Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative neurological illness characterized by memory loss and declining thinking skills.  It is the most common example of a family of brain and memory disorders called dementia. 

 What Cause Alzheimer?

Alzheimer's is caused by a loss of brain cells, as well as changes in the cerebral cortex (the outer layer of the brain). An accumulation of tangled fibers and/or plaques forms around the nerves in the cerebral cortex. It is unknown why the tangled fibers and plaques develop in the brain.

Research shows that there may be different genetic and no genetic causes. Some genes cause the disease to appear early in life, while other genes predispose a person to the disease but require a trigger such as stroke, head trauma, or clogged arteries.

Symptoms

The first symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer disease are usually mild forgetfulness. People begin to have difficulty with short-term memory for recent events, activities, or the names of familiar people or things. As the disease progresses, these symptoms begin to occur with increasing frequency.

Mild symptoms include, confusion and memory loss, disorientation with time and getting lost in familiar surroundings, difficulty performing routine tasks, noticeable changes in personality, judgment, focus and attention.

Intermediate symptoms include, increased difficulty performing the normal activities of daily living, such as feeding and bathing; increased anxiety and agitation, disturbed sleep patterns; wandering and pacing, increased difficulty with name and face recognition of family and friends.