‘Alzheimer’s disease’

Depression and Alzheimer’s Disease

Saturday, March 6th, 2010

Depression and Alzheimer's  Disease

Recent studies have shown that between 40 and 50 per cent of patients with depressive mood, and 10 to 20 percent, symptoms of depression. The deterioration appears to be greater in cases in which Alzheimer’s disease is associated with depression.

In patients in whom depression is primary, concerned only with the active cognitive processes that require a volunteer effort of the patient. In contrast, Alzheimer’s disease, the disorder is widespread and affects both active processes such as automatic. Through a series of psycho-neurological tests are divided into cognitive impairment in both conditions and thus contribute to a more accurate diagnosis.

With regard to treatment of disease, use medications to improve intellectual function. These drugs, called cholinesterase inhibitors, increase levels of acetylcholine, which helps to restore communication between neurons. Ténica are also used in psychotherapy.

Experts recommend that patients maintain regular contacts with family and friends continue their intellectual pursuits.

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Alzheimer’s Disease

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

Alzheimer’s Disease

The duration of the Alzheimer’s disease may be 8 to 12 years. In the first 2 to 3 years, symptoms are subtle and the disease may go unnoticed. The most important risk factor is age, since the brain, over the years, is presenting structural and functional changes. Y-neurons-nerve cells are very sensitive to the effects of aging, then, over time, modifying the quantity and form. In fact, after 50 years of age, you lose about 5 percent of neurons for 10 years.

Specialists believe that there are genetic factors that increase the risk of this disease which affects about 4 million people in the United States amount is estimated, will amount to 14 million within 40 years.

Currently, the certainty of the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is about 85 percent, and only confirmed by postmortem analysis of the patient’s brain.

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