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Although the greatest risk for AD is increasing age, many environmental, dietary and
inflammatory factors may affect whether a person suffers from this cognitive disease.
AD is a form of dementia, a complex brain disorder caused by a combination of various
factors. These factors may include genes, neurotransmitter changes, vascular
abnormalities, stress, hormones, circadian changes, head trauma and seizures.
AD can be classified into two types: familial or early onset and sporadic or late-onset.
Familial AD is rare. It is frequently associated with genetic mutations. It occurs in
middle-aged adults. If family members have at least one other relative with AD, then
there is a familial component, which non-specifically includes both environmental
triggers and genetic determinants. Sporadic AD generally occurs in people older than
65 years of age and it has no obvious pattern of inheritance.
Researchers are also beginning to discover the roles of inflammation and oxidative
stress and the contribution of brain infarctions to the disease.
CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS
In the early stages of AD, forgetfulness and subtle memory loss occur. Patients may
experience small difficulties in work or social activities or social activities but have
adequate cognitive function to hide the loss and function independently. Depression
may occur.
Personality changes are also usually evident. Patients may become depressed,
suspicious, paranoid, hostile, and even combative.
The terminal stage, in which patients are usually immobile and require total care, may
last months or years. Occasionally, patients may recognize family members or
caregivers. Death occurs as a result of complications such as pneumonia, malnutrition,
or dehydration.
Trying to reason with people with AD and using reality orientation only increases their
anxiety without increasing function.