Alzheimer's Disease Research
Exhibiting a loss of average cognitive functioning, poor memory, and an inability to concentrate, a person with Alzheimer's disease typically displays difficulties completing normal tasks such as dressing themselves or reading a newspaper. A person with Alzheimer's may also display other symptoms such as language impediments or uncharacteristic behavioral issues.
A few of the medical symptoms of Alzheimer's disease are as follows:
- Forgetfulness
- Slurred or forgetful speech
- Mental confusion
- Difficulty completing everyday tasks
- Inability to follow directions
- Sudden changes in mood
- Inability to concentrate or focus attention
- Misplacing familiar items
While the cause of Alzheimer's disease is not yet completely understood, research strongly indicates that a buildup of specific proteins between and inside the brain's nerve cells, causes a communication malfunction between nerve,s and ultimately results in the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Recent studies suggest, however, that insulin, typically used to treat diabetes, may actually help in guarding nerve connections from the accumulation of the proteins that possibly cause Alzheimer's disease.
In cases of early-onset Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia appears to be the leading cause of younger and middle-aged adults being diagnosed with the disease. As the second most common cause of dementia, vascular dementia is also marked by a rapid decrease in memory and a loss of certain cognitive functions. The most frequent type of vascular dementia is called multi-infarct dementia or MID. Multi-infarct dementia actually originates with a series of minor strokes often caused by cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and can even be stress-related. Often, persons experiencing minor strokes due to MID are not aware of their strokes, and symptoms go unidentified and untreated until they worsen. Researchers believe that multi-infarct dementia causes Alzheimer's disease to occur at a faster pace, or worsens the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease when a person already has it.
A general overview on Alzheimer's disease can be found here:
For more information on the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, visit these websites:
Alzheimer's Disease: Signs, Symptoms, and Stages
For more information on what causes Alzheimer's disease, visit:
What Causes Alzheimer's disease?
More information on Early-onset Alzheimer's disease can be found here:
Early-onset Alzheimer's : When Symptoms Begin Before 65
Information on vascular dementia, a contributor to early-onset Alzheimer's disease, can be found here:
Vascular Dementia: Signs, Symptoms, Prognosis and Support
To learn more about Alzheimer's disease research, visit:
Johns Hopkins Alzheimer's Disease Research Center
Mayo Alzheimer's Disease Research Clinic
Alzheimer's Disease Research Information
UCLA Alzheimer's Disease Research Center
If you or someone you know appears to be experiencing the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, it is strongly advised that medical help be sought immediately in order to properly determine the exact cause of the symptoms.
