What causes Alzheimer's?
FAQ's - Alzheimers-MDThe exact cause is unknown, however, there are many theories. Some of these include: decreased or altered levels of certain neurotransmitters within the brain, a blood protein known as apoE that appears to be altered, leading to nerve cell damage, the possible interaction of this protein with heavy metals such as aluminum, mercury, and other elements such as iron, zinc and calcium leading to plaque formation, as well as an imbalance of brain chemicals.
Related QuestionsAlzheimer’s Research Foundation ::Ans: There is a Nobel Prize in store for whoever can explain this fully. Thus far we know there is a genetic component, a slow-acting virus, and environmental factors. Each factor functions as an 'enabling switch', which is to say those with Alzheimer's have the gene(s) for it, but not all with the gene will develop Alzheimer's.Related Questions
Bad links as of 10/18/01Currently, Alzheimer's disease cannot be diagnosed with 100 percent certainty until a brain autopsy after the person's death reveals the disease's characteristic anatomical abnormalities (neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques). Compared with people who do not have atherosclerosis, the arterial narrowing at the root of heart attack and many strokes, those with severe atherosclerosis are three times more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease.Related Questions
What are the most common causes of Alzheimer's disease and dementia?
Dementia24x7The slowly progressing destruction of nerve cells in the brain leads to the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. It is a natural phenomenon to loose a certain number of nerve cells during ageing but this loss occurs much more rapidly in people suffering from Alzheimer's disease. As a result the patient's brain ceases to function normally. In rare cases, the disease is caused by genetic changes (mutations). In these cases symptoms usually occur before the age of 60 and progress rapidly.
Related QuestionsWhat causes Alzheimer's disease?
Alzheimer's Disease, SVCMC; New York NYThe main factor that raises your risk for Alzheimer's disease is getting older. About 6 out of 100 people over 65 years and 30 out of 100 of people over 90 years have some form of dementia.1 People rarely have dementia before age 60. It is not clear why these changes in the brain occur, but research to discover the cause of Alzheimer's disease is ongoing.
Related QuestionsAlzheimer's DiseaseAlzheimer's disease happens because of changes in the brain. These include lower levels of chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) that help brain cells work properly. What causes these changes is not clear. The risk of getting Alzheimer's disease increases as you get older. But this does not mean that everyone will get it. By age 85, about 35 out of 100 of people have some form of dementia1. That means 65 out 100 don't have it. Dementia is rare before age 60.Related Questions
Frequently Asked Questions - Alzheimer'sIn normal aging there is some brain shrinkage. However, in Alzheimer's disease the brain shrinkage is greater. The brain nerve cells stop functioning, loose connections with other nerve cells and die. Researchers believe a number of different factors interact to cause Alzheimer's disease.Related Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Alzheimer's DiseaseScientists are still not certain. Age and family history have been identified as potential risk factors. Researchers are exploring the role of genetics in the development of Alzheimer's, but most agree the disease is likely caused by a variety of factors. Each year, scientists are uncovering important new clues about potential causes of the disease, which is helping to generate more accurate diagnostic tests and better treatment options for affected individuals.Related Questions
What causes Alzheimer Disease?
Alzheimer Society of OxfordWhile we do not know the exact cause, there are several factors which may make a person more prone to developing Alzheimer Disease. These risk factors include increasing age, family history, head injury, low levels of education, Down Syndrome and history of strokes.
Related QuestionsWhat is Alzheimer's disease?
Wisconsin Comprehensive Memory Program—Frequently Aske...Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, neurological disorder characterized by a decline in cognitive function that results in dementia (impaired memory, thinking, and reasoning). Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of memory loss (dementia), affecting approximately 4 million people in the United States. Unless a cure is found the number of persons affected in the US alone could reach 14 million by the year 2050.
Related QuestionsFAQ's - Alzheimers-MDAlzheimer's disease is a degenerative disorder of the brain that causes progressive deterioration of memory, comprehension, intellectual function and behavior. Eventually, most people with this disease become totally impaired and need constant care.Related Questions
How is Alzheimer's diagnosed?
FAQ's - Alzheimers-MDA "probable" diagnosis can be made with 90 percent accuracy by using some diagnostic tools to rule out other forms of dementia. A complete medical history and physical exam are performed. Since memory is affected early in the disease progression, including information from family members is usually helpful. Blood and urine samples are tested to determine if another disease may be causing symptoms, and neuropsychological testing to determine memory, attention span, and other cognition skills.
Related QuestionsWhy should I participate in a support group? Q: What causes Alzheimer's Disease?
Alzheimer's Disease Association of Kern CountyScientists still are not certain. Age and family history have been identified as potential risk factors. Researchers are exploring the role of genetics in the development of Alzheimer's, but most agree the disease is likely caused by a variety of factors. Each year, scientists are uncovering important new clues about potential causes of the disease, which is helping to generate more accurate diagnostic tests and better treatment options for affected individuals.
