Alzheimer's Disease
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Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by a loss of cognitive function and deterioration of one’s ability to perform daily tasks. AD is the most common cause of dementia (an umbrella term that describes a collection of symptoms caused by neurodegenerative diseases).
As a person gets older (65 and above), their risk of developing AD increases due to age-related changes in the brain that contribute to its onset.
Causes
A variety of factors contribute to AD, including family history (immediate family members of individuals with AD are at a higher risk of developing the disease themselves), genetics, lifestyle (e.g., smoking, poor diet, physical inactivity), and environmental influences.
At the neuronal level, Alzheimer’s disease is caused by the buildup of two types of proteins—amyloid plaques between neurons and tau tangles inside neurons—which lead to reduced neuronal communication and cell death.
Symptoms
Early signs of AD include:
memory loss
difficulty thinking, planning, or solving problems
getting lost in familiar areas
confusion with time or place
problems with speaking or writing
poor judgment
mood or personality changes
As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:
trouble controlling bladder/bowels
changes in sleep patterns
changes in personality or behavior
changes in physical abilities (walking, sitting, swallowing)
loss of verbal communication
Treatment
There is no cure for AD yet, so treatments focus on managing symptoms. For example, certain medications are able to improve cognitive function. Lifestyle changes like physical exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can support brain health and manage symptoms.
Alzheimer’s in History: Ronald Reagan
As the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan achieved breakthroughs in foreign policy during the Cold War and implemented economic policies that spurred long-term growth. On November 5, 1994, Reagan (age 83) announced that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Through a heartfelt letter to the American public, he hoped to promote greater awareness of AD and reduce the stigma surrounding the disease. Following his announcement, the Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Institute was established in 1995 to accelerate funding, awareness, and research for Alzheimer’s. Today, Reagan is remembered as a transformational president whose leadership revitalized the national economy and restored American morale, and whose courage in sharing his diagnosis brought national attention to Alzheimer’s disease.
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