Alzheimer’s illness is a brain condition that gradually damages memory, thinking, learning, and organizing abilities. It eventually impacts a person’s capacity to perform typical daily tasks. Alzheimer’s is the primary cause of dementia, and this impairment affects most adults over 65. Although, no known medication for this condition can stop the illness’s progression in the brain. Nonetheless, here are the warning signs, symptoms, and preventative measures for this condition to look out for.

Signs
The symptoms of this disorder differ from person to person and are determined by the severity of the illness. This condition is characterized by a gradual loss of behavior, personality, grasp of visual form and space relationships, reasoning, language, and the ability to handle complex activities. Since individuals have difficulty recognizing their mental state, the symptoms of this disorder are more evident to people close to them. Therefore, anyone displaying these symptoms should seek medical attention from a healthcare professional.

Symptoms of mild-stage Alzheimer
Symptoms appear in the early stages. The most common early warning sign is forgetting newly acquired knowledge, particularly recent events, locations, and names. Additional warning signs and symptoms include:

• Lacking in planning or organization
• Challenges in problem-solving
• Daily routine tasks take longer to complete
• Having trouble putting one’s feelings into words
• Losing or misplacing things more frequently than usual

Most people with mild AD can easily travel to familiar places and recognize faces.

Symptoms of moderate-stage Alzheimer
This is the most prolonged stage, which can last for many years. Patients in this stage require specialized care and assistance. These are a few of the signs of this illness:

• Forgetting helpful information such as a phone number, a school location, or an address
• Confusion about dates, weeks, months, and days
• A lack of short-term memory
• Difficulty in identifying friends and family
• Need help with basic math
• Require help with self-care tasks like grooming, showering, restroom use, and bathing
• More personality changes, such as agitation or outbursts, are evident. For example, they could exhibit anxiety, apathy, or depression as the illness worsens
• Difficulty sleeping

Causes
This disorder is caused by an abnormal protein buildup in the brain. Tau and beta-amyloid protein accumulation cause the death of brain cells. More than 100 billion neurons and other cells make up the human brain. The nerve cells carry out all the communications required for thinking, learning, remembering, and planning.
Amyloid protein has been found to collect inside brain cells into larger masses known as plaques. Tau, a different protein, tangles into twisted strands. These plaques and tangles limit the function of nerve cells by preventing them from interacting with one another. The slow and constant loss of nerve cells causes the signs and symptoms of this condition.

Diagnosis
Healthcare professionals use various techniques to determine whether a patient with memory problems has Alzheimer’s disease. It is essential to distinguish this ailment from other illnesses because many illnesses, including dementia, exhibit symptoms like these. A provider begins by getting more information about the patient’s health and way of life through questions. They might also speak with close friends and family to better comprehend and diagnose the patient’s condition. Finally, they consider several things, such as general health, current medications, medical history, the ability to perform daily tasks, and adjustments in mood, behavior, and personality. The healthcare provider can also carry out the following tests:

• Conduct a neurological and physical exam
• Conduct a mental health exam that includes language, basic math, problem-solving, memory, and attention tests
• Other standard medical tests, such as blood and urine tests, may be performed to rule out other potential causes of the symptoms
• Other brain imaging tests, such as a CT scan, MRI, or positron emission tomography, can be performed to confirm an Alzheimer’s diagnosis or rule out other possible illnesses

Treatment options
Because the death of brain cells cannot be stopped, there is currently no known treatment for this disorder. On the other hand, treatments can reduce symptoms and enhance the patient’s quality of life and that of their loved ones and caregivers. Treatment options include taking part in support groups and services, managing coexisting conditions, enrolling in daycare programs, and engaging in Alzheimer’s-related activities.

Prevention techniques
Although this disorder cannot be avoided, several risk factors in one’s lifestyle can be modified to postpone its onset. Changing one’s daily eating, exercise, and behavior patterns can lower one’s risk of developing this illness. A few lifestyle changes include regular exercise, eating fresh vegetables, using healthy oils, maintaining healthy blood pressure, and controlling cholesterol. Playing board games, making art, dancing, and participating in other mental and social activities can all help prevent this illness’s onset.