Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer Disease is a neurological disease that affects the brain and causes memory-loss as the disease progresses, it eventually leads to death. It was first described by a german psychiatrist and neuropathologist Alois Alzheimer in 1906, as he tried to understand the cause of the disease. Until today nobody really knows how the disease is caused, and there is no cure for AD, only drugs that could slower the process of the disease. The disease starts off by affecting the Hippocampus, which is essential for forming memory and keeping the LTS active. As more neurons die in the brain, affected parts of the brain start to shrink. Abnormal proteins start to form, which are called amyloid and tau proteins, that tangle throughout the brain, replacing neurons and keeping them inactive. AD can cause language problems, memory loss and unpredictable behavior. In the BBC Movie about Alzheimer, filmed different AD affected patients that suffer from the disease over years. It shows how cruel the disease can be as it progresses. People that were affected with AD in the movie, denied the fact that they had the diseases inside them, and are afraid of the truth. Many Psychologist call it an Epidemic, an outspread disease that could affect anyone. Alzheimer usually occurs in most cases at the age of 65 and could last a decade or longer, until most of the cognitive memory is affected by it.

Here are the stages of AD as it progresses:

Mild Alzheimer’s Disease

(Source: NNDB, "Alzheimer", nd, web. October 10. 2011)

As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, memory loss worsens, and changes in other cognitive abilities are evident. Problems can include, for example, getting lost, trouble handling money and paying bills, repeating questions, taking longer to complete normal daily tasks, using poor judgment, and having some mood and personality changes. People often are diagnosed in this stage.

Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease

(Source: NNDB, "Alzheimer", nd, web. October 10. 2011)

In this stage, damage occurs in areas of the brain that control language, reasoning, sensory processing, and conscious thought. Memory loss and confusion grow worse, and people begin to have problems recognizing family and friends. They may be unable to learn new things, carry out tasks that involve multiple steps (such as getting dressed), or cope with new situations. They may have hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia, and may behave impulsively. 

Severe Alzheimer’s Disease

(Source: NNDB, "Alzheimer", nd, web. October 10. 2011)

By the final stage, plaques and tangles have spread throughout the brain, and brain tissue has shrunk significantly. People with severe Alzheimer’s cannot communicate and are completely dependent on others for their care. Near the end, the person may be in bed most or all of the time as the body shuts down.