Alzheimer's is not easy to spot for the following reasons: many people assume that it is natural for people to forget things when they get older, and that you don't feel Alzheimer's. Dementia is a state of mental decline that usually comes on bit by bit over a number of months. It involves memory, problem-solving and learning abilities, and other mental functions. .
Many health conditions can cause dementia or symptoms similar to dementia. In some cases dementia may be reversible. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. A young person who has symptoms of dementia is more likely to have a psychiatric circumstance or a substance abuse problem than premature dementia. Over time, mental impairment from dementia will become severe enough to impede with daily living activities. Alzheimer's is the most common reason for someone being sent to a nursing home. .
Alzheimer's is the fourth primary cause of death after heart disease, cancer and stroke. One, in 10 over age 65, and more than 25% over 80 have Alzheimer's. Apparently the risk is also growing for those as young as 40 or 50. A significant study noted that women that take extra Estrogen could decrease their threat of getting Alzheimer's by up to 50%. In one study, 12 elderly Alzheimer's patients were given estrogen and within two months increased their memory three fold and doubled their concentration. Alzheimer's kills about 100,000 people annually. Adults who keep reading and learning are far less likely to lose their memory or decline into senility than those who stop learning. This is in a way similar to Lamarck's theory, which an organ that goes unused will shrink or disappear. .
As Alzheimer's advances memory loss becomes more noticeable, Concentrating and paying attention becomes harder, leading to difficulties in understanding written material, Misplacing or losing valuable items, Momentary disorientation in familiar surroundings, and or some changes in personality and judgment.