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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"Alzheimer" redirects here. For the German neuropathologist, see Alois Alzheimer. For other uses, see Alzheimer (disambiguation).
Alzheimer's disease
Classification and external resources
Comparison of a normal aged brain (left) and an Alzheimer's patient's brain (right). Differential characteristics are pointed out.
ICD-10
G30., F00.
ICD-9
331.0, 290.1
OMIM
104300
DiseasesDB
490
MedlinePlus
000760
eMedicine
neuro/13
MeSH
D000544
Alzheimer's disease (AD), also called Alzheimer disease or simply Alzheimer's, is the most common form of dementia. This incurable, degenerative and terminal disease was first described by German psychiatrist Alöis Alzheimer in 1901. Generally it is diagnosed in people over 65 years of age,[1] although the less-prevalent early-onset Alzheimer's can occur much earlier. An estimated 26.6 million people worldwide were afflicted by Alzheimer's in 2006; this number may quadruple by 2050.[2]
Although each sufferer experiences Alzheimer's in unique ways, there are many common symptoms.[3] The earliest observable symptoms are often mistakenly thought to be 'age-related' concerns, or manifestations of stress.[4] The most commonly recognised early symptom is memory loss, such as difficulty in remembering recently learned facts. When a doctor or physician has been notified, and AD is suspected, the diagnosis is usually confirmed with behavioural assessments and cognitive tests, often followed by a brain scan if available.[5] As the disease advances, symptoms include confusion, irritability and aggression, mood swings, language breakdown, long-term memory loss, and the general withdrawal of the sufferer as his senses decline.[4][6] Gradually, minor and major bodily functions are lost, ultimately leading to death.[7] Individual prognosis is difficult to assess, as the duration of the disease varies. AD develops for an indeterminate period of time before becoming fully apparent, and it can progress undiagnosed for years. The mean life expectancy following diagnosis is approximately seven years.[8] Fewer than three percent of individuals live more than fourteen years after diagnosis.[9]
The cause and progression of Alzheimer's disease are not well understood. Research indicates that the disease is associated with plaques and tangles in the brain.[10] Currently used treatments offer a small symptomatic benefit; no treatments to delay or halt the progression of the disease are as yet available. As of 2008, more than 500 clinical trials were investigating possible treatments for AD, but it is unknown if any of them will prove successful.[11] Many measures have been suggested for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease, but their value is unproven in slowing the course and reducing the severity of the disease. Mental stimulation, exercise and a balanced diet are often recommended, as both a possible prevention and a sensible way of managing the disease.[12]
Because AD cannot be cured and is degenerative, management of patients is essential. The role of the main caregiver is often taken by the spouse or a close relative.[13] Alzheimer's disease is known for placing a great burden on caregivers; the pressures can be wide-ranging, involving social, psychological, physical and economic elements of the caregiver's life.[14][15][16] In developed countries, AD is one of the most economically costly diseases to society.[17][18]
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