Diseases
alzheimer disease
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurologic disorder that causes the brain to shrink (atrophy) and brain cells to die. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia — a continuous decline in thinking, behavioral and social skills that affects a person's ability to function independently.
Symptoms
- memory loss is the key symptom of alzheimer's disease
- early signs include difficulty remembering recent events or conversations.
- repeat statements and questions over and over
- forget conversations, appointments or events, and not remember them later
- alzheimer's disease causes difficulty concentrating and thinking
Causes
- the exact causes of alzheimer's disease aren't fully understood. but at a basic level, brain proteins fail to function normally, which disrupts the work of brain cells
Risk factors
- age
- family history and genetics
- there are more women with disease because they generally live longer than men
Diagnosis
- lab tests
- physical and neurological exam
- brain imaging
- mental status and neuropsychological testing
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is alzheimer disease?
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurologic disorder that causes the brain to shrink (atrophy) and brain cells to die. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia — a continuous decline in thinking, behavioral and social skills that affects a person's ability to function independently.
What are the symptoms of alzheimer disease?
memory loss is the key symptom of alzheimer's disease, early signs include difficulty remembering recent events or conversations., repeat statements and questions over and over, forget conversations, appointments or events, and not remember them later, alzheimer's disease causes difficulty concentrating and thinking
What causes alzheimer disease?
the exact causes of alzheimer's disease aren't fully understood. but at a basic level, brain proteins fail to function normally, which disrupts the work of brain cells
Which medicines are used for alzheimer disease?
dhea, donepezil, galantamine, memantine, memantine-donepezil, piracetam, rivastigmine
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