Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia. It occurs when brain tissue degeneration causes a progressive deterioration in mental functioning and ability.
How does it affect someone?
Memory and the ability to think clearly are gradually lost over time. There may be a change in personality. For example, someone who used to be a calm person may become agitated or upset more easily. Behaviour problems and difficulties communicating may also occur.
Those with severe Alzheimer's may find it difficult to perform everyday tasks, such as dressing, washing and eating. As time passes they may not recognise people or their surroundings, so it's common for them to go for a walk and get lost. Other problems, such as depression, may also develop.
It's more likely to develop as people get older and affects up to one in five of those aged over 80. But it can affect younger people, with about seven in 100 people being affected by the age of 65.
Can Alzheimer's be prevented?
Although there is no definite way of preventing Alzheimer's there is some evidence that regular exercise, not being overweight, keeping cholesterol and blood pressure at normal levels, eating a healthy diet rich in the antioxidant vitamins C and E, and eating oily fish may help to prevent it.
Drugs are available that may slow the loss of mental function in mild to moderate cases of Alzheimer's disease. Treatment can be given for problems such as depression. Techniques to aid memory, such as writing lists or reminders, can be helpful in the early stages.
Support and help can be provided by social services for those with Alzheimer's disease and their caretakers, but full-time residential care may become necessary in the later stages of the disease.
Genetic factors
If someone has Alzheimer's there's a higher risk of someone else in their family developing the disease. But inherited genetic factors are responsible in only a small number of families.
When the disease is inherited, it tends to lead to early onset of Alzheimer's, usually between ages 35 and 60. One of several different genes may be at fault, such as the presenilin-1 gene on chromosome 14 or the amyloid precursor protein gene on Chromosome 21
Most cases of Alzheimer's develop later in life and the genetic link is weaker. The genes at fault here are those for apolipoprotein E. Problems with these genes increase the risk of disease but don't make it certain - other factors are involved
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