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Jan 16, 2024 · Learn about the early signs of dementia, including memory loss, confusion and changes in behavior, and understand the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
- Overview
- Symptoms
- Causes
- Risk Factors
- Complications
- Prevention
Alzheimer's disease is a brain disorder that gets worse over time. It's characterized by changes in the brain that lead to deposits of certain proteins. Alzheimer's disease causes the brain to shrink and brain cells to eventually die. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia — a gradual decline in memory, thinking, behavior and soci...
Memory loss is the key symptom of Alzheimer's disease. Early signs include difficulty remembering recent events or conversations. But memory gets worse and other symptoms develop as the disease progresses. At first, someone with the disease may be aware of having trouble remembering things and thinking clearly. As symptoms get worse, a family membe...
The exact causes of Alzheimer's disease aren't fully understood. But at a basic level, brain proteins fail to function as usual. This disrupts the work of brain cells, also called neurons, and triggers a series of events. The neurons become damaged and lose connections to each other. They eventually die. Scientists believe that for most people, Alz...
Age
Increasing age is the greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's isn't a part of typical aging. But as you grow older, the chances of developing it increases. One study found that every year there were four new diagnoses per 1,000 people ages 65 to 74. Among people ages 75 to 84, there were 32 new diagnoses per 1,000 people. For those 85 and older, there were 76 new diagnoses per 1,000 people.
Family history and genetics
The risk of developing Alzheimer's is somewhat higher if a first-degree relative — your parent or sibling — has the disease. Just how genes among families affect the risk is largely unexplained, and the genetic factors are likely complex. A better understood genetic factor is a form of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene. A form of the gene, APOEe4, increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease. About 25% to 30% of the population carries APOEe4. But not everyone with this form of the gene develops t...
Down syndrome
Many people with Down syndrome develop Alzheimer's disease. This is likely related to having three copies of chromosome 21. Chromosome 21 is the gene involved in the production of the protein that leads to the creation of beta-amyloid. Beta-amyloid fragments can become plaques in the brain. Symptoms tend to appear 10 to 20 years earlier in people with Down syndrome than they do for the general population.
Alzheimer's symptoms such as memory loss, language loss, impaired judgment and other brain changes can make it harder to manage other health conditions. A person with Alzheimer's disease may not be able to: 1. Tell someone about being in pain. 2. Explain symptoms of another illness. 3. Follow a treatment plan. 4. Explain medicine side effects. As A...
Alzheimer's disease is not a preventable condition. However, a number of lifestyle risk factors can be modified. Evidence suggests that taking steps to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease may also lower your risk of developing dementia. To follow heart-healthy lifestyle choices that may reduce the risk of dementia: 1. Exercise regularly. 2. E...
Mar 27, 2024 · 1. Subtle short-term memory changes. Having trouble with memory can be an early symptom of dementia. The changes are often subtle and tend to involve short-term memory. A person with...
- Valencia Higuera
- No Cognitive Decline. At this stage, the person is able to function normally and doesn’t exhibit any signs of memory loss, confusion, or cognitive impairment.
- Very Mild Cognitive Decline. The person starts to experience occasional lapses of memory, such as: Forgetting where they keep familiar everyday objects.
- Mild Cognitive Decline. This is the stage where cognitive impairment starts to become more noticeable to the patient, as well as their friends, family members, and colleagues.
- Moderate Cognitive Decline. In this stage, the person will exhibit a definitive decline in cognitive ability in a clinical interview. Some of the symptoms of this stage may include
Feb 5, 2024 · Home. What Are the Stages of Dementia? Learn about the seven stages of dementia, including early signs and symptoms to watch for and potential treatment options. By Elaine K. Howley. |. Feb. 7,...
- Elaine K. Howley
- Contributor
Apr 5, 2023 · Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease is a form of the progressive, memory-robbing brain condition that appears in people before the age of 65. It most often shows up when you're in your 40s...
Dec 14, 2022 · Some of the early signs and symptoms of dementia may include: Memory problems. Confusion regarding familiar places. Inability to concentrate or think clearly. Difficulty with words and language. Mood and personality changes. Poor judgment. Difficulties with gait or balance.
