Alzheimer’s disease is a serious brain disorder that slowly erodes memory and the ability to think clearly. It affects people of all ages, but it is most common among older adults.
Researchers don’t know the exact cause of the disease, but they believe it’s caused by a combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. Some cases are caused by specific gene changes that can be passed down in families.
That cause alzheimer
Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative disease that causes dementia, which is a loss of memory, thinking and ability to carry out daily tasks. Symptoms usually begin in adulthood and are not always obvious at first.
The disease is caused by the accumulation of brain proteins that disrupt communication between nerve cells, or neurons. This causes problems with learning, memory and thinking, eventually leading to death of the brain cells. Scientists are not sure exactly how the problem occurs, but they believe it is a combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors that play a role.
Researchers have identified a number of risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s. These include age, family history and health conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels.
Older adults are at greater risk of Alzheimer’s disease than younger people. The odds of developing the disease double every five years after you reach 65, though it can occur at any age.
Some people have a certain type of gene called APOE e4 that increases their risk for Alzheimer’s. It is inherited from your parents, so you can pass it down to your children. Having e4 doesn’t guarantee you will develop the disease, but it does increase your risk and makes it more likely that you will have late-onset Alzheimer’s.
This type of Alzheimer’s is more common than the early-onset type, and symptoms begin in your 40s or 50s. It tends to progress quickly and may cause you to lose your independence.
Many people with this form of Alzheimer’s have a rare chromosome disorder called Down syndrome, which is linked to higher risks for the disease. Down syndrome is a hereditary condition that occurs when you inherit an extra chromosome.
It isn’t known why this type of Alzheimer’s occurs, but it is thought to be caused by the buildup of clumps of proteins inside brain cells called amyloid plaques. These clumps of beta-amyloid clumps have a toxic effect on neurons, disrupting their communication and causing them to die.
These clumps also cause neurofibrillary tangles, which form threadlike patterns that block communication between neurons. This causes the neurons to die and prevents them from transporting nutrients needed for the cells to survive.
Signs of alzheimer’s disease
If you or someone you care about is experiencing symptoms that may be different from typical aging, see your doctor as soon as possible. This can help you to get a diagnosis and learn more about Alzheimer’s disease, so you and your loved one can take steps to prepare for the future.
People with Alzheimer’s disease experience memory loss, changes in thinking and behavior, and a gradual decline in independence. They often can’t remember names, faces or recent events, and they may find it difficult to communicate.
Alzheimer’s is caused by abnormal build-up of proteins (such as amyloid and tau) in the brain. These deposits form plaques and tangles that can damage the nerve cells in the brain.
These changes begin years before symptoms appear, in what is called preclinical Alzheimer’s disease. During this time, people may be forgetting things like appointments and names but they may still be able to recognize their family members and friends.
When this starts to happen regularly, this can be a sign that something is wrong. The person may start to use memory aids or ask family members for things that used to be theirs to do on their own, such as taking out the trash or driving.
As the disease progresses, people with Alzheimer’s can lose the ability to think clearly and make decisions, especially when they are stressed or anxious. They may also develop delusions and other unusual thoughts.
They may need help with tasks such as bathing, grooming, dressing and using the bathroom. They might also forget where they live, who their family is or what season it is.
By stage 6, a person with Alzheimer’s disease has problems communicating and needs more support in everyday activities, such as paying bills or making dinner. They might also need to rely on others for daily tasks and have trouble walking or getting around safely.
These changes can be a scary time for a person with Alzheimer’s disease and their family and friends. Early and accurate diagnoses can give families the opportunity to discuss financial planning, develop advance directives, enroll in clinical trials, and anticipate care needs.
Treatment for alzheimer’s disease
There’s no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but treatments can help reduce the symptoms. They can also help you manage the symptoms of the disease so that you have a better quality of life and can be as active as possible.
Medications can slow how quickly your condition gets worse and may also increase your memory and thinking. Drugs are often used in combination with other treatment options to improve your health and quality of life, including exercise, diet and social activities.
Many people find that taking a medication called a cholinesterase inhibitor helps improve their symptoms, but they can’t reverse Alzheimer’s or stop the loss of nerve cells in the brain. These drugs can be taken by mouth or in a liquid form, such as a capsule.
These medicines increase levels of acetylcholine, which is important for memory and thought. They are usually effective for 6 to 12 months. They may have some side effects such as diarrhoea, tiredness and muscle cramps. They are safe and well-tolerated when taken as directed.
Newer medications can also prevent the buildup of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain, which are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers have found that an experimental drug called donanemab, which prevents amyloid plaques from clumping in the brain, can slow cognitive decline by up to 27%.
Scientists are developing other medicines that attack beta-amyloid and tau protein fragments. They are also studying the enzymes that clip beta-amyloid from its parent compound, amyloid precursor protein (APP).
As a result, scientists are trying to develop treatments that attack these proteins at the source and stop them from building up. The hope is that someday, these medicines will be able to stop Alzheimer’s.
The most common form of therapy for people with early-stage Alzheimer’s is a drug called a cholinesterase inhibitor. These medications boost acetylcholine in the brain and can help improve thinking, memory and communication.
Other drugs that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for people with mild or moderate Alzheimer’s disease include donepezil (Aricept) and rivastigmine (Exelon). These drugs prevent acetylcholinesterase from breaking down acetylcholine in the body, which can help protect brain cells and reduce some of the symptoms of the condition.
How to prevent alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disease. As it progresses, people may forget important information or become unable to complete daily tasks. Other signs include a change in personality and mood, trouble speaking or understanding others, and problems with judgment. They also may experience delusions and depression.
The risk of getting Alzheimer’s increases with age and with family history. However, some people get the disease without having a family history of it. In these cases, a genetic glitch makes them more likely to develop it.
There’s no way to prevent Alzheimer’s completely, but there are things you can do to reduce your chances of developing it. These include avoiding certain lifestyle habits that are linked to dementia.
For example, a lot of studies have shown that people who don’t exercise regularly, smoke, and have poor sleep patterns are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. Other lifestyle factors that are related to the development of Alzheimer’s, or that can be altered to lower the risk, include eating a healthy diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables and low-fat dairy products.
A good diet can help to keep your blood sugar level down, which is a known risk factor for Alzheimer’s. Limiting sugary foods and cutting back on refined carbs (such as white flour) may also help.
Another thing you can do to help to reduce your risk is to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. Heavy drinking has long been known to cause changes in the brain that can speed up the aging process and increase the risk of developing dementia.
It’s also a good idea to have regular checkups with your doctor. These can help to catch conditions that are associated with the development of dementia, including high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
You can also talk with your doctor about changing some of your lifestyle choices that could help to lower your risk for the disease. These could be a healthier diet, regular exercise, and managing your weight.
A healthy diet and exercise are the best ways to ensure your body is functioning well. In addition to these, a doctor can recommend specific tests and screenings that may be helpful in early detection of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.
