DISEASES
description
Dementia refers to a constellation of problems that include memory problems. Conditions associated with dementia are numerous, but the most common is a condition referred to as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In AD there is a loss of normal brain cells and typically a replacement of normal proteins with misfolded proteins, some of which are collectively called amyloids. When the brain cells are being damaged and replaced by misfolded proteins, the proteins can sometimes be detected in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Hence, an early of confirmatory diagnosis of AD can be aided by detection of these proteins by a laboratory test.
Symptoms
- Remembering recent events
- Increasing confusion
- Reduced concentration
- Personality or behaviour changes
- Apathy and withdrawal or depression
- Loss of ability to do everyday tasks