Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Alzheimer's Disease?
Question: Hi I am a chaplain who minister to people with dementia and altheizemers. (sp) What is the cause of the disease and how best can we take care of these precious people.
Brief Answer:
Management and pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for trusting HealthcareMagic
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder.
The pathophysiology of Alzheimer's is due to deposition of amyloid plaques in brain resulting on degenerative changes on brain. CT scan shows marked atrophy and decreased volume of brain in people with Alzheimer's.
Initial presentation is with short term memory loss and followed by progressive loss of brain function. About 70% of cases have genetic predisposition.
There is nothing you can do to avoid or trigger Alzheimer's. Medications like do donepezil and memantine will slow down progression of the disease.Antipsychotic medications are sometimes used to treat aggression and agitation in Alzheimer's.
Occupational therapy to help with activities of daily living is also important. In advanced cases, assisted living is the best option.
Hope this answers your question
Pleaseaddress further questions here
Regards
Dr.Lekshmi
Management and pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for trusting HealthcareMagic
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder.
The pathophysiology of Alzheimer's is due to deposition of amyloid plaques in brain resulting on degenerative changes on brain. CT scan shows marked atrophy and decreased volume of brain in people with Alzheimer's.
Initial presentation is with short term memory loss and followed by progressive loss of brain function. About 70% of cases have genetic predisposition.
There is nothing you can do to avoid or trigger Alzheimer's. Medications like do donepezil and memantine will slow down progression of the disease.Antipsychotic medications are sometimes used to treat aggression and agitation in Alzheimer's.
Occupational therapy to help with activities of daily living is also important. In advanced cases, assisted living is the best option.
Hope this answers your question
Pleaseaddress further questions here
Regards
Dr.Lekshmi
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
