Alzheimer's Disease – Senile dementia (dementia) is the treatment of disease. Symptoms and prevention of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is a common neurodegenerative disease, which is currently considered incurable. On statistics, on Alzheimer's accounts for more than 40% of all cases of dementia.

For the first time this pathology was described in 1906 year psychiatrist Alois Alcgejmerom, in whose honor and was named. Usually, Alzheimer's disease is diagnosed in individuals over the age of 65 years, However, in rare cases, there an early form of Pathology. To date, there are more than 28 millions of people with Alzheimer's disease. Scientists project, already to 2050 they will be more 100 million.

Alzheimer's disease are the main causes of disease

Currently, the exact cause of the development of Alzheimer's disease is unknown. For a long time in the medical and scientific community dominated the holinergical theory of the evolution of Pathology. According to this hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease may be associated with a low level of production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. However, after the, as it became clear, that preparations based on acetylcholine against this disease do not work, This theory has lost interest among researchers.

Today, as a possible cause of Alzheimer's disease are considered two theories:

• Amiloidnaja theory of the development of Alzheimer's disease. This theory was proposed in 1991 year, and according to this hypothesis, the cause of Alzheimer's disease is the deposition of beta-amiloidnogo protein in the tissues of the brain. Gene, encoding this protein (RDA), is located in 21 pair of chromosomes. As it is known, people with Down syndrome also have chromosomal abnormalities in 21 pair (contains 3 chromosomes instead of 2). Noteworthy, that people with Down syndrome, which survived until 40 years, also detected dementia, reminiscent of Alzheimer's disease, that only supports amiloidnuju theory. Noted, the RDA gene leads to the accumulation of beta-amiloidnogo protein before the characteristic symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Numerous animal studies show, that deposition of amyloid plaques in the brain tissues eventually leads to the development of symptoms, characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. Today, created an experimental vaccine, able to clear amyloid plaques from the brain tissue, truth, This does not eliminate the signs of dementia, that occur in Alzheimer's disease.
• The Tau hypothesis for the development of Alzheimer's disease. Despite a number of circumstantial evidence in favor of developing Alzheimer's disease theory derived, still, scientists have not yet discovered the apparent correlation between accumulation and destruction of neurons. Later hypothesis was proposed, According to which, in the pathogenesis of the disease a key role of Tau protein. Maybe, pathological changes in the nervous system arise from violations of the Tau protein structure. According to some researchers, excessive phosphorylation of Tau protein leads to, that the proteins begin to unite among themselves with the formation of neurofibrillary tangles in the nerve cells. Such structural changes lead to violation of the transmission of nerve impulses, and then to complete destruction of the nervous cells, that determines the appearance of dementia.

According to the medical observations, the development of Alzheimer's disease also contributed to some of the factors, among which:

• advanced age;
• female (women suffer from dementias than men);
• severe depression and deep emotional turmoil;
• traumatic brain injury;
• lack of intellectual activity (noted, that people, engaged in mental activity, dementia less likely to arise);
• low levels of education;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• diseases of the respiratory system, as a result of which comes the oxygen deprivation;
• atherosclerosis;
• high blood pressure;
• diabetes;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• obesity;
• bad habits (excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, smoking);
• addicted to caffeine containing beverages and products.

Types of disease: classification of Alzheimer's disease

There are the following forms of Alzheimer's disease:

• Alzheimer's disease with early onset. A rare form of the disease, that is diagnosed in people 65 years of age. The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease with early onset is not more 10% from all patients, suffering from this disease. У людей с синдромом Дауна болезнь Альцгеймера может проявиться в 45-40 years.
• Alzheimer's disease with late onset. This form of disease develops after 65 years and is found in 90% cases. Almost half of people over 85 years, there have been manifestations of Alzheimer's disease, that may be associated with a hereditary disposition.
• Familial form of Alzheimer's disease. This form of the disease, inherited genetically. The establishment of family forms of Alzheimer's disease is possible in case of diagnosing disease, at least, two generations. This is a rare form of Alzheimer's disease found, the prevalence of which is less than 1%.

