Write briefly on Alzheimer’s disease.

Answer: Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease of the brain, usually seen in old age, and the most common cause of dementia.

• Cause: deficiency of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine; formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles leading to death of neurons, especially in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus.
• Symptoms: loss of memory (especially recent memory), confusion, difficulty in speaking, reasoning and doing routine tasks, mood and behavioural changes.
• Treatment: there is no cure; drugs and therapy only slow the progress and relieve symptoms.