What is Alzheimer’s Disease ?
Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that gradually destroys memory and thinking and, eventually, the ability to perform simple tasks. Symptoms appear early in life for most people with Alzheimer’s disease Estimates vary, but experts estimate that more than 6 million Americans, most of them age 65 or older, may have Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s is now ranked as the seventh leading cause of death in the United States and the most common cause of dementia among older adults.
Dementia is the loss of cognitive function—thinking, remembering, and reasoning—and behavioral skills to such an extent that it interferes with the person’s daily life and activities. Dementia ranges in severity from the mildest stage, when it begins to affect a person’s activities, to the most severe stage, when the person is completely dependent on someone for help with basic activities of daily living.
The causes of dementia can vary depending on the changes in the brain Other forms of dementia include dementia with Lewy bodies, frontotemporal disorders, and vascular dementia. It is common for people to have mixed dementia – a combination of two or more types of dementia For example, some people have both Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia
Alzheimer’s disease is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer. In 1906, Dr. Alzheimer observed changes in the brain tissue of a woman who had died of an unusual mental illness. Her symptoms include memory loss, language problems and unpredictable behavior After she died, he examined her brain and found many abnormal lumps (now called amyloid plaques) and tangled bundles (now called neurofibrillary tangles, or tau, tangles).
These plaques and tangles in the brain are considered some of the key features of Alzheimer’s. Another feature is the loss of connections between neurons in the brain Neurons send messages from different parts of the brain and from the brain to the muscles and organs of the body.
How does Alzheimer’s disease affect the brain?
Scientists continue to unravel the complex brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s Changes in the brain can begin a decade or more before symptoms appear In this early stage of Alzheimer’s, toxic changes are occurring in the brain, including the abnormal buildup of proteins that form amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Previously healthy neurons stop functioning, lose connections with other neurons, and die Other complex brain changes are also thought to play a role in Alzheimer’s As more neurons die, additional parts of the brain are affected and begin to shrink In the final stages of Alzheimer’s, the damage is extensive and the brain tissue shrinks significantly.
What are the causes Alzheimer’s disease?
Scientists have made progress in better understanding Alzheimer’s, and the progress continues. However, scientists still do not fully understand what causes Alzheimer’s disease in most people. The causes probably include a combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors as well as age-related changes in the brain. The importance of any of these factors in increasing or decreasing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s may vary from person to person.
What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease ?
Early symptoms of Alzheimer’s vary from person to person For many, a decline in cognitive aspects such as word finding, visual/spatial problems, and impaired reasoning or judgment may signal the early stages of the disease.
Memory problems are usually one of the symptoms of cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer’s
What are the stages of Alzheimer’s Disease ?
- Early Stage (Mild Alzheimer’s Disease):
- Memory problems: Individuals may have difficulty remembering recent events or conversations, but long-term memories remain intact.
- Mild cognitive impairment: Mild cognitive decline becomes noticeable, impacting tasks such as planning, problem-solving, and organization.
- Mood and personality changes: Individuals may experience mood swings, increased anxiety, or become withdrawn.
- Middle Stage (Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease):
- Increased memory loss: Memory problems worsen, affecting daily tasks such as remembering names of close family members or common objects.
- Confusion and disorientation: Individuals may become disoriented regarding time, place, and situation. They might forget their own personal history or experience trouble recognizing familiar faces.
- Behavioral changes: Agitation, irritability, wandering, and restlessness may occur. Additionally, sleep disturbances and changes in appetite may become apparent.
- Difficulty with activities of daily living: Tasks such as dressing, bathing, and managing finances may require assistance.
- Language difficulties: Communication becomes increasingly challenging, with individuals struggling to find the right words or follow conversations.
- Late Stage (Severe Alzheimer’s Disease):
- Profound memory loss: Individuals may not recognize close family members, including spouses or children. Long-term memories may also fade.
- Loss of physical abilities: Mobility declines significantly, leading to difficulties with walking, sitting, and eventually, swallowing.
- Total dependence: Individuals require full-time assistance with all aspects of daily living, including feeding, toileting, and personal care.
- Communication difficulties: Speech becomes severely limited, with individuals often relying on nonverbal communication or exhibiting repetitive behaviors.
- Increased vulnerability to infections: Due to a weakened immune system and decreased mobility, individuals become more susceptible to infections such as pneumonia.
Does Alzheimer’s disease genetics disorder ?
Yes,genetics can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, it’s important to recognize that other factors, such as lifestyle, environment, and overall health, also play significant roles. Additionally, having a family history of Alzheimer’s does not mean that an individual will definitely develop the disease, and conversely, many people with Alzheimer’s disease do not have a family history of the condition.
How is Alzheimer’s disease diagnosed?
To diagnose Alzheimer’s, doctors may:
Ask the person and family members or friends questions about overall health, use of prescription and over-the-counter medications, diet, past medical problems, ability to perform daily activities, and changes in behavior and personality.
Tests memory, problem solving, attention, math, and language
Order blood, urine, and other standard medical tests to help identify other possible causes of the problem
Psychologists test to determine whether depression or another mental health condition is causing a person’s symptoms.
Collect cerebrospinal fluid through a spinal tap or order a blood test to measure levels of proteins linked to Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
Get a brain scan, such as a CT, MRI, or PET (positron emission tomography), to support a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms.
How Alzheimer’s disease treated?
Alzheimer’s is complex, and it is unlikely that any drug or other intervention will successfully treat all people with the disease. Scientists are developing and testing many potential treatment interventions in ongoing clinical trials.
While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, medications are being developed to treat the progression of the disease by targeting the underlying cause. There are also medications that can temporarily improve or stabilize memory and thinking in some people and help manage certain symptoms and behavioral problems.
In addition, Alzheimer’s patients may also experience insomnia, depression, anxiety, agitation, and other behavioral and psychological symptoms. Scientists continue to research why these symptoms occur and explore new medications and non-drug strategies to manage them. Research shows that treating these symptoms can help Alzheimer’s patients feel better and help them manage their care. Antidepressant, antipsychotic, and anti-anxiety drugs can be helpful for Alzheimer’s patients, but experts agree that these medications should be used after other strategies to promote physical and emotional well-being, such as avoiding stressful situations. It is important to talk to your doctor about which treatment will be most effective for your condition.
