Forgetfulness: A Disorder
June 13, 2009
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a degenerative mental disorder in which progressive brain deterioration and dementia occurs. It is seen frequently after 60 years of age (senile dementia), though rare occurrence in the young age (pre-senile dementia) is also possible. Women are more affected than men.
It is the most common form of dementia having a slow onset. Hereditary influence is seen in almost 50% of the cases. Other causes include normal aging process and reaction to aluminium metal. Low educational level acts as a risk factor.
Amnesia (forgetfulness) is the first sign followed by agitation, language deficit and depression. No neurological signs are present usually but some symptoms such as expressionless face may be seen. Other features include apraxia (inability to perform skilled movements), acalculia (abnormal perception of space), anhedonia (decline in intellectual capacity), anxiety, restlessness and progressive cognitive impairment.
The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is made on the clinical aspects and physical examination after ruling out other similar psychiatric disorders. Biological marker associated with the risk of AD is ApoE, whose detection helps to rule out other causes of dementia.
No specific drug therapy is there for treating AD. However, some drugs are prescribed symptomatically. Treatment comprises of supportive therapy.
Exercises are advised to reduce restlessness. Occupational therapy and music therapy are also useful for the patient. The environment surrounding the patient must be carefully observed for safety and security reasons. Nutritional deficiencies (if any) must be treated. Medical complications and drug use are to be monitored by the family of the patient. Alzheimer special care groups are also present in the society.
Complications may occur in case of agitation and unco-operativeness on behalf of the patient. Metabolic infections, dehydration etc may occur.
Survival rate is about 5-10 years after the onset of symptoms. Death occurs due to secondary infections such as aspiration pneumonia etc.
It is important to differentiate between normal memory loss that comes with aging and that which is caused by diseases such as Alzheimer’s. This would go some way in identifying the onset of mental diseases early, which can help arrest their progress at least somewhat.