What is Alzheimer's?
Alzheimer's is a progres­sive brain disorder that gradually destroys a per­son's memory and ability to learn, reason, make judgments, communicate, and carry out daily activities. As Alzheimer's progresses, individuals may also experience changes in personality and behaviour, such as anxiety, suspiciousness or agitation, as well as delusions or hallucinations. The duration of the illness often vary from 3 to 20 years. The areas of the brain that control the memory and thinking skills are often affected first, but as the disease progresses, cells die in other regions of the brain. Eventually, the person with Alzheimer's will need complete care. If the individual has no other serious illness, the loss of brain function itself will cause death.

When symptoms emerge, nerve cells that process, store and retrieve information have already began to degenerate and die. Scientists regard two abnormal microscopic structures called 'plaques' and 'tangles' as Alzheimer's Hallmarks. Amyloid plaques are clumps of protein that accumulate outside the brain's nerve cells. Tangles are twisted strands of other protein that fall from inside cells.

Scientists are unsure whether plaques and tangles cause Alz­heimer's or are a byproduct of some other process. Late­ onset Alzheimer's, which usually affects people over 65, is the more common illness normally associated with Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's is not a natural part of the ageing process.

Is there any treatment?
There is no cure for Alzheimer's. However, there are several drug treatments that may improve or stabilize symptoms and several care strategies and activities that may minimize or prevent behavioural problems. In the September of 2003 in Helsinki, a treatment with REMINYL® (galantamine) was discovered which reduces the cognitive deficits of Alzheimer's by more than 50% when used continuously for four years according to the EFNS (European Federation of Neuro­logical Societies). It enhances the levels of neurotransmitter acetylcholine (a chemical 'messenger' responsible for sending signals between nerve cells and the brain), which is typically deficient in Alzheimer's. it also has a modulating effect on the brains nicotinic receptors enhancing attention, memory and learning. Reminyl® was developed by Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical research.

1 | 2

> Alzheimer's Disease
> Pick's Disease
> Diabetes
> Parkinson's Disease
> Crohn's Disease
> PSP
> Meningitis