This is the first symptom of Alzheimer’s disease to look out for.
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Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that mainly affects the cognitive functions of the brain such as memory, thinking and behavior. According to experts in the field, this is the most common form of dementia, which is the progressive loss of the ability to carry out daily activities.
It must be borne in mind that most people who begin to suffer from this disease are elderly people, that is, 65 years or more. According to various studies, one in nine people in this age group has Alzheimer’s disease.
Regarding its symptoms, it should be noted that, unlike other diseases, they do not appear immediately and, conversely, may not be noticeable in the early stages. Thus, you must be aware of certain types of alarms. Which?
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There are currently several treatments that can help manage symptoms and slow their progression. However, there is currently no definitive cure for Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, research on this disease does not stop in search of a better understanding of its causes, methods for early diagnosis and possible treatments.
It is worth noting that medications are not the only treatment option for this condition. The list contains:
Medicines: its purpose is to temporarily improve cognitive symptoms and memory. Some of them are: donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine and memantine.
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Cognitive Therapies: The idea behind doing them is to maintain and improve cognitive skills. These may include memory and problem solving exercises and tests designed to maintain independence in activities of daily living.
Psychological support: People with Alzheimer’s disease should also receive therapy aimed at managing psychological symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and agitation. In addition, this support is useful not only for patients, but also for their caregivers who have to cope with emotional stress.
Support for carersA: As mentioned, caregivers also need support. In this sense, it may be helpful for them to attend support groups. This will help them better understand the disease, but above all, not feel alone in a society that does not fully understand this condition.
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ongoing investigations: Several studies are currently underway to find new treatments. Targeted therapies to reduce the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain, as well as immunotherapy and gene therapy, are already being studied.
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In addition, it must be taken into account that the progression of the stages of Alzheimer’s disease may vary in duration and manifestation. Each patient may experience the stages differently. People with Alzheimer’s may stay in one stage for an extended period of time, or may progress through the stages rapidly.