Alzheimer Disease
DiseasesMost common cause of dementia, progressive brain disorder destroying memory and thinking skills. Symptoms worsen over time: memory loss, confusion, difficulty with familiar tasks, personality changes. Usually begins after 60. Exact cause unknown but involves abnormal protein buildup in brain. No cure.
More Diseases Terms
Addison's Disease
Rare disorder where adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and often aldosterone. Symptoms develop slowly: fatigue, muscle weakness, weight loss, low blood pressure, skin darkening. Life-threatening adrenal crisis can occur with stress. Requires lifelong hormone replacement therapy.
Alzheimer's Disease
Progressive brain disorder destroying memory and cognitive function due to brain cell death. Most common cause of dementia. Begins with mild memory loss, progresses to inability to carry on conversation or respond to environment. No cure. Current medications temporarily improve symptoms. Eventually requires full-time care.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells controlling voluntary muscles. Causes muscle weakness, difficulty speaking, swallowing, breathing. No cure. Riluzole may slow progression. Eventually requires feeding tube and ventilator. Average survival 3-5 years from diagnosis. Also called Lou Gehrig's disease.
Anxiety
Mental health condition characterized by excessive worry and fear. Types include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias. Physical symptoms include rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath. Treatable with therapy and/or medication.
Asthma
Chronic condition causing airways to narrow and swell, producing extra mucus, making breathing difficult. Triggered by allergens, exercise, cold air, stress. Symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, chest tightness. Controlled with inhaled corticosteroids and quick-relief inhalers. Can be life-threatening if severe.
Atrial Fibrillation
Irregular and often rapid heart rhythm (arrhythmia) causing poor blood flow and increasing stroke risk. Symptoms include heart palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness. May be episodic or persistent. Treated with medications to control rate and rhythm, blood thinners to prevent stroke, sometimes procedures or surgery.
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