What is Alzheimer's disease?

Alzheimer's disease is a form of dementia that causes memory loss over time. The disease is characterized by the accumulation of plaques and neurofibrillary tangles that disrupt the ability of nerve cells to communicate. Gradually, nerve cells will degenerate and atrophy, leading to brain atrophy and loss of brain function.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia - a gradual decline in memory, thinking, behavior and social skills. These changes affect daily activities, thereby reducing the patient's quality of life and eventually dependence on loved ones around.

1. Memory loss and cognitive ability

Memory loss is the main symptom of Alzheimer's disease. Initially, the disease will directly affect short-term memory, the patient will not remember recent events and feel confused with new situations. Over time, long-term memory will also gradually fade.

At first, people with Alzheimer's may notice that they have difficulty remembering things and thinking clearly. As the disease progresses, they develop severe memory loss and become completely dependent on caregivers to function normally. [2]

2. Difficulty concentrating and thinking

Alzheimer's disease makes it difficult for people with Alzheimer's disease to concentrate and think, especially about numbers and abstract concepts.

For people with Alzheimer's disease, performing multi-step tasks (such as cooking, repairing, etc.) is especially difficult. Previously familiar tasks such as managing finances, paying bills on time, etc. can now become a big challenge for them.

3. Decreased ability to make rational decisions and judgments

Alzheimer's disease reduces the ability to make rational decisions and judgments in everyday situations.

For example, when it rains, they can still realize that it is raining outside but they do not think to put on a raincoat or hold an umbrella, sometimes they do not know how to handle burnt food on the stove. They can even make wrong choices, affecting themselves and those around them.

4. Forgetting how to do basic tasks

People with Alzheimer's disease can forget how to do basic tasks that they have done many times, such as talking, planning a menu and cooking a simple meal or playing a favorite game.

Language disorders are one of the typical symptoms of this group, the patient will forget the words they need to say or feel unable to find the right words to say. In the later stages of the disease, the patient even forgets the meaning of some words, making it impossible for them to understand simple conversations.

In addition, people with Alzheimer's disease can forget how to bathe and dress. At this point, they will be completely dependent on their caregivers and will not be able to do anything well on their own.

5. Personality and behavior changes

The brain changes that occur in Alzheimer's disease can affect personality and behavior. People with the disease may experience the following problems:

Depression.

Complete passivity and loss of interest in social activities.

Withdrawal from people and society.

Distrust of others.

Anger or even aggression toward those around them.

Changes in sleep habits.

Wandering.

Delusions, such as believing that something has been stolen.

6. Repeated questions

People with Alzheimer's disease may repeat a word, a question, or an action over and over again. This seems to help them feel comfortable, safe, and familiar.

They may also pace back and forth or repeat tasks that have just been completed. Although this behavior is not harmful to the patient, it can cause anxiety and stress for the caregiver.