Alzheimer's Research Trust
Alzheimer's Research Trust - funding research into Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.: "The Alzheimer's Research Trust is funding the best major research projects to make a difference"Definition: Alzheimer's disease is the commonest cause of dementia, accounting for about 65% of dementia in the elderly. Dementia due to narrowing of the brain's blood vessels (vascular dementia) and Lewy body dementia make up most of the remainder. Rarely, dementia can be reversed, for example if it is due to thyroid hormone deficiency or deficiency of vitamin B-12 or folic acid. It is therefore important that all patients with dementia are screened for these treatable causes.
In some cases of Alzheimer's disease, mental decline may occur relatively rapidly whilst in others the loss of cognitive ability may be more gradual. Alzheimer's disease shortens the life span and, although patients may live for as many as 15 years after diagnosis, the average period to death (usually from an infection) is about 8 years.
Symptoms: Loss of memory is the first and most characteristic symptom; often, early childhood memories are preserved whereas recognition of a loved one, work colleague or sense of daily routine is lost. As the disease progresses, language difficulties, difficulties in co-ordination, depression, paranoia, aggressive outbursts, delusions and hallucinations may take hold. Self-neglect, incontinence, wandering and disorientation necessitate constant supervision.
posted by Jen @ 11:43 PM
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