Overview

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder and the most prevalent aetiology of dementia. It affects memory, thought, behaviour, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. The disease starts when abnormal protein deposits build up in the brain, which slowly kills brain cells and their connections. Alzheimer's disease usually starts out slowly, with small memory problems, and gets worse over time. It mostly affects older people, but it can also happen in younger people. There is no cure, but early detection and treatment can help slow symptom progression and improve quality of life.

Symptoms
Some early signs are forgetting things, having trouble recalling what just happened, and having trouble finding words. As the disease gets worse, people may feel confused, have mood swings, make bad decisions, lose their sense of direction, and have trouble doing things they used to do. In the later stages, patients may be unable to speak, recognize loved ones, or care for themselves.

Causes
Alzheimer's disease is caused by a mix of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Beta-amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles build up in the brain in an unusual way, which hurts nerve cells. The biggest risk factor is getting older, but having a family history, a head injury, heart disease, or poor brain health can also raise the risk.

Diagnosis
A thorough medical history, cognitive and memory tests, and a neurological exam are part of the diagnostic process. MRI or CT scans of the brain can help rule out other reasons for dementia. Blood tests and, in some cases, specialized imaging or spinal fluid analysis may help confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment
The goal of treatment is to slow the progression of symptoms and make daily life easier. Some patients may find that medications help with memory loss and other cognitive problems. Supportive care, including cognitive therapy, structured routines, and environmental changes, is very important. It's also important to take care of other health problems like depression, anxiety, and trouble sleeping. Teaching caregivers and giving them emotional support are important parts of treatment. Alzheimer's disease gets worse over time, but early treatment and timely care can greatly improve the quality of life for both patients and caregivers.