Midwifery and Womens Health

Women and Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s is a continuous neurological disorder where the brain contracts (atrophy) and brain cells die. It is the major cause of dementia, a continuous decline in thinking, behaviour and social skills that affects the ability of people to function independently. Alzheimer's disease is the leading cause of dementia and is a collective term for other cognitive skills that are severe enough to affect memory loss and daily habits. This accounts for over 60% to 80% of dementia cases. Alzheimer’s is a continuous disease which declines over the time. Memory loss is a major disorder which is the first symptom. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include: Memory loss, Cognitive deficits, Problems with recognition, spatial awareness, and Personality or behaviour changes. In severe conditions plaques and tangles are present throughout the brain, causing the brain tissue to shrink substantially. This can lead to Inability to communicate dependency on others for care

Related Societies/ Associations: Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand | The Endocrine Society of Australia | International Women's Forum | Human Genetics Society of Australasia | Medical Oncology Group of Australia | International Confederation of Midwives