WHAT IS ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE?
What is Alzheimer's disease?
Alzheimer's disease is a serious brain disease that usually affects middle-aged and older people, especially those over the age of 65. It causes serious damage to an individual's thinking and memory abilities, which may ultimately lead to the inability to live a normal life.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE FROM EARLY TO LATE STAGES?
What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease from early to late stages?
Alzheimer's disease is a brain disease in which intelligence and memory abilities gradually deteriorate. The disease has five different stages, from milder to more severe:
In other words, Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disease, covering many different symptoms and stages from initial asymptomatic to complete dependence.
preclinical
At this stage, patients often don't see any obvious problems, but laboratory tests can only confirm the diagnosis. This requires measuring specific proteins in the brain
mild cognitive impairment
This is when symptoms first appear, but they are usually not noticeable and have a small impact on life. Patients may experience slower reactions and reduced memory
mild dementia
During this stage, symptoms become more pronounced and include memory loss, difficulty performing complex tasks and making mistakes, personality changes, reduced speech ability, and poor memory.
Moderate dementia
The patient begins to forget important things, such as his or her location, dates, and loved ones. Their ability to function independently is reduced and they may develop emotional and behavioral problems
Severe dementia
In the final stage, the patient is no longer able to communicate or take care of himself, and requires round-the-clock care. Their body functions may also be affected, including swallowing, muscle stiffness, and excretory function
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS
Alzheimer's disease characteristics:
memory loss
Patients often forget things in daily life at first, such as appointments, names, important events, etc.
language barrier
Sometimes people have difficulty expressing themselves or understanding what others are saying
Difficulty in orientation
They may get lost in familiar places and not know where they are
mood changes
Have significant mood swings and may become irritable, depressed or anxious
Daily activities restricted
People with Alzheimer's disease gradually lose the ability to perform daily activities, such as self-care, eating, bathing, etc.
