Introduction

Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, affecting an estimated 850,000 people in the UK.

Dementia is a progressive neurological disease which affects multiple brain functions, including memory.

The exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is unknown, although a number of things are thought to increase your risk of developing the condition.

These include:

  • increasing age
  • a family history of the condition
  • previous Head injury, severe
  • lifestyle factors and conditions associated with cardiovascular disease

It's becoming increasingly understood that it's very common to have both changes of Alzheimer's and vascular dementia together (mixed dementia).

It affects multiple brain functions.

The first sign of Alzheimer's disease is usually minor memory problems. For example, this could beforgetting about recent conversations or events, and forgetting the names of places and objects.

As the condition develops, memory problems become more severe andfurther symptoms can develop, such as:

  • confusion, disorientation and getting lost in familiar places
  • difficulty planning or making decisions
  • problems with speech and language
  • problems moving around without assistance or performing self-care tasks
  • personality changes, such as becoming aggressive, demanding and suspicious of others
  • hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there) and delusions (believing things that are untrue)
  • low moodor anxiety

Many people feel that memory problems are simply a part of getting older.

However, a timely diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease can give youthe best chance to prepare and plan for the future, as well as receive any treatment or supportthat may help.

If you're worried about your memory or think you may have dementia, it's a good idea to see your GP. If you're worried about someone else, you should encourage them to make an appointment and perhaps suggest that you go along with them.

There's no single test that can be used to diagnose Alzheimer's disease. Your GP will ask questions about any problems you are experiencing and may do some tests to rule out other conditions.

If Alzheimer's disease is suspected, you may be referred to a specialist memory service to:

  • discuss the process of making the diagnosis
  • organise testing
  • create a treatment plan

However, this can vary considerably from person to person. Some people with the condition will live longer than this, but others will not.

Alzheimer's disease is a life-limiting illness, although many people diagnosed with the condition will die from another cause.

As Alzheimers disease is a progressive neurological condition, it can cause problems with swallowing. This can lead to aspiration (food being inhaled into the lungs) which can cause frequent chest infections. It's also common for people with Alzheimers disease to eventually have difficulty eating and to have a reduced appetite.

There's increasing awareness that people with Alzheimers disease need palliative care . This includes support for families, as well as the person with Alzheimer's.

Can Alzheimer's disease be prevented?

As the exact cause of Alzheimer's disease isn't clear, there's no known way to prevent the condition. However, there are things you can do that may reduce your risk or delay the onset of dementia, such as:

  • stoppingsmoking and cutting down on alcohol
  • eating a healthy, balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight
  • staying physically fit and mentally active

These measures have other health benefits, such as lowering your risk of cardiovascular disease and improving your overall mental health.

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Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 8 Jun 2016