Part A (Q3): Write a short note on Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's Disease is the most common cause of dementia among older adults. It is an irreversible, progressive neurodegenerative brain disorder that slowly destroys memory, thinking skills, and eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks of daily living.

• Pathology: It is characterized by the abnormal build-up of proteins in the brain—amyloid plaques (clumps outside neurons) and tau tangles (threads inside neurons)—which disrupt communication between brain cells, leading to cell death and brain shrinkage.
• Symptoms: It begins with mild memory loss (forgetting recent conversations or names). As it progresses, individuals experience severe confusion, disorientation regarding time and place, mood and behavior changes (aggression, paranoia), and eventually lose the ability to speak, swallow, or walk.
• Social Work Context: Alzheimer’s places an immense, often crushing burden on family caregivers. Social workers play a vital role in providing caregiver support groups, connecting families to respite care, and helping families navigate difficult decisions regarding institutionalization and end-of-life care.