Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that causes the brain to shrink (atrophy) and brain cells to die. It is the most common cause of dementia, which is a general term for a decline in cognitive ability that interferes with daily life. The disease is named after Alois Alzheimer, a German psychiatrist who first identified the condition in 1906.

Alzheimer's disease primarily affects older adults, although it can occasionally occur in younger people, known as early-onset Alzheimer's. It typically starts with mild memory loss and confusion but gradually worsens over time, leading to severe memory loss, impaired thinking, disorientation, and changes in behavior. The disease often makes it difficult for individuals to perform everyday tasks, leading to a significant loss of independence.

There is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease, and while treatments can help manage symptoms, they cannot stop or slow down the progression of the disease. Alzheimer's disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, with millions of people affected.

The exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is still not fully understood, but research has identified several factors that increase the risk of developing the disease. These factors are usually a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle-related elements.

Alzheimer’s disease has a genetic component, and people with a family history of Alzheimer’s are at an increased risk of developing the disease. Certain genes, such as the APOE ε4 allele, are associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's, although not everyone with these genes will develop the disease.

Early-onset Alzheimer's (before age 65) is often caused by specific genetic mutations that can be inherited, but this form of the disease is rare.

Abnormal Protein Deposits:

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the accumulation of two abnormal proteins in the brain: