People with Alzheimer’s go through different experiences when battling with the disease, and have been seen to witness the same ambit right from the start of the disease, to the sympathetic end. The exact number of Alzheimer’s stages is quite arbitrary, to be honest. Some experts try using a subtle model with a three-phase, while others have invented a granular breakdown and have considered it to be effective, in understanding the progress of the disease. Alzheimer’s stages – Everything you need to know before proceeding with the treatment The model held out by New York University claims that there are altogether seven Alzheimer’s stages. This particular model for understanding Alzheimer’s progression has been taken up and been in use ever since, by innumerable providers of healthcare and also the Alzheimer’s Association. Below are the details of Alzheimer’s stages: Stage 1 Normal Outward Behavior When your loved one is going through the beginning Alzheimer’s stages, you may not see any noticeable changes. So you won’t understand the symptoms. A thorough PET Scan, which is an imaging test, can reveal the actual condition of the brain’s functionality, and reveal if the person has Alzheimer’s disease. With fleeting time and as the disease progresses, your relative or loved one will be seen to undergo a lot of changes; both in their reasoning and thinking process as well. Stage 2 Decline The patient may start to display slight memory related issues due to the disease. They may seem to be losing random things in the house, though it may not be extreme enough to differentiate it with the normal memory loss that one undergoes with age. The person may also miraculously do well in several tests for memory power. Stage 3 A Mild Decline The third stage may help close observers to recognize some signs of cognitive and memory loss.

A common gastrointestinal disorder, irritable bowel syndrome or IBS, leads to a mixture of symptoms including abdominal discomfort, disturbed bowel movements, and abnormal stool texture. These symptoms last long and may be present for a minimum of three days every month over a period of three months. Also called as spastic colon, this disorder is not life-threatening and does not put you at a greater risk for other more serious intestinal conditions such as colon cancer and Crohn’s disease. However, the syndrome may impede normal lifestyle to the extent that sufferers may be confined to their homes. IBS is of two types, one accompanied by chronic or recurring diarrhea, and the other characterized by pain in the abdomen and constipation. In some cases, patients may experience both constipation and diarrhea in an alternating pattern. Unfortunately, research is yet to pinpoint the precise reason why IBS occurs. However, it is known that there are several factors, ranging from abnormally contracting intestinal muscles to psychological problems that act as the causes of IBS. Abnormal Movement of the Intestinal Walls Normally, the muscles lining the intestinal walls relax and contract in a coordinated fashion to help food from the stomach move through the entire length of the intestinal tract and reach the rectum. However, in patients with IBS, the muscles contract irregularly thus causing the symptoms of the syndrome. For example, if the muscle contractions are stronger than usual, they tend to last longer and lead to bloating, gas formation, and diarrhea. On the other hand, if the contractions are weak, movement of food through the intestines slows down, which causes the formation of hard and dry stools. One reason for the abnormal contraction of intestinal muscles is the flawed signaling between the gut and brain. Owing to miscommunication, muscle spasms occur that either hasten or retard stool passage through the gut.

Hepatitis is a disease characterized by the inflammation of the liver. The most common cause of hepatitis are hepatitis viruses A, B, and C. It can also be caused by certain infections, medications or toxins. Hepatitis C is the most dangerous form of hepatitis disease. It is of two types: Acute hepatitis C and chronic hepatitis C. The symptoms of acute hepatitis C are short-lived, and it is less serious. However, chronic hepatitis C is a more severe condition which can last for one’s entire lifetime. In most of the cases, acute hepatitis C turns into chronic hepatitis C. Hepatitis is called an invisible disease because sometimes the symptoms are not even visible. In some cases of chronic hepatitis C, the symptoms show after a very long time of being infected by the virus. For the virus to damage the liver enough to show symptoms of a disease, it can take from 6 weeks to up to 10 years. In case of acute hepatitis C, no symptoms are visible when the infection begins. In other cases, some visible hepatitis C symptoms are visible such as, Stomach Ache Since the hepatitis C virus directly attacks the liver, the whole digestive system is disrupted. Every organ in the digestive system is affected by the infection including the stomach, the liver, and other organs. Stomach ache is one of the most common symptoms of hepatitis C infection. It can be accompanied by vomiting. High Temperature Right after infection, people can experience a sudden rise in body temperature. Feeling feverish is a common symptom experienced by people who have hepatitis virus. Tiredness Some people complain of feeling excessively tired or fatigued even after minimal physical activity. Feeling weak and tired is one of the symptoms of acute hepatitis C. Poor Appetite Poor appetite is another symptom of acute hepatitis C.

Kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs that are present in either side of the body of vertebrates. The basic functions of the kidney include filtering blood to produce urine, retaining and discharging water, hormonal secretion, eliminating waste and nitrogen, and maintaining blood pressure and fluid levels in the body. Sometimes, kidneys fail to function because of kidney stones, infections, kidney cancer, renal infarction, glomerulonephritis, blood clotting in the kidneys, and the polycystic kidney disease, symptoms of which may include pain in the abdomen or the lower back area. Pain in the lower back area is often neglected, but it should be noted that back ache has a possibility of being associated with kidney diseases. Lower Back Pain – Associated Kidney Diseases The area between the ribs and the hips is known as flank and any pain in the flank area or the upper abdomen area is usually associated with kidney problems. Some of the kidney diseases that may cause pain in the lower back area are discussed in detail below. 1. Kidney Stones : Kidney stones or renal calculi are small crystal-like particles that develop in the kidneys and cause severe lower back pain due to kidney stones may even extend up to the groin. The pain is generally sharp and constant and may be experienced in waves. Kidney stones may occur due to dietary disorders or hereditary factors. Sometimes, kidney stones are so small that they get eliminated through urination without any symptoms. However, sometimes they may grow to a large size that they may need them to be reduced to smaller particles surgically through a process called lithotripsy. Medications such as Ibuprofen or Tylenol are often prescribed by doctors for pain relief. If you have kidney stones, here are some self-care steps that you can take: • Drink plenty of water.

A stroke is a terrifying condition that sadly affects many people. Sometimes, few people experience mini stroke symptoms that are not as severe as a full-blown stroke but are nonetheless a sign of major problems. The medical term for mini stroke symptoms is a transient ischemic attack. A transient ischemic attack is a disorder in which there is a neurological dysfunction caused by lack of oxygen (ischemia) without permanent tissue damage. These mini stroke symptoms are similar to strokes and are also caused by an obstruction or decrease in blood flow to the brain. Mini stroke symptoms are almost completely identical to a full stroke but in this case, the symptoms resolve within a few hours to a day. The symptoms may not last very long but they can potentially cause brain damage. A transient ischemic attack or a mini stroke greatly increases the chances of a subsequent stroke. About 1 in 3 people who experience mini stroke symptoms go on to have a stroke. Men, older people, people with a family history of stroke, and smokers are at a higher risk of experiencing mini stroke symptoms. The symptoms can be confusing and sometimes they may be so mild that people ignore them. This is a huge mistake, as the faster you get your mini stroke symptoms treated, the better is your chance of recovery. Mini Stroke Symptoms To Watch Out For The initial symptoms of a stroke and mini stroke symptoms are almost identical so it is important to seek medical attention as soon as the mini stroke symptoms start to manifest. The most common initial mini stroke symptoms can be remembered with the acronym F.A.S.T: Face dropping One of the most noticeable, mini stroke symptoms is a drooping of the muscles on one side of the face. The person may suddenly lose control of one entire side of their face.

Hyperhidrosis refers to the medical condition that involves excessive sweating. While everyone does sweat when it’s extremely hot outside, those suffering from hyperhidrosis sweat so profusely, that even water may drip from their hands. In normal circumstances, perspiration produced by the sweat glands is carried to the surface of the skin when the air temperature rises, when exercising, when feeling nervous or anxious, and when having fever. Once these factors have ceased, the nerves signaling the sweat glands are put on hold. But for those with hyperhidrosis, these sweat glands don’t go into inertia and one sweats even when the surrounding environment is quite cool, as in an air conditioned room. Hyperhidrosis is classified into two categories: Primary hyperhidrosis (Focal hyperhidrosis): Excessive sweating caused in specific regions of the body such as the underarms, hands, face and groin, without any apparent reason. It is not a medical condition to be worried about and doesn’t require medication. Secondary hyperhidrosis (Generalized hyperhidrosis): Excessive sweating caused all over the body and not just one specific region. This is a more serious medical condition, as the reason behind this is basically an underlying medical condition. The Causes Of Excessive Wweating The cause of excessive sweating in secondary hyperhidrosis, is mainly caused by an underlying medical condition, which is most likely to be one of the following: Hyperthyroidism · When too many thyroid hormones circulate throughout the body, it is called hyperthyroidism. · The body’s chemical process gets speeded up and this is one of the causes of excessive sweating. · Medication, surgery and iodine radiation have proved to be effective in its treatment. Medications · Some medicines that treat high blood pressure, or some antibiotics and supplements have been known to cause excessive sweating. · One must consult the doctor if this happens, as one must not stop your prescription medicine without the doctor’s consultation.

Urinary incontinence is a symptom characterized by an involuntary flow of urine which can be caused due to multiple reasons including medical conditions, bad eating habits or lifestyle issues. This involuntary flow can be minimal which is generally not an issue. It can be moderate or severe and require immediate medical attention. The major types of urinary incontinence have been listed below. Stress incontinence This is caused due to excessive pressure on the urethra due to physical reasons such as sudden coughing, sneezing, laughing or weight lifting. Urge incontinence This urinary incontinence is also called reflex incontinence and is caused due to an intense urge to urinate which is uncontrollable. This fierce urge is sudden and the urine flow that follows it is involuntary. This is caused due to diabetes or due to an infection in the excretory system. Some women also experience this during sex. Overflow incontinence This problem is associated with malfunctioning of the urinary bladder. Overflow incontinence is characterized by the regular involuntary release of urine in small amounts. It can be the result of the bladder being overfilled or if it not being completely empty. Functional incontinence This incontinence is caused due to functional issues such as an inability to reach the washroom in time. This can be caused due to mental or physical incapabilities such as severe arthritis or old age which limit the walking capacity. Mixed incontinence This condition is caused due to a combination of both stress and urge incontinence. There are several treatments for urinary incontinence. If the problem is severe, one can go for surgeries or medical implants in the genital areas. But if the problem is moderate, it is possible to treat it without invasive treatments. Following are some of the treatment options available for urinary incontinence. Treatment for urinary incontinence at home Kegel exercises are pelvic floor exercises which aim to provide better control over the muscles in the urinary tract.

Leg pain behind the knee is also called posterior knee pain. There can be multiple causes of this pain. Arthritis, road accidents, muscle injuries, old age and faulty sports techniques, and the like are some of the major causes of posterior knee pain. Posterior knee pain can be mild and is only noticeable after a long day’s work or if you try to straighten your leg completely. It can also be severe, debilitating and can restrict your movement, making it difficult to sit and stand straight. In some cases, leg pain behind the knee can be accompanied by stiffness, tender and sore muscles, which can be painful to touch. Posterior knee pain is caused due to severe arthritis, tumors, and blood clots. Other conditions can cause compressed nerves which inflame the muscles behind the knee. Baker’s Cyst Baker’s Cyst is also referred to as Popliteal Cyst. Popliteal sac is a fluid-filled sac, present at the back of the knee. Often in arthritis patients, the fluid from the joints leaks into the popliteal sac, causing it to swell. Baker’s cyst can also be caused due to repetitive bending and flexing of the knees, which causes a fluid buildup. This fluid then forms a cyst which resembles a small balloon. The swelled popliteal cyst causes pain and inflammation at the back of the knee joint. Baker’s cyst can pose a problem in flexing the leg completely or while bending. It can be treated at home using ice packs or by electrotherapy. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) This is a condition characterized by the formation of blood clots in the veins that are behind the knee. There can be one or multiple clots that can make it difficult to sit or stand properly. DVT can be serious because if the cysts burst they can cause a heart attack or blockage of arteries in the lungs.

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disorder which was earlier referred to as adult-onset or noninsulin-dependent diabetes. It affects the metabolism of glucose or sugar in the body. Glucose is the major source of energy for our body. Currently, in America 29.1 million people have diabetes. However, as large as 8.1 million of them are yet to be diagnosed and are unaware of their disorder. Every year the strength of this group of patients increases by about 1.4 million, becoming one of the most common health issues faced by the entire nation. Insulin is a hormone produced by our body that maintains blood glucose levels by regulating its movement into cells. When having adult type 2 diabetes, our bodies become inefficient in managing the glucose levels in the body. It either produces an inadequate amount of insulin leading to an excess level of glucose, or the body resists the function of insulin. Symptoms and signals Type 2 diabetes, unfortunately, does not manifest early. The symptoms show up slowly; sometimes it takes a few years to realize a diabetic condition. The following are common signs that you should not ignore since they could indicate failing insulin function. High urination frequency Increased appetite or frequently getting hungry Loss of weight Tiredness and fatigue Vision blurring Incurring frequent infections Sores taking long time to heal Skin darkening Treating Adult Type 2 Diabetes Blood sugar levels can be kept in check with regular monitoring and controlled diet. Although, in case of severely high blood sugar levels, medication and therapy involving insulin injections are required. Consult your doctor for understanding what is the best-suited medication for your condition is. Most common treatment options for adult type 2 diabetes have been listed below. Sulfonylureas Sulfonylureas stimulate the pancreas leading to better insulin secretion. Most common side effects of this drug are weight gain and low blood glucose.

Lupus is a complicated and often debilitating condition. Catching the first symptoms of lupus early is important for initiating treatment of this condition. Lupus is a collection of autoimmune disorders, rather than one single disease. In an autoimmune disorder, the body’s immune system attacks the body itself. Lupus is a chronic condition, and the most severe and most common form of lupus is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. The first symptoms of lupus can manifest in a variety of ways. Since the autoimmune reaction causes inflammation to a number of different areas like the joints, skin, heart, kidneys, and lungs, it becomes hard to pinpoint one specific indicator as a sign of lupus. These vague first symptoms of lupus also make it hard to diagnose the condition accurately, since it can mimic a number of other diseases and conditions. The first symptoms of lupus manifest in early adulthood or the late teens, but some late-onset cases develop in the 30s. More instances of lupus occur in women than men. People with lupus experience flare-ups of the condition, followed by periods of remission that can last for months, or even years, followed by more flare-ups. This can make it easy to overlook the first symptoms of lupus. First Symptoms Of Lupus The first symptoms of lupus can manifest in many ways depending on the part of the body that is affected. These are a few of the more generalized first symptoms of lupus: Fever Joint pain Fatigue General discomfort Hair loss Swollen lymph nodes Sensitivity to sunlight Other Symptoms of Lupus Butterfly rash The butterfly rash is the most common indicator of lupus and is quite specific to this condition. However, in a few rare cases, the rash may not develop at all. The rash is red and bumpy and extends from the bridge of the nose across the cheeks, which gives it the appearance of butterfly wings.