Question 1

alzheimers disease, dementia, poor memory , mci -- what causes do they have in common?

Accepted Answer

Memory deficits: There is a chemical in the brain called acetylcholine which is deficient with aging, and that causes deficits in cognitive functions.

Question 2

what causes alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Unknown at present: Alzheimer's disease is one type of dementia, conditions marked by  of  decline in cognitive status &amp; because of problems functioning.In spite of continuing research at this  time exact cause is not known but greatest risk factor is old age &amp; some forms run in families. Sometimes other conditions such as depression  or low sodium can mimic symptom or worsen QOL so a careful diagnosis is first step.

Question 3

is alzheimer's disease inherited?

Accepted Answer

Likely yes: If there is a strong history of alzheimer's disease in the family like grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts, brothers or sisters, then you could be at risk of developing it.

Question 4

am i getting alzheimers disease?

Accepted Answer

Need a lot more info: To even start to give you an answer, i would need to know a lot more about you:  your age, medical conditions, why you think you might be getting alzheimer's.  And that's just to start.  To actually make the diagnosis requires a thorough work-up including, at least, a good history, a brain scan, comprehensive psychometric testing, lab work, and a physical exam.  And there's even more possibly.

Question 5

help! what is alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Common dementia: Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia. Memory problems, word finding problems, word substitutions errors, getting lost in places that are familiar are often early symptoms. Also forgetting how to use tools that you used to know how to use. Finally, trouble evaluating info and following plans happen later.

Question 6

how do you get alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

No one knows: There are some genetic compenents, and there are factors that increase risk. Those things that keep your heart healthy also generally help keep your brain healthy.

Question 7

how does alzheimer's disease start?

Accepted Answer

$64K question: We really still don't know how Alzheimer's disease starts, much less, how to cure it. Current medications only slow down progression of symptoms. In fact, we still debate whether plaques or tangles are cause or effect. Check out http://www.alz.org/braintour/plaques_tangles.asp for basics. We do know that heart healthy folks have lower risk so one way to avoid AD is to take care of your heart.

Question 8

what ia the age for alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Alzheimers: Unfortunately there isn't an "age" per se for developing alzheimers.   While most patients are elderly, alzheimer's does affect younger patients.   Generally the patient is unaware of loss of cognitive function whereas the family is very aware.

Question 9

what usually causes alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Nobody knows: In most cases, it is not clear what are the causes of alzheimer's disease. In some cases, the cause is an abnormal gene but that is true in only about 5% of people with alzheimer's disease.

Question 10

can people die from alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Yes.: In the late stages of alzheimer's disease the body's vital functions break down.  The body "forgets" how to swallow, the muscles grow rigid.  The person starts to aspirate, they develop pneumonias, pressure ulcers and other infections that eventually kills them.  It's important for patients and their families to talk with their doctor about an advanced directive before that happens.

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Alzheimers disease, dementia, poor memory , mci -- what causes do they have in common?

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What causes alzheimer's disease?

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Is alzheimer's disease inherited?

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Am i getting alzheimers disease?

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Help! what is alzheimer's disease?

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How do you get alzheimer's disease?

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How does alzheimer's disease start?

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What ia the age for alzheimer's disease?

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What usually causes alzheimer's disease?

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Can people die from alzheimer's disease?

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