Alzheimer's-type Dementia

Your Path

  • Alzheimer's-type Dementia

Etiology

  • Degenerative disease of the brain associated with diffuse accumulation of extra-cellular beta-amyoid protein plaques, intracellular tau proteins that create neuro-fibrillary tangles, and overall loss of neurons and synapses over time
  • Precise cause for development of these pathological features is unknown

Risk Factors

  • Age > 65
  • Hx Down's syndrome

Symptoms

  • Progressive over years
  • Loss of short term memory first
  • As progresses, affects ability to function
  • Ultimately loss of higher level processing → ability to do calculations, engage in high level and then simpler conversations
  • Can have behavioral problems
  • Ultimately loss of long term memory, ability to recognize/interact/live independently

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