Asia Alzheimer's Disease
A gradual loss of neurons later in adulthood does not result in significant alteration in brain function during the usual life span. However, the older one gets, the greater the neurologic impairment. Excessive neuronal degeneration in adulthood is called Alzheimer’s disease or senile dementia and is distinguished from the normal changes in aging. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease which results in death of the brain cells causing memory lapses, behavioral issues, and disruption of thinking processes. The disease is considered fatal. Age and generic inheritance are the two key risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s disease. These are also risk factors that are not preventable. However, other preventable risk factors have been linked to the development of AD, including environment, diet, and overall general health. A combination of risk factors is often responsible for the disease.
Alzheimer’s disease is estimated to affect up to 6% of the population over 65. Life expectancy has been increasing around the world due to advances in healthcare, medical research, sanitation, and nutrition. This provides a setting for a higher number of Alzheimer’s disease patients in the future as the population continues to add years to their life.
