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It is important to understand the difference between the general forgetfulness that often accompanies old age and the onset of Alzheimer's. It is perfectly normal for older people to exhibit forgetfulness and mild forms of some of the other symptoms of Alzheimer's. This does not in any way mean that they are in the early stages of the onset of Alzheimer's, or that they will go on to develop a full-blown, extreme case of Alzheimer's. In addition, many other conditions can cause Alzheimer's like symptoms. A diagnosis from a professional medical doctor is the only way to be sure. Alzheimers Disease DescribedAlzheimers Disease tends to affect mainly people who are older, usually over 60 years of age. However, there have been rare cases where it can affect people decades earlier, in their 302, 40s and 50s. There do not appear to be any warning signs which would tell the sufferer or his friends and family, that Alzheimers is about to strike. Alzheimers can descend without warning and may deteriorate rapidly or slowly - the sufferer has no control over this. One of the sad facts about Alzheimers is that it causes memory loss which is permanent - denying its victim their cache of memories from an earlier life. In fact, there are many similar types of dementias which can afflict people in their old age - and often some of these can be mistaken for Alzheimers. As such it is vitally important to get a proper diagnosis and to pin down the exact problem. For example, depression and Alzheimer's may be indistinguishable in a patient. Depression does not tend to be long term whereas Alzheimers is. The elderly can mistakenly be diagnosed as suffering from Alzheimers when really; the real cause of their problem is depression. If this error is made then the patient will not receive the correct treatment. Throughout the years, various studies have been carried out in a bid to find out what it is that causes Alzheimers to appear in the first place. Some of these are discussed below. In old age, patients suffer from many diseases because the immune system ceases to be as efficient as it once was. A properly functioning immune system is one which can recognise and kill alien viruses, cells and bacteria. To date there appears to be some evidence that Alzheimers may result from having some sort of immune system malfunction which then results in creating the protein which is responsible for destroying the brain tissues and cells of those afflicted with this condition. One of the more controversial theories is that eating meat could result in Alzheimers Disease. This has been rejected by the vast majority of doctors and researchers on the basis that the disease does not afflict only meat eaters. Another controversial theory is that there is a link between Aluminium and Alzheimers. This theory came about due to many post mortem findings excessive amounts of aluminium in the brain. However, some studies have shown that aluminium has a propensity to collect in the brains of older people - regardless of whether or not they go on to develop Alzheimers. Further, nearly all of us are exposed to this metal because there are vast quantities of it in nature. But studies are unable to show why this would cause a problem in some people's' brains. The above is only a snippet to read the full article, click here!
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Site MenuMore ArticlesThis Website is intended to provide assistance and information to people who are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's Disease, or who may be worried about the possible onset of Alzheimer's, or the friends, family, or relatives of those who might suffer or be at risk of suffering from Alzheimer's. While the articles on this Website were written with great care, errors or omissions may occur. The information is provided "as-is", without any warranty whether expressed or implied. All readers agree to use the information provided on this site entirely at their own risk. The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a basis for any form of diagnosis or treatment for any medical condition whatsoever - including Alzheimer's Disease. Always seek the advice of a professional medical doctor. |
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