amyloid. Inside the nerve cells were twisted strands of fiber or neuro-fibrillary tangles. Tau molecules normally hold the microtibules in the cells. Chemical changes in this molecule cause the microtubule to twist and tangle. Brain Scans of the people with Alzheimer’s disease show remarkable amount of atrophy
or shrinkage of the brain. Alzheimer’s disease mainly begins in the most primitive part of the brain and then proceeds to the hippocampus, a station important in the formation of memory. The degeneration slowly spreads to the other parts of the brain specially the cerebral cortex. This part of the brain deals with
language and reason.

A decrease in the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine in the brain, which is essential in the memory formation,
is now seen as a cause for the disease. Alzheimer’s disease has also been linked to genes on four chromosomes 1,14,19, and 21. The ApoE4 gene on chromosome 19 has been linked to the late onset of
Alzheimer’s, which is the most common form of the disease.

RECOGNISING ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE.

Recent memory loss that affects job skills: One can forget where he put the car keys or pen, but
forgetting what they are meant for is definitely a cause for concern.

Difficulty in performing familiar tasks: Simple tasks of daily living that most people take for granted, become a challenge. One may get confused while cooking, or shopping or just doing simple things like buttoning the shirt.

Language problems: One could often have difficulty finding the right word. But for people with Alzheimer's, simple words present problems, and sentences can become incomprehensible.

Time and place disorientation: It's normal to forget the date or a destination. But people with Alzheimer's often feel lost standing across the street from their homes.

Loss of judgment: Anyone can fail to notice that an item of clothing is stained. But when someone dresses completely inappropriately, wearing several shirts or just knotting a sari around... that's cause for
concern.

Problems with abstract thinking: Anyone can struggle over balancing a checkbook. People with Alzheimer's forget what numbers are for and how to use them.

Misplacing things: Anyone can misplace a wallet or keys. But when someone puts a wallet in the refrigerator, or keys in the sink, that might signal Alzheimer's.

Changes in mood or behavior: People with Alzheimer's often exhibit rapid mood changes for no apparent reason.

Changes in personality: People often become crabbier as they get older. But Alzheimer's often makes
people paranoid, confused, or fearful.

Loss of initiative: It's normal to get bored with daily activities. But people with Alzheimer’s loose much
of their interest in simple, routine activities.

FINDING HELP.
Finding out what is wrong is the first step to getting help. Visit a physician when you notice the first signs
of dementia. Some forms of dementia as mentioned earlier are reversible. There are drugs for Alzheimer’s
disease as well. These act by increasing the level of acetylcholine in the brain. Though expensive they have shown dramatic results in those who could afford them. One has to learn to cope up with the changing behavior of those with dementia. The patient will behave differently at different times of the day.
One should change their expectations accordingly. The results a much better if the diagnosis is made early.