Alzheimer's Disease
The most common cause of dementia, marked by progressive memory loss, confusion, and decline in daily
Symptoms
- Memory loss
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Forgetting recent events
- Misplacing belongings
- Trouble finding words
- Poor judgment
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks
- Personality changes
- Mood swings
- Disorientation to time and place
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Difficulty recognizing people
- Loss of independence
The most common cause of dementia, marked by progressive memory loss, confusion, and decline in daily functioning, caused by amyloid plaques and tau tangles damaging brain cells. Risk increases with age; genetic factors (APOE4) play a role. Cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine) and memantine provide modest symptom relief. The newest breakthrough is anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies (lecanemab, donanemab) which can slow early-stage decline by clearing amyloid, though they require careful monitoring for brain swelling/bleeding side effects. Surgery has no role in treatment.
