Alzheimer’s Disease

This is the most common type of dementia in the UK. Changes in the structure of the brain are caused by a build-up of ‘plaques’ and ‘tangles’, resulting in a shortage of important chemicals that help with the transmission of messages. Symptom progress over time and include:
• Short term memory loss
• Difficult recognising objects or people
• Confusion and disorientation
• Slow or muddled speech
• An inability to perform simple tasks
• Mood swings
• Problems with decision making

Medication is available to help slow progression, but it does not prevent or cure Alzheimer’s disease.