Dementia is a term for memory loss and other mental abilities. The physical brain changes are so severe that they interfere with everyday life. Dementia comes in many forms, the most common type of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that causes memory and behavioral issues. My research will give an understanding to those who don’t know about the disease or want to gain more knowledge about Alzheimer’s. This disease is not a normal part of aging.
People that suffer from the disease range the age of 65 or older, but in some cases much younger. People with Alzheimer’s can live from 4 to 20 years with the disease, but there are many risk factors in developing the disease. It is believed that Alzheimer’s results from major factors that affect the brain: Environmental/Lifestyle and Genetic. Lack of exercise, smoking, and eating habits are examples of lifestyle factors that increase chances of Alzheimer’s disease. It has also been shown that Women may be more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease, because they live longer than men.
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There several warning signs and stages of Alzheimer's, and sometimes are mistaken for other illnesses. Loss of memory, poor judgment, behavioral & personality changes, communication, planning & organizing, and disorientation. Diagnosing the disease can be quite difficult. Doctors have to do extensive medical evaluation because there isn’t a test to determine if someone has Alzheimer’s. Some test include: neurological exam (CT, MRI, and PET), physical exam, mental status, and extensive review of medical history. Once a person has been diagnosed, the next steps are treatment