Alzheimer's disease is a progressive condition that damages parts of the brain. Alzheimer's disease symptoms affect memory, judgment, behavior, intelligence, and language.
Alzheimer's disease has no known cure and worsens over time. It is the sixth leading cause of death and the United States. Survival after an Alzheimer's disease diagnosis can range from 4 to 20 years. The average patient lives for eight years after symptoms become noticeable.
Specific Alzheimer's disease symptoms include:
- Difficulty remembering newly learned information
- Serious memory loss
- Confusion and disorientation about events, time and place
- Mood and behavior changes
- Unfounded suspicions about family, friends, and caregivers
- Problems with speaking, swallowing, and walking
What causes Alzheimer's disease symptoms?
The research into the cause of Alzheimer's disease and its symptoms is ongoing, but scientists believe the disease prevents certain brain cells from functioning normally. Researchers suspect that two abnormal structures in the brain – plaques and tangles – may be principally responsible for damaging and killing brain nerve cells. Plaques are deposits of a protein fragment that build up in the spaces between nerve cells, while tangles are twisted fibers of another protein that build up inside cells. Most people have some plaques and tangles as they get older, but those with Alzheimer's tend to have far more. It's unclear what role the structures play in the cause of Alzheimer's disease, but some experts believe they are involved in blocking communication between nerve cells and interrupting processes that cells require to survive.
Diagnosing Alzheimer's disease symptoms at BWH
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) have made groundbreaking discoveries in Alzheimer's research over the past 30 years. The BWH Alzheimer Center in the Department of Neurology Services provides a comprehensive program that involves laboratory research, clinical trials, and patient care to advance the prevention of Alzheimer's and treatment of Alzheimer's disease symptoms.