Related QuestionsWhat are the Causes?
Psoriasis Help Organisation - Online ForumCy, JUDGE DREDD, Madtoscratch, Lianne, lutece, SueB, akesingland, riaY, bryndavell, Groovygirl, david_8, SJ, Terrimayormaynot, jjoblogs1, anglichanin, Tom_B, bubble, TrishR, squoink, GATTACA, willy, Roger, margurita_simpson, snowy, beacon, LyndsayA, stripe77, Snow Surfer, lighthearted The material has been extracted from Psoriasis at your fingertips by Dr Tim Mitchell & Rebecca Penzer (Class Publishing).
Related QuestionsQuality Health | Skin Cancer, NonmelanomaNonmelanoma skin cancer is usually caused by too much sun. Using tanning beds or sunlamps too much can also cause it.Related Questions
Frequently Asked QuestionsCopyright © 2002-2005 Health Information Publications. The information provided on this Web site has been developed exclusively by and for Health Information Publications and ehealthMD and may not be copied without written permission. The information provided is for general information only and is not intended to replace the advice of your health-care provider. This is original material developed by Health Information Publications, Copyright © 1990-2005Related Questions
Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin TypesA: The term "ichthyosis" refers to a group of disorders caused by a genetic defect which may have been spontaneous (due to a mutation of a gene) or passed on through family inheritance. The skin's natural shedding process is slowed or inhibited and, in some forms of ichthyosis, the production of skin cells is too rapid.Related Questions
Vulvodynia: Vulvar Pain Clinics: FAQ's Vestibulitis, Vestibu...The precise cause of Vulvodynia is unknown. Some of the theories on causality include: a viral, fungal or bacterial infection; an allergic response to an environmental irritant; an autoimmune response to the body’s own chemistry; trauma; or the result of pelvic floor muscle instability. There is no clear connection of Vulvodynia to sexually transmitted disease as many of the young women affected are not yet sexually active.Related Questions
Vanishing Twin Syndrome - Answers to Frequently Asked Questi...Just as there is no clear attributable cause for most miscarriages, there aren't always reasons or explanations for the loss of a fetus in a multiple pregnancy. In some cases, the fetus is inviable due to chromosomal or placental abnormalities. Some studies suggest that because these abnormalities are more common in older women, Vanishing Twin Syndrome occurs more often in mothers of advanced age.Related Questions
Psoriasis Help Organisation - Online ForumriaY, ivano, SueB, Lianne, Annie G, margurita_simpson, david_8, sandy1, FelicityHelen, SPOTTY MUNCHKIN, Cy, elgrande, aimee26, GyZim, Aginoth, stewart_h, veronique, jjoblogs1, lkm, akesingland, Scofz, mattellie, Diletta The material has been extracted from Psoriasis at your fingertips by Dr Tim Mitchell & Rebecca Penzer (Class Publishing). Permission has been granted by Class Publishing to reproduce these extracts from their bookRelated Questions
What is early stage Alzheimer's disease?
facts for health--alzheimer's--frequently asked questionsIn its mild or early stage, Alzheimer's disease (AD) may be overlooked both by individuals developing AD and by those around them. Lack of awareness may be an early AD symptom, although some are keenly aware of diminished memory and thinking abilities. Family and friends may ignore early symptoms hoping they will not progress or because they think nothing can be done to treat AD.
Related QuestionsWhat is middle stage Alzheimer's disease?
facts for health--alzheimer's--frequently asked questionsMiddle stage or moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) involves a worsening of the symptoms of early AD, the appearance of new symptoms or both. Obvious impairment of comprehension and judgment often emerge. Dangerous behaviors (e.g., auto accidents if the person is still driving, physical aggressiveness, forgetting to turn off appliances or take medications) make it clear that something is seriously wrong.
Related QuestionsWhat is late stage Alzheimer's disease?
facts for health--alzheimer's--frequently asked questionsThe late stage or severe Alzheimer's disease (AD) involves further progression of the signs and symptoms of early and middle stage AD. It is important to search for correctable conditions, especially when a change is sudden. As severity increases, the person with AD can no longer provide self-care, often requiring help with personal activities of daily living such as dressing, eating and going to the bathroom. Memory is very poor or gone altogether.
Related QuestionsWhich Alzheimer's disease medication should I start on?
facts for health--alzheimer's--frequently asked questionsThe choice of a specific medication is something for you and your clinician to decide, based on a number of factors. In general, FDA-approved cholinesterase inhibitors are tried first, and more than one of them may be tried before moving to other classes of medications. How much you benefit and how well you tolerate a medication are important in deciding whether to continue that medication or switch to another medication.
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