Scientists work every day to look for a cure to Alzheimer’s, and much about the disease is still unknown. But how much do we really know about Alzheimer’s?
We know that Alzheimer’s disease disrupts the electrical charges that help us form memories and thoughts as they travel within cells. It also interrupts the activity of neurotransmitters, which carry signals to other cells. Over time, Alzheimer’s leads to the death of nerve cells and general loss of brain tissue.
The best way to prepare yourself or a loved one for the challenges of Alzheimer’s is to be informed, and to make sure your loved one sees their doctor regularly. Researchers at the Alzheimer’s Association are committed to advancing a biomarker-based method, when physicians use detectable measures of biological changes in the brain for diagnosis and treatment, to find evidence of Alzheimer’s disease at its earliest stages. This means regular visits to your physician – and knowing what to look for – are key.
In this case, knowledge is power – so arm yourself with the facts! Take an interactive tour of the brain on the Alzheimer’s Association website to learn more about the effects of Alzheimer’s over time.
