Alzheimer’s disease, also known as senile dementia, is a chronic, progressive degenerative disease with no cure. It is characterized by loss of recent memory for events, persons, and places. Over time, confusion and disorientation increase, leading to physical deterioration and death.
Diagnosis is made by history and ruling out other causes. Autopsy studies of the brain show neurofibrillary tangles, neuritic plaques, and granulovascular degeneration. Some researchers are looking into new treatments to alter the course of the disease and improve the quality of life for people suffering from the disease.
The United States Food and Drug Administration has approved two different types of medications to treat cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Cholinesterase inhibitors act to prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger used for learning and memory. Another medication Memantine (Namenda) works to regulate the activity of glutamate, different messenger chemicals that are involved in learning and memory.
» Read more: How to Treat Alzheimer’s Disease
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