Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease

Overview

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that damages brain cells, causing them to fail. This leads to a complete decline in memory, thinking, behavior, and social skills. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of decline, a term used to describe various symptoms of logical decline that interfere with daily life. What sets Alzheimer’s apart is that it impairs a person’s ability to perform basic functions such as eating, talking, or walking, eventually leading to death.

Alzheimer’s disease is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, who first identified it in 1906 after a woman suffered from significant memory loss, speech problems, and unpredictable behavior. After her death, Dr. Alzheimer examined her brain and found abnormal plaques and tangles of fibers, which remain two of the main characteristics of Alzheimer’s today.

Currently, millions of people worldwide suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, and this number is expected to increase as life expectancy increases. It is most common in people over the age of 65, but in advance, Alzheimer’s can affect people in their 40s or 50s.

Types of Alzheimer’s Disease:

• Atypical Alzheimer’s: Does not start with memory loss; affects other areas like behavior or language.
• Logopenic Aphasia: Affects language, making it hard to speak or understand.
• Posterior Cortical Atrophy: Affects vision and spatial awareness.
• Frontal Variant Alzheimer’s: Impacts behavior and thinking.
• Corticobasal Syndrome: Affects movement, sensation, and cognition.
• Choroid Plexus Dysfunction: Results from blood vessel issues and slower brain cell growth.
• Mild Alzheimer’s: Early stage with slight memory issues but still independent.
• Moderate Alzheimer’s: More noticeable memory loss, requiring help with daily tasks.
• Severe Alzheimer’s: Full loss of communication and independence, needing constant care.
• Inflammatory Alzheimer’s: Linked to brain inflammation.
• Non-Inflammatory Alzheimer’s: Progresses slowly without inflammation.
• Early-Onset Alzheimer’s: Occurs before age 65, often hereditary.
• Late-Onset Alzheimer’s: Most common, starting after age 65.
• Familial Alzheimer’s Disease (FAD): Inherited form, often starting earlier.

Stages of Alzheimer’s:

• Early Stage: Mild memory loss, still independent.
• Middle Stage: Significant memory loss, needs help with daily activities.
• Late Stage: Severe loss of memory and ability to communicate, requiring full-time care.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease develop slowly and worsen over time. It affects people differently, but in general, the symptoms can be categorized as:

• Memory Loss: One of the first signs of Alzheimer’s is memory loss. People may forget recent events, important dates, or ask the same questions repeatedly. They may start relying more on reminders like sticky notes or family members to help remember everyday details.
• Thinking and Reasoning Issues: Alzheimer’s affects concentration and decision-making, making it harder to follow conversations, understand instructions, or solve simple problems.
• Judgment and Decision-Making: Alzheimer’s can impact the ability to make sound decisions, leading to poor choices in everyday situations, like managing finances, dressing for the weather, or engaging in risky behaviors.
• Planning and Completing Tasks: Everyday tasks that once felt simple, like driving to familiar places or cooking meals, may become confusing.
• Personality and Behavior Changes: Alzheimer’s can lead to mood swings, anxiety, depression, anger, or confusion. Individuals may lose interest in social activities or become suspicious of loved ones.
• Preserved Skills: People often retain abilities tied to long-practiced habits, like singing, drawing, or storytelling.
• Memory, Thinking, and Reasoning: Forgetfulness deepens — people may forget personal history, struggle to recognize familiar faces, or become lost in familiar places.

When to See a Doctor

If you or a loved one experience memory issues or cognitive challenges that affect daily life, it’s important to consult a doctor. Early diagnosis can lead to better planning, treatment, and quality of life.

It is especially important to see a doctor if you notice:

• Significant memory loss that disrupts daily life
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks or making decisions
• Speech problems, such as difficulty finding the right words
• Confusion with time, place, or personal relationships
• Sudden changes in mood, behavior, or personality

Causes of Alzheimer’s disease

• The exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is still unknown, but researchers have identified several factors that contribute to its development.
• Alzheimer’s is characterised by the presence of two abnormal structures in the brain: Amyloid Plaques and Tau Tangles.
• These disrupt communication between neurons and cause brain cells to die.
• Over time, this leads to brain shrinkage and a significant decline in thoughts.

Complications of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s can lead to several complications as the disease progresses, affecting both the person and their caregivers:

• Worsening Memory and Cognition: Individuals may forget how to perform basic tasks like eating, dressing, or using the bathroom.
• Increased Risk of Falls: Alzheimer’s affects balance and coordination, raising fall risk.
• Difficulty Communicating: Speaking and understanding language becomes harder over time.
• Sleep Disturbances: Changes in sleep patterns are common.
• Behavioral Changes: Can include aggression, anxiety, or depression.
• Infections and Health Issues: Higher risk of UTIs, pneumonia, or pressure sores.
• Difficulty Swallowing: Trouble swallowing increases risk of choking or malnutrition.

Some known Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s include:

• Genetics: Family history plays a role, especially in early-onset cases.
• Age: Risk increases significantly with age, most commonly after 65.
• Lifestyle and heart health: Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol increase risk. A heart-healthy lifestyle can reduce it.
• Prevention

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent Alzheimer’s, there are steps you can take to lower the risk and promote brain health:

• Stay Mentally Active: Reading, puzzles, and learning new skills help delay cognitive decline.
• Exercise Regularly: Physical activity like walking or swimming boosts brain health.
• Maintain a Healthy Diet: Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats (e.g., Mediterranean diet) support brain health.
• Stay Socially Engaged: Regular interaction maintains cognitive function.
• Get Quality Sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep per night.
• Manage Chronic Conditions: Control high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol.
• Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Smoking and excessive drinking harm the brain.
• Reduce Stress: Techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can help.