Causes, symptons and treatment of Alzheimer disease.

This disease is a progressive and fatal disease which destroys brain cells, causing memory problem. The symptoms of this disease occur when nerve cells break connection with other neurons and they also have protein deposits in and around the neurons, which disrupts the function of the neurons. Age is the most significant risk factor and it also includes a family history of the diseases. People suffering from this disease cannot get back their memories back as they have already lost those neurons.
Stages of Alzheimer disease –

Early stage – At this stage, the symptoms are mild and may include problems relating to remembering recent events. Friends and families will notice these symptoms.

Mid stage – At this stage the patient will always depend on others for their daily activities like eating, dressing or using bathroom. They will be unable to remember essential information such as their own address or telephone number. They will also be confused about their own identity and what day, month or year it is. They begin to experience personality and behavioural changes.

Late stage – In the last stage, the symptoms become severe and they require major assistance for their daily activities. They will lose the ability to understand the language, recognize their family members or their own name, they will need assistance to walk, sit and stand. They will find it difficult to swallow thereby increasing the risk of choking or developing pneumonia.

During the past decade there has been an explosive growth in scientific understanding of the disease. Researchers have identified the specific brain changes and they are exploring as to how and why they occur and how they can be stopped. They have found many new treatments to cure this disease like Stem cell therapy and Gene therapy.
Stem cell therapy – by injecting stem cells, one can slow down or put an end to the regression of the symptoms of Alzheimer. It can also improve the quality of life in their terminal years.

Gene therapy – the nerve growth factor also known as (NGF) stimulates the function and prevents the death of the cholinergic neurons in the brain, which degenerates in people with AD.