Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is caused by a loss of brain cells, thought to be related to an imbalance in the chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) in the brain it is the most common type of dementia. A lot of research has been devoted to Alzheimer's disease in recent years. Unfortunately, a cure is still a long way off.

Alzheimer's disease tends to progress, deteriorate and lead to death within 7 to 10 years. This progress of the illness varies a lot between individuals, and for some the illness may progress slowly over many years and for others it is more rapid. In the later stages of the illness, sufferers lose insight and may not be aware of their plight and this causes particular concern for those looking after the sufferer.

How are people affected?

Over time, their mental abilities deteriorate, gradually progressing through forgetting important matters, getting confused about where they are and what day it is, to becoming lethargic and withdrawn and starting to neglect personal hygiene.

The sufferer may tend to dwell in the past and become confused about people and places. Conversation may become repetitive and the personality may alter as people develop odd or uncharacteristic behaviour.

It is important that any elderly person who is concerned about whether they may be getting Alzheimer's disease sees their family doctor and receives a full medical assessment. This is because a number of other treatable conditions can appear to represent the onset of Alzheimer's, conditions such as forgetfulness. A sufferer may become depressed and agitated all which can be helped by medicines.