How does the disease are the main symptoms of Alzheimer's disease

At the early stage symptoms of Alzheimer's disease are:

• forgetfulness, difficulty in remembering recent events. The symptom gradually progresses;
• complexity in recognition of familiar objects;
• mental disorders, depression, anxiety, anxiety;
• problems with orientation in space;
• indifference to subjects, people and events.

At a late stage Alzheimer's symptoms are:

• delusions and hallucinations;
• inability to learn even close relatives;
• the loss of independent thinking;
• "shambling" gait;
• the inability of the independent movement;
• in rare cases, cramps.

Patient activity in Alzheimer's disease

Diagnosis at an early stage is very important. Elderly people should be screened regularly, and immediately contact a physician if suspected symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease-diagnosis

Diagnosis of disease based on the patient's medical history, his relatives, as well as clinical observations. When this doctor observes characteristic neurological and neuropsychological changes with the exception of all possible alternative diagnoses. We use instrumental methods of study: CT scan, Magnetic resonance imaging, Positron Emission Tomography, single-photon emission computed tomography and other.

For further diagnosis can be carried out on the patient's intelligence test, including memory checking.

Treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's is incurable. Palliative measures can alleviate the condition of the patient.

Medical therapy is the appointment of drugs, that increase the level of acetylcholine in the brain, that may slow the progression of the disease. Antipsychotic drugs are also applied, reducing aggression and suppress psychosis. In the treatment of Alzheimer's disease drugs are as follows::

• Cholinesterase inhibitors. Acetylcholine is a key ingredient, plays a role in memorizing information. In Alzheimer's disease increases the activity of the enzyme cholinesterase, that destroys acetylcholine. Cholinesterase inhibitors-medications, able to slow down the destruction of acetylcholine. Usually, cholinesterase inhibitors are well tolerated treatment subject to the proper dosage and administration mode.
• Glutamate inhibitors. In Alzheimer's disease indicated the high accumulation of glutamate, that leads to disruption of activity of the cerebral cortex. The use of drugs on the basis of glutamate inhibitors can prolong the, during which the patient is unable to maintain himself. Most often, drugs, depressing effect of glutamate, appointed by the patient on moderate and severe stages of the disease. The decision to admit such funds should take only the doctor.
• Psychotropic drugs. This group of drugs used, When a patient has such manifestations of illness like depression or sleep disorder. Among psychotropic drugs in Alzheimer's disease most commonly assigned the antipsychotics and tranquilizers. Neiroleptiki eliminate psychopathic patient, but on the other hand can intensify the manifestation of dementia. With regard to the tranquilizers, These drugs provide a calming effect, without affecting the thought process. If the patient had no measurable mental disorders, These drugs are not prescribed.
• Antidepressants-assigned to rid the patient of anxiety and apathy.

Psychosocial intervention in Alzheimer's disease is to conduct psychotherapy, validacionnoj therapy, therapy memories, sensory integration, "simulation of presence and other therapeutic methods.

In Alzheimer's disease, it is also important to observe proper diet. In particular, Diets recommended to enrich products, rich the following components:

• antioxidants (vegetables, fruit, turmeric, honey, Green tea);
• Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (oily saltwater fish, flaxseed and olive oil, Walnut);
• amino acids (dairy, spinach, fish);
• cellulose (vegetables and fruits).

You should limit the use of fat meat, flour, sugar and spicy food.

This power system is useful for people over 45 years for prevention of dementia in later life.

Complications of Alzheimer's disease

For Alzheimer's disease is characterized by such complications:

• сопутствующие инфекции;
• nutritional deficiencies;
• injuries and accidents, associated with difficulties in orientation and dementia.

Preventing Alzheimer's

Официально оговоренных методов профилактики болезни Альцгеймера пока еще нет. Некоторые специалисты заявляют, that prevent or slow the progression of the disease can be through regular intellectual loads, as well as the correction of some provocative factors. In particular, Mediterranean diet, constant monitoring of blood pressure and abandoning bad habits may reduce risk of Alzheimer's disease.