited, though not everyone from the same family will always end up with Alzheimer’s disease. The study only shows that there are some chromosomes which are predisposed towards Alzheimer’s disease.

– Since the causes are not definitely known, hence the treatment is also very little known. The best option is to diagnose it as soon as possible. This becomes a bit difficult because the earlier signs of Alzheimer’s disease are often confused with stress. That is why family history and information of nearest relatives at their old age is very important in diagnosing whether one has Alzheimer’s disease or not. Memory testing and tests on brain (MRI or CT scan) are carried out to pinpoint the problem.

– The best way to fight the disease is to take enough precaution while one is young. If your family has history of Alzheimer’s disease, then you should be aware of its danger from a very young age. When you are in your senior years, you have to change your lifestyle even if there is no record or history of Alzheimer’s disease in your family. Smoking is one thing you must give up when you are over 65. Diabetes is another problem you have to combat as that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease.

It is easy to prevent and even delay the emergence of Alzheimer’s disease if you are aware of it. So it is very important that you start thinking about your old age in your youth. With right lifestyle, exercise of both mind and body and active participation in society, you can easily defeat this challenge of aging.

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Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: CT scan,MRI,Memory testing and tests ,Alzheimer’s Disease,Alzheimer