Alzheimer’s disease (AD) stands as the foremost contributor to cognitive decline, or dementia, among the elderly. Individuals grappling with dementia due to Alzheimer’s often encounter challenges with memory, cognition, and behavior. These symptoms manifest gradually, intensifying as the disease advances and eventually impeding daily activities.
At its core, Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological disorder characterized by the progressive degeneration and demise of brain cells, leading to a steady deterioration in memory and cognitive function. AD typically initiates with the impairment of brain regions governing thought, memory, and language. Consequently, individuals afflicted with AD struggle to recall recent events or recognize familiar faces. As the disease advances, symptoms exacerbate, with affected individuals facing difficulties in routine tasks like communication, reading, writing, and personal grooming.
In advanced stages, individuals may exhibit anxiety, aggression, or wander away from home, necessitating comprehensive care. AD places substantial emotional and practical burdens on the family members of those affected.
Although AD predominantly affects older adults, typically emerging after the age of 60, it can also impact younger individuals, albeit less commonly, around 40 years of age. The risk of developing AD escalates with age. Presently, no curative treatment exists for AD. While some medications may temporarily alleviate symptom progression, a definitive cure remains elusive.