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 Introduction:

In terms of dementia, Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent. It is a progressive illness that may cause loss of the capacity to respond to stimuli and carry on a conversation in addition to modest memory loss.

Forgetting previous discussions or occurrences is one of the disease's early symptoms. It worsens with time, leading to severe memory loss and diminished capacity for daily activities.

Medication may alleviate symptoms or delay their course. Services and programs can benefit those who are ill as well as those who care for them.

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Symptoms:

The primary sign of Alzheimer's disease is memory loss. Memory loss from recent discussions or experiences is one of the early warning signals. But as the illness worsens, memory deteriorates and new symptoms appear.


An individual suffering from the illness may initially be conscious of difficulties with memory and cognitive function. A family member or friend may be more likely to notice problems as symptoms worsen.

Causes:

Alzheimer's disease is brought on by an aberrant protein accumulation in the brain. The accumulation of tau and amyloid proteins results in the death of brain cells.

More than 100 billion nerve cells and other cells make up the human brain. In order to carry out all of the communications required for tasks like thinking, learning, remembering, and planning, nerve cells collaborate.

According to scientific theories, amyloid protein accumulates in brain cells to form plaques, which are bigger aggregates. Tangles are created by the twisted fibers of another protein known as tau. The communication between nerve cells is obstructed by these plaques and tangles, which keeps the nerve cells from performing their functions.
The signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease are brought on by the gradual but continuous death of nerve cells. Nerve cell death begins in one region of the brain (typically the hippocampus, which governs memory) and proceeds to other regions.

Scientists are still unsure of the precise source of the accumulation of these proteins despite continued investigation. So far, researchers think that early-onset Alzheimer's could be brought on by a genetic mutation. They believe that a complicated cascade of brain alterations, possibly spanning decades, is the cause of late-onset Alzheimer's. It's possible that a mix of lifestyle, environmental, and hereditary variables are to blame.

Treatment:

Two different medication kinds have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat Alzheimer's disease symptoms:

Antagonists of cholinesterase.
antagonists of NMDAs.

The first disease-modifying treatment for Alzheimer's disease, aducanumab (AduhelmTM), has received expedited approval from the FDA. The drug aids in lowering amyloid buildup in the brain.

Researchers looked explored the impact of a novel drug called aducanumab on patients with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. It might only benefit people in the beginning as a result.

Cholinesterase inhibitors:

The mild to moderate symptoms of Alzheimer's disease can be treated with the following cholinesterase inhibitors:

Aricet®, or donepezil. The FDA has also approved this for the treatment of moderate to severe AD.
and Rivastigmine, also known as Exelon.

NMDA antagonists:

The FDA has approved memantine (Namenda®) for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. It preserves the health of some brain cells.

According to studies, memantine helps Alzheimer's patients with their everyday routines, including eating, walking, using the restroom, taking a shower, and getting dressed.

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