People who develop Alzheimer’s have changes in their memory and thinking skills. These changes are due to a buildup of protein fragments called plaques and tangles that kill brain cells. The disease starts in the area of the brain that controls memory. Then it spreads in a predictable pattern to other areas.
That cause alzheimer
Researchers aren’t sure what causes Alzheimer’s disease, but they know certain things increase the chance of getting it. These include a person’s genes, their lifestyle, and their family history. People who have a family member with Alzheimer’s are twice as likely to develop the disease themselves. They also have a higher risk of developing vascular dementia, which occurs when there is poor blood flow to the brain.
Researchers have found two signs that indicate a person is at high risk of Alzheimer’s: brain plaques and tangled protein strands called neurofibrillary tangles. These clumps of protein stop neurons from sending messages to one another, and they lead to a loss of brain cells. The damage to the brain causes symptoms like memory loss and confusion. Over time, a person’s daily activities become more difficult and they may need help with eating and dressing. In late stage Alzheimer’s, a person will lose the ability to speak and move on their own. They may also develop delusions, including believing someone has stolen their possessions.
Some people can live with Alzheimer’s disease for a while by taking steps to stay active and continue learning new things. They can also get organized, have a support network of friends and family, and make plans for the future. This can help them manage their finances and make decisions about housing, legal and health care issues.
The most common factor that increases the risk of Alzheimer’s is age. Most people with the disease are over 60, but some people develop it in their 40s or 50s. The disease usually begins in the part of the brain that controls memory, but it eventually spreads to other parts of the brain.
The early stage of Alzheimer’s is mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This is a slight decline in mental abilities. The changes are often noticed only by a person’s close family members and friends. People with MCI are more likely to have a genetic variant of the APOE gene, APOE e4. They also tend to have a higher risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer’s.
Signs of alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a brain condition that causes memory loss and cognitive decline. It is the most common type of dementia. It occurs when two abnormal proteins clump together and block nerve cells. The damage starts in one part of the brain and spreads to other areas over time. This is how the disease causes symptoms such as memory loss, confusion and changes in behavior. The build-up of the proteins is called plaques and tangles. Scientists do not know why these proteins clump together, but they believe that they interfere with communication between brain cells and stop them from functioning properly. As the disease progresses, brain cells die and the area of the brain affected by the disease gets smaller.
The first signs of Alzheimer’s are usually lapses in memory for recent events. Symptoms may also include forgetting important tasks, such as paying bills or planning a meal. The symptoms can become worse over time and eventually interfere with daily life. People with Alzheimer’s may need help from others to manage basic tasks, such as eating or bathing. Other symptoms may include trouble concentrating, difficulty thinking, and problems with balance and coordination. Some people with Alzheimer’s develop delusions, such as believing something is wrong with them or that someone has stolen their possessions.
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but some treatments can ease symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. The first step is to see a doctor. Your doctor will ask questions and do standard medical tests. If the doctor thinks that you might have Alzheimer’s, he or she will refer you to a specialist for further assessment. Specialists can carry out more detailed brain scans and lab tests of spinal fluid.
Alzheimer’s disease typically affects adults over 65. However, it can appear in people who are younger — as early as their 30s or 40s. This type of Alzheimer’s is called early onset Alzheimer’s, and it accounts for less than 10 percent of all cases. Some risk factors for the disease are age, family history and certain genes. A gene called apolipoprotein E (APOE) increases the chance of developing the disease, but it does not guarantee that you will get Alzheimer’s.
Treatment for alzheimer’s disease
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but treatments can help to ease symptoms and make life easier for people living with the condition. Medications can help with memory, thinking and speech, as well as relieve mood and behavioral changes. They can also slow the rate of decline. However, the medications do not work for everyone and may cause side effects such as dizziness or diarrhea. It is important to talk to your doctor about these side effects and find the best medication for you.
The cause of Alzheimer’s disease is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by the build-up of proteins in and around brain cells. These proteins form plaques and tangles in the brain, disrupting normal brain function. Another factor in the disease is a decrease in chemical messengers that send signals between brain cells, such as acetylcholine. These messengers are found at lower levels in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Scientists are actively researching treatments for Alzheimer’s. A drug called Leqembi has been shown to slow cognitive decline in some people with early Alzheimer’s. It is being tested in clinical trials and may be available by 2024. It works by targeting amyloid, the protein that builds up in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s typically appear in people over the age of 65. However, the disease can affect younger people in their 30s and 40s, a condition known as early onset Alzheimer’s. Early onset Alzheimer’s is different from the type of Alzheimer’s that occurs in older adults and affects about 10 percent of all people with the condition.
In the future, blood tests that detect proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease are being developed. These could be administered by primary care doctors, which would allow people to get diagnosed and treated sooner. This is particularly important for those living in rural areas, where it can be difficult to reach a hospital that offers a PET scan machine.
Other treatment options include counseling and therapy to cope with the emotional and social changes that occur with the disease. These therapies can include reminiscence work, in which people are encouraged to share their memories and experiences. These sessions can help to ease anxiety and depression, which are common in the later stages of the disease.
How to prevent alzheimer’s disease
While Alzheimer’s disease cannot be prevented, lifestyle habits can greatly reduce a person’s risk of developing it. These include maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, eating a nutritious diet, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol use. Additionally, preventing health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes can lower dementia risk.
Scientists believe that Alzheimer’s starts when certain proteins start building up in the brain, disrupting cells’ ability to do their jobs and eventually killing them. These abnormal protein fragments are called plaque and tangles, and they most commonly form in the area of the brain that controls memory. Over time, the damage spreads to other areas of the brain and causes irreversible changes in the structure and function of the brain.
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but there are medicines that can ease symptoms and slow how fast the disease gets worse. They are usually used to treat people who already have the condition, but they may also be helpful for a few months or years in some people who have not yet developed Alzheimer’s symptoms.
It is normal to forget things occasionally as you age, but if you are experiencing frequent or increasing problems with your memory or thinking skills, it’s a good idea to get checked out by a doctor. A medical exam can help determine if your problem is caused by Alzheimer’s or another health condition, like vitamin deficiency, that can be treated with medicine.
A common mistake that people make is to assume that their memory problems are just a natural part of aging. However, these lapses can indicate the early stages of Alzheimer’s. They can also be related to other health problems, such as an infection or heart disease.
There are some risk factors for Alzheimer’s that cannot be controlled, such as a person’s age or their genes. But there are many health, environmental, and lifestyle factors that can significantly increase or decrease a person’s chances of developing the disease. These include following a nutrient-rich diet, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, and addressing chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
