What Happens When Alzheimer's Disease Strikes Your Loved One?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Nathanael_Eisenberg]Nathanael Eisenberg
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. It is a physical illness which causes big changes in the brain. People suffering from Alzheimer's experience healthy brain tissue degenerating, causing a memory decline, and an inability to use their brain to perform tasks.
As time goes on, a person with Alzheimer's is unable to remember, speak, or think clearly. Sadly, these patients are often restless. A total personality change and the inability to perform even the simplest of tasks are a tell-tale sign of Alzheimer's.
If you suspect a loved one of having Alzheimer's disease, it is wise to visit a doctor to have them tested. Early diagnosis is critical with this disease. Available treatment options may improve the quality of a patient's life and delay Alzheimer's stages.
Unfortunately, AD is is today not treatable. It is an irreversible brain disease with no cure. Age is the most common risk factor. Heredity seems to be more common in early-onset Alzheimer's (before the age of 65).
Alzheimer's disease gets worse over time. As the disease progresses, the people who suffer from it depend totally on being cared for by others. Their symptoms and how badly they occur vary among individuals.
There are three stages of Alzheimer's disease; mild, moderate, and severe. Every stage can last for several years or more, so it is helpful to understand what stage your loved one is in. Caregivers must be educated in how to understand what stage the patient is in.
� Early stage AD is when the person asks the same questions or repeats stories throughout the day and forgets meetings or errands.
� Mid stage Alzheimer's starts with the patient constantly repeating the same questions and stories throughout the day
� Late stage finds the patient unable to speak or recognize any close family members. They tend to wander and get lost.
We still do not know what exactly causes the deterioration of brain cells with the disease.   rel=nofollow [http://www.cognifit.com/alzheimer-disease]Alzheimer's patients have two indicators called plaques and tangles. As these structures spread through the brain, they kill nerve cells, shrinking entire regions of the brain.
It is important for caregivers of patients to be reassured that they are not alone and that help is available. Look for local support groups in your area. Learning as much as you can about Alzheimer's disease may also help you cope and find alternative solutions.
It is also important to try to prevent the onset of the disease by having a proper nutrition, exercising regularly your body and also training your brain with a scientifically validated brain training program. You want to keep your brain challenged throughout your life to ensure your cognitive abilities are constantly working.
Nathanael Eisenberg is the CEO of CogniFit, a company that develops software which measure and train cognitive abilities. We help people discover new insights about themselves and decide what to improve in their life.
The rapid growth of scientific knowledge around the brain creates new opportunities to help tackle some of the major challenges of the early part of the 21st century. Nathanael's goal is to participate in the search of some of these additional solutions.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Happens-When-Alzheimers-Disease-Strikes-Your-Loved-One?&id=6596840] What Happens When Alzheimer's Disease Strikes Your Loved One?