Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects older adults, leading to memory loss, cognitive decline, and ultimately, an inability to perform everyday tasks. It is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases. This article explores the symptoms, causes, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Alzheimer's disease.

Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease

Early Symptoms:

  • Memory loss, especially forgetting recently learned information.

  • Difficulty in planning or solving problems.

  • Confusion with time or place.

  • Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships.

  • New problems with words in speaking or writing.

Moderate Symptoms:

  • Increased memory loss and confusion.

  • Difficulty recognizing friends and family.

  • Inability to learn new things.

  • Difficulty carrying out tasks that involve multiple steps (such as getting dressed).

Severe Symptoms:

  • Inability to communicate coherently.

  • Need for full-time assistance with personal care.

  • Loss of awareness of recent experiences and surroundings.

  • Physical symptoms such as difficulty swallowing and walking.

Causes of Alzheimer's Disease

The exact cause of Alzheimer's is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Key features include:

  • Amyloid Plaques: Abnormal clumps of protein fragments (beta-amyloid) accumulate in the brain, disrupting cell function.

  • Neurofibrillary Tangles: Twisted fibers of another protein called tau build up inside cells.

  • Loss of Neuronal Connections and Cell Death: Neurons lose connections with other neurons and die.

Risk Factors

  • Age: The greatest known risk factor is increasing age, with most individuals diagnosed at 65 or older.

  • Genetics: Family history and genetics play a role, particularly with the presence of the APOE-e4 gene.

  • Head Injury: Past head trauma may increase the risk of Alzheimer's.

  • Cardiovascular Health: Conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are linked to a higher risk.

  • Lifestyle Factors: Lack of exercise, poor diet, smoking, and limited social engagement may increase risk.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing Alzheimer's involves several steps:

  • Medical History and Physical Exam: Review of symptoms, medical history, and physical examination.

  • Neurological Exam: Assessment of reflexes, coordination, muscle tone and strength, eye movement, speech, and sensation.

  • Mental Status Tests: Tests to evaluate memory, problem-solving skills, attention, counting, and language.

  • Brain Imaging: MRI and CT scans to rule out other conditions and look for changes in brain structure.

  • Biomarker Tests: Newer methods involving spinal fluid analysis and PET scans to identify amyloid plaques and tau tangles.

Treatment
There is no cure for Alzheimer's, but treatments can help manage symptoms:

Medications:

  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors: Donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine help improve neurotransmitter levels.

  • Memantine: Regulates glutamate activity to improve memory and learning.

Non-Drug Approaches:

  • Cognitive Training: Activities to enhance cognitive function.

  • Supportive Environment: Structured and safe environments to reduce confusion and anxiety.

  • Exercise and Nutrition: Regular physical activity and a balanced diet support overall health.

Prevention

While there's no certain way to prevent Alzheimer's, adopting a healthy lifestyle can reduce risk:

  • Regular Exercise: Promotes cardiovascular health and brain function.

  • Healthy Diet: Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

  • Mental Stimulation: Engaging in activities that challenge the brain.

  • Social Engagement: Maintaining social connections.

  • Good Sleep: Prioritizing quality sleep to support brain health.

Editorial History

Written By:

Nikita Kewalramani

Reviewed By:

Dr. Sachin Kadoo

MBBS, MD.

Last updated: Aug 2, 2024

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