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It is a progressive deterioration in mental ability due to degeneration of brain
tissues.
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Q.2) Whom does it affect the most?
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It affects the most, people above the age of 65 years.
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Q.3) How does Alzheimer's disease progress? |
Ans: In this
disease:
- Brain cells gradually degenerate
- Deposits of an abnormal protein builds up in the brain.
- The brain tissue shrinks
- There is a progressive loss of mental abilities, known as dementia.
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Q.4)What are the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease? |
Ans: Symptoms are
- Progressive memory loss (long and short term).
- Poor concentration.
- Difficulty in understanding both written and spoken language.
- Wandering and getting lost, even in familiar surroundings.
- Impaired social functioning
- Impairment in one or other areas of cognitive functioning
- Abstract thinking
- Judgement
- Visuo-spatial function
- Language
- Agnosia (loss of comprehension of sensations)
- Personality change
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Q.5) What are the related signs? |
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Ans:
The related signs are abnormal mental status.
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Q.6)What investigations are done? |
Ans: The tests conducted are
- Complete Blood Count
- Urine-analysis
- Bio-chemical profile
- TSH levels
- Folate and Vit.B12 levels
- FTA-ABS
- Lumbar Puncture
- EEG
- CT scan of brain
- MRI
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Q.7) What are the treatment measures? |
Ans: The
Treatment measure followed are:-
Drugs generally used are
- Cholinesterase inhibitors
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Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's)
- Tricylic antidepressants
- Anxiolytics (short-acting)
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Benzodiazepines (short-acting)
Non-medicinal help is in the form of
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Memory-aids such as notebooks and posted daily reminders
- Pleasant family atmosphere and emotional support.
- Safe atmosphere in the house.
- Driving must be prohibited.
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Constant communication and repeated reassurance is necessary.
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Hospital admission may be necessary, in some cases.
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Q.8) What are the associated factors/risk factors?
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Ans: Major Risk Factors are
- Advanced age.
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Positive family history of :
Alzheimer's Disease,
Other types of Dementia,
Down's syndrome.
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