Alzheimer's disease occurs as a result of changes in the human brain. Although the causes are unclear as of today the levels of chemical messengers decreasing can bring on the signs of Alzheimer's disease. Over time this can deteriorate the person's way of thinking and lead to all the stages of dementia. Alzheimer's disease is a very destructive disease that not only affects the patient but also the family of the patient.

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Alzheimer's disease is characterized by gradual memory loss for recent events and the inability to
learn new information. The patient is aware of what happened years before but somehow can't
remember what he or she just did 10 minutes ago. That person may forget a close relative's name,
can't find a way home or misplace objects.
As things get worse, the patient becomes increasingly irritable, confused and restless. He or she
may laugh or cry at inappropriate times, ask the same questions repeatedly and suddenly become
angry for no apparent reason at all. These symptoms differ from person to person and may occur
in a few days or months.
"Although at first the person seems physically unaffected by the disease, as the condition
advances the patient becomes restless, always moving about, and must be watched so that he or
she does not wander away or into danger. Endless repetition of unnecessary actions, such as the
opening and closing of drawers, is another characteristic of the disease. Some victims of
Alzheimer's disease may become extremely agitated with little or no provocation," according to the
editors of Consumer Guide's Family Health & Medical Guide.
Since many of the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease mimic the normal signs of aging,
no single test can accurately diagnose the condition. The doctor may recommend a thorough
physical and neurological evaluation. However, many patients get worse by the time the disease
is identified. At this point, very little can be done for the patient.
Ironically, most cases of Alzheimer's disease come to light only after death when an autopsy is
made. This reveals the abnormal changes found in the brain of those with the disorder.
"In Alzheimer's, as in any senile disorder, there is atrophy (shrinkage or wasting) of the cerebral
cortex (the outer layer of the brain which is mostly concerned with intellectual and social
functioning). There are also more specific abnormalities, such as the presence of tangles of fibers
within the nerve cells and of senile plaques, which are probably deposits of amyloid (a semisolid
protein complex seen in many degenerative diseases)," according to the editors of Family Health
& Medical Guide.
"These abnormal changes are scattered throughout the cortex of a person with Alzheimer's, and
serve to distinguish the disease from other forms of senility. Because brain biopsy specimens
(tissue samples taken from the brain for laboratory examination) are not obtained without very
specific reasons and without intention of specific treatment, these changes are usually seen only
after death," they added.

2. What causes these abnormal tissue changes? That puzzle has not been solved. Researchers are
looking at genetic factors, abnormal protein production, viruses, and toxic exposure as possible
causes of Alzheimer's disease.
An enzyme deficiency has been proposed as the cause of the condition. This theory drew
attention after it was learned that the brain of some patients lacked choline-acetyl-transferase
which is required to manufacture a chemical called acetylcholine (an important neurotransmitter in
the brain. Other neurotransmitter deficiencies are being explored. So far, there are no definite
answers yet.
What is known is that the disease is not contagious but appears to be inherited. Those with a
family history of Alzheimer's disease are more likely to acquire it later. Age is another contributing
factor.
-RANJEET-
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Learn more information about Alzheimer's disease, signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
at:
http://www.trackads.biz/link/alzheimerdisease
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