Nerve cell degeneration that occurs in AD (as shown in Figs. 4 & 5) reflects in a great way symptoms that the individual experiences. Typically, nerves degeneration occurs first in the brain area responsible for learning and memory, and gradually spreads to cells controlling other aspects such as thinking, judgment and behavior. Eventually, damage reaches nerve cells that control and coordinates movement.
Figure 4 Brain from normal elderly person (upper left and right)vs. brain of Alzheimer’s disease patient(Tyas 2001)
The ‘Alzheimer’s Association’ related the key symptoms that individuals experience to the seven stages of AD(AD Association 2003). Progression of the disease begins with ‘No Cognitive Impairment’ stage where no memory …show more content…
In this stage, deficiencies are noticeable by family and friends, and may be measurable during clinical testing. Common deficiencies in this stage include difficulties in remembering names or words –which become noticeable to close people-, performance issues at work or social gatherings, and, decline in the ability to plan or organize. Afterwards, signs of ‘Moderate Cognitive Decline’ begin to appear, also known as mild or early-stage Alzheimer's disease. Upon medical interviews at this stage, clear-cut deficiencies could be detected. Symptoms of the fourth stage include decreased knowledge of recent or current events, reduced memory of personal history and decreased capacity to perform complex tasks such as planning dinner or paying bills. The fifth stage is ‘Moderately Severe Cognitive Decline’ or mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease. At this stage individuals may need assistance in their daily life tasks because of the major memory gaps and deficits in cognitive function that they experience. Individuals may experience difficulties in recalling their telephone number or their address, and they may be confused about the date, day of week or season, they may also need assistance in choosing
Figure 4 Brain from normal elderly person (upper left and right)vs. brain of Alzheimer’s disease patient(Tyas 2001)
The ‘Alzheimer’s Association’ related the key symptoms that individuals experience to the seven stages of AD(AD Association 2003). Progression of the disease begins with ‘No Cognitive Impairment’ stage where no memory …show more content…
In this stage, deficiencies are noticeable by family and friends, and may be measurable during clinical testing. Common deficiencies in this stage include difficulties in remembering names or words –which become noticeable to close people-, performance issues at work or social gatherings, and, decline in the ability to plan or organize. Afterwards, signs of ‘Moderate Cognitive Decline’ begin to appear, also known as mild or early-stage Alzheimer's disease. Upon medical interviews at this stage, clear-cut deficiencies could be detected. Symptoms of the fourth stage include decreased knowledge of recent or current events, reduced memory of personal history and decreased capacity to perform complex tasks such as planning dinner or paying bills. The fifth stage is ‘Moderately Severe Cognitive Decline’ or mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease. At this stage individuals may need assistance in their daily life tasks because of the major memory gaps and deficits in cognitive function that they experience. Individuals may experience difficulties in recalling their telephone number or their address, and they may be confused about the date, day of week or season, they may also need assistance in choosing