Key Details and Properties
Nature of Disease: Progressive, chronic, and fatal. While it usually begins in the mid-60s, early-onset cases can occur.
- Amyloid Plaques: Abnormal clumps of beta-amyloid protein fragments building up between nerve cells.
- Tau Tangles: Twisted strands of tau protein inside cells that disrupt the internal transport system.
- Neurotransmitter Loss: Significant decrease in acetylcholine, essential for memory and learning.
- Spread Pattern: Damage typically starts in the hippocampus before spreading, causing widespread brain atrophy.
- Risk Factors: Age is the primary factor, followed by genetics and cardiovascular health.
Symptoms and Progression
Early Stage (Mild)
Short-term memory loss, difficulty finding words, misplacing items, and minor planning issues.
Middle Stage (Moderate)
Increased confusion, forgetting personal history, disorientation, and behavioural changes like agitation or paranoia.
Late Stage (Severe)
Loss of communication, total dependence for care, inability to walk, and difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
Consequences and Functional Impact
- Cognition: Inability to form new memories and total loss of cognitive function.
- Behaviour: Potential for aggression, anxiety, hallucinations, and delusions.
- Physical Decline: Mobility issues and incontinence.
- Mortality: Often caused by complications such as pneumonia, infections, or falls.