Read the text and state the signs of Alzheimer`s disease.

What is it? Alzheimer’s disease is a disorder that attacks your brain and changes your life. Its main symptom is steadily increasing memory loss. Problems with vision, language, and emotional control are also common. You may have a constant decline in abilities over five to 20 years.

About four million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease. About 360, 000 people are diagnosed with the disorder each year. Because people are living longer, age is the major risk factor. So the number of people with Alzheimer’s disease will probably grow as the population ages. The disorder claims more than 100, 000 lives per year. It is the fourth leading cause of death for adults.

What is the cause? Although a lot of time and money goes into research, we are still trying to understand the cause of Alzheimer’s disease. Inherited or genetic factors and aging seem to play an important role. We do know it is not contagious; you can’t catch it from another person.

A brain affected with Alzheimer’s disease is filled with a waxy substance. This is called “amyloid” or “plaque.” Affected nerve cells are filled with tangles of stringy material. As these tangles spread, the brain’s nerve cell connections are reduced. This usually begins in the areas of the brain that store short-term memories. Then it works into areas that control other intellectual and physical functions.

Some of these changes happen in normal aging. A much greater amount of change is found in people with Alzheimer’s disease.

What are the symptoms? Symptoms usually begin with loss of recent memories. For example, you may repeat stories in the same conversation. Or you may forget certain events. Other symptoms include:

· Trouble learning new information

· Gradually increasing confusion and disorientation

· Trouble speaking in conversations

· Personality and behavioral changes

· Misplacing objects or becoming lost in familiar neighborhoods

· Problems with judgment and common sense

· Slow movement

Over time, people forget how to perform even the simplest tasks. They are often unable to recognize faces and use common objects. Even the names of their own children or grandchildren are forgotten. Personality changes can occur, includ

· Depression

· Loss of appetite

· Insomnia

· Moodiness

· Loss of interest in usual activities

· Progressive tameness or passivity

· Agitation and restlessness

· Suspiciousness and distrust of caregivers or family members

Unfortunately, in early stages, many people fail to see these symptoms as something wrong. They may think that such behavior is a normal part of getting older. It is not. Symptoms may develop gradually and go unnoticed for a long time. And some people do not act even when they know something is wrong.

It is important to see a doctor when you suspect Alzheimer’s disease symptoms. Only a doctor can diagnose your condition correctly.

10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease. The Alzheimer’s Association has created a list of warning signs that include common symptoms of the disorder.

1. Memory loss that affects job skills. It’s normal to sometimes forget an assignment, deadline, or colleague’s name. But frequent memory problems or unexplainable confusion at home or at work may mean that something is wrong.

2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks. People with Alzheimer’s disease might make a meal and not only forget to serve it, but also forget they made it.

3. Problems with language. Everyone has trouble finding the right word sometimes. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may forget simple words or substitute wrong words. This may make his or her sentences difficult to understand.

4. Disorientation to time and place. It’s normal to momentarily forget the day of the week or what you need from the store. But people with Alzheimer’s disease can become lost on their own street. They don’t know where they are, how they got there, or how to get back home.

5. Poor or decreased judgment. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may dress incorrectly in more obvious ways, wearing a bathrobe to the store or several blouses on a hot day.

6. Problems with abstract thinking. For a person with Alzheimer’s disease, recognizing numbers or doing basic math may be impossible.

7. Misplacing things. Everyone temporarily loses a wallet or keys from time to time. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in wrong places – such as an iron in the freezer or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl – and then forget how they got there.

8. Changes in mood or behavior. People with Alzheimer’s disease tend to show fast mood swings more often for no known reason.

9. Changes in personality. People’s personalities may change a bit as they age. But a person with Alzheimer’s disease can change in a big way, either suddenly or over a period of time. Someone who is usually easy to get along with may become angry, suspicious, or fearful.

10. Loss of initiative. It’s normal to get tired of housework, business events, or social commitments. The person with Alzheimer’s disease may stay uninterested and detached from many or all of his usual activities.

How is it diagnosed? There is no simple test to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. Doctors only know for sure by examining brain tissue. This usually happens after the person has died. When Alzheimer’s disease is suspected, it is important to have a complete medical and neurological evaluation. It may include:

· A complete health history and physical examination

· Neurological and mental status tests

· Tests of blood and urine

· Electrocardiogram and chest X-rays

· Computerized tomography scan (CT), electroencephalography (EEG), or magnetic resonance image scan (MRI).

What are the treatments? Currently there are no known cures for Alzheimer`s disease, but some treatments can help handle the symptoms. There are some drugs for Alzheimer`s disease:

· Donepezil hydrochloride

· Rivastigmine

· Galatamine

These drugs block a brain chemical that breaks down acetylcholine – a substance needed for brain cells to exchange information.

Many drugs can reduce behavior changes caused by the disorder. These changes include depression, insomnia, agitation, restlessness, nervousness, hallucinations and false beliefs.

Research provide great hope. Studies of anumals have led to discoveries in our understanding of Alzheimer`s and possible new treatments/ The effects of gormones, antiinflammatory drugs, vitamin E, and other common drugs are also being examined.

Prevention. There is no proven way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. But researchers believe there are several things that you can do to help keep your brain healthy:

· Avoid harmful substances. Drinking too much alcohol and abusing drugs are damage brain cells.

· Strengthen the brain. Read books, newspapers, and magazines. Keep your brain active and learn new skills.