ALZHEIMER
Disease information
ALZHEIMER
Alzheimer
.
Brain
disorder
characterized by
a
gradual mental deterioration.
There is
a
rapidly progressive form that begins to 36 - 45 years.
Another more gradual, appears to 65 - 70.
It affects 5 - 10% of those over 65 years.
Causes.
Damage or loss of neurons in the brain, caused by still unknown, although it is one of the
diseases
, along with
AIDS
, which is investigating more intensely around the world.
For the moment have been described mutations (changes) in certain genes (PS1 and PS2) that cause
disease
,
but
only
a
small proportion of patients.
Signs and symptoms.
The most characteristic symptoms are:
Early Stage.
Loss of memory for recent events.
Progressive loss of ability to execute small things such as routine work,
home
, etc.
Changes in personality and the ability of trial.
Advanced stages.
Trouble making small decisions such as choosing clothes, etc.
Inability to recognize people close to the
family
.
Lack of interest in personal hygiene.
Difficulties for food.
Belligerence, everything is wrong.
Loss of
social
and
sexual
.
Anxiety and
insomnia
.
Terminal stages.
Complete loss of memory, the ability to speak and
functions
of
muscle
and sphincters.
Extreme belligerence, for any item, or complete docility.
Risk Factors.
Family
history of Alzheimer's.
Aging.
Prevention.
Does not exist.
Diagnosis and Treatment.
Diagnosis:
The diagnosis is made, so attempt by questioning the patient and their
family
members and by the TAC skull, which is observed circunvoluciones
atrophy
of the brain, are discarded and other causes of
dementia
.
The definitive diagnosis is made by brain biopsy (taking of brain tissue for microscopic study) which showed lesions characteristic of the
disease
:
Neuronal
degeneration
,
Plates "senile" and.
Neurofibrillas.
Given their aggressiveness (need to open the skull and take
a
long needle with
a
sample of brain tissue deep) is
a
technique that is not used routinely, reserving for research.
Treatment:
The most effective is to reduce the symptoms:
Repeat to improve memory
problems
.
It
has
been shown that pursued the memory of his late loss in these patients.
Converse with close relatives to avoid the turmoil.
Distract the patient who is frustrated and
nervous
.
Psychotherapy support to
family
members.
General Measures.
Improving safety in the house, put up barriers on the stairs, locks on doors, slip - resistant mats in the bathrooms.
Identifying the bracelet with
a
patient or medal if you lose.
Medication.
Despite progress in understanding the
disease
, the therapeutic arsenal is very limited and inefficient.
Complications.
Decreased resistance to
infection
.
Cachexia (extreme malnutrition; is not related to food,
but
these patients have difficulty feeding)
Stroke
and coma.
Forecast.
Incurable.
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