Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive mental disorder that brings about changes in the brain slowly leading to dementia. Here the brain cells degenerate and die thus causing a decline in the mental functioning and memory of a person. This kind of brain disorder causes loss of social and intellectual skills of a person. In severe cases it interferes with the day-to-day activities of a person.
Alzheimer’s disease causes
- Most scientists believe that Alzheimer’s disease is caused due to increase in production and accumulation of a protein called beta-amyloid protein. The accumulation of this protein leads to nerve cell death.
- Environment factors that causes a change in the brain’s functioning can also lead to Alzheimer’s disease
- Genetic causes
- Head injury
- Lifestyle changes that causes change in the brain’s functioning can also lead to Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease symptoms
- Forgetfulness, unusual difficulty in remembering things
- Mild confusion
- Occasional memory lapse
- Disorientation day, date, etc.
- Problem with speaking and writing
- Problem in thinking and reasoning
- Decision making problems
- Depression, anxiety, mood swing and many such behavioral problems
- Problems with cognitive skills like calculating, judgment, etc
Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis
1. A physical examination and a neurological examination to check
- Muscle tone and strength
- Sense of touch and sight
- Reflexes
- Balance
- Coordination, etc.
2. Brain imaging (CT scans, MRI) to check for tumors, etc.
3. Lab tests for thyroid etc so as to rule out other possibilities for memory loss
Treating Alzheimer’s disease
- Drugs to deal with cognitive changes and memory symptoms
- Exercise
- Well balanced and nutritious food
- Life style changes that help deal with and improve the current condition
Hippocampus
The hippocampus is a vital portion of the brain that is associated with consolidation of information. It is closely associated with the cerebral cortex and is located within the medial temporal lobe. The hippocampus is important in consolidating short term and long term memory as also spacial navigation. The hippocampus is also concerned with olfactory perception. Damage to the hippocampus can lead to memory problems and disorientation and even Alzheimer's disease. This can happen due to encephalitis or any situation leading to lack of oxygen to the brain.
Anosmia
The complete loss of smell can be defined as anosmia. This condition could be temporary or permanent. Though not a serious health condition, anosmia could lead to loss of interest in food.
Anosmia causes
Loss of smell due to damage to the brain or nerves can happen due to age, brain tumor or injury, hormonal imbalance, diabetes, Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease. Nasal problems such as polyps or tumor can lead to loss of smell or impaired smell.
Anosmia treatment
Surgery can be done in case of nasal blocks. Antihistamines to treat allergies that cause loss of smell.
Bibliography / Reference
|
