Learn about the causes of Alzheimer’s disease, its signs, treatment, and prevention. Alzheimer’s is caused by a buildup of a protein called tau, which becomes entangled inside neurons. Tau tangles block the ability of neurons to communicate and transport nutrients, and eventually they die. Two types of Alzheimer’s disease are known as early onset and late onset. Early onset affects people in their forties, fifties, and sixties, while late onset is often diagnosed in seniors aged 65 and up. Although the disease runs in families, no known genes have been identified.
That cause alzheimer
The early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can help you plan for your loved one’s care, enroll in clinical trials, and make financial arrangements. As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, you will have a difficult time thinking abstractly and multitasking. Even basic tasks like paying bills and taking care of your daily routine will become difficult. Even if you’re able to keep your loved one functioning, the deterioration of their mental faculties will cause you great stress.
Scientists have long suspected that amyloid plaques contribute to Alzheimer’s. They disrupt the communication between nerve cells, possibly activating immune system cells that then devour the disabled nerve cells. However, they are still not sure how these plaques contribute to the loss of brain tissue, and research is continuing. But in the meantime, a new therapy has been developed that attempts to remove beta-amyloid, a protein that is implicated in the disease.
While the genetics of Alzheimer’s disease are unknown, many studies suggest that genes play a role. Although familial Alzheimer’s disease involves one gene mutation on chromosomes 1 and 14, it does not have a definite cause. Some epigenetic factors are suspected to influence gene expression. Some genes, such as APOE4, are associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s. The research is ongoing.
Women are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than men. Regular exercise and a healthy Mediterranean diet can reduce your risk of developing this condition. For the best results, aim to perform 30 minutes of aerobic exercise five days a week. Also, sleep helps remove plaques in the brain. Sleeping well and taking up novel, cognitively stimulating activities are also good ways to keep the plaques out. These changes in the brain begin years before you start to show symptoms.
Despite the lack of a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there are currently no drugs available that can permanently stop its progression. There are, however, some drugs that may help slow down the decline in the brain and prevent the symptoms from worsening. There are different programs available to help individuals with this condition. Alzheimer’s disease can lead to death. While it is difficult to communicate pain, doctors can prescribe medications that may help them cope with the discomfort.
Signs of alzheimer’s disease
Some people may have trouble performing everyday tasks and may be unaware of changes in their memory. Other signs of Alzheimer’s disease include difficulties with language and thinking. These individuals may refer to objects using descriptive names, have difficulty reading or writing, and may have deteriorating judgment. They may also have difficulty planning, balancing a checkbook, or solving problems. The following signs of Alzheimer’s disease should prompt a visit to the doctor.
Disorientation – A person with Alzheimer’s disease may become confused about time, place, and even clothing. They may become easily annoyed and lose interest in hobbies and socializing. They may also become passive and uninterested in activities they used to enjoy. Identifying these warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease is vital in ensuring appropriate care. If these signs are present in your family member, consider arranging for a visit with your doctor or a physician who specializes in this type of dementia.
The signs of Alzheimer’s disease may be subtle, or they may be more obvious than others. While Alzheimer’s disease affects many people, there are five stages of the disease. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), moderate dementia, and severe dementia are all possible. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive and irreversible condition. While symptoms may appear gradually, the decline may overlap. Ultimately, the person will be unable to function independently.
Dementia is a progressive brain disease resulting in deteriorating cognitive, behavioral, and social abilities. While the majority of people with Alzheimer’s disease are younger, the rate of individuals with the disorder will double every five years after age 65. Genetics and lifestyle factors may also increase the risk. Even if you have no family history of dementia, you may be able to spot the first signs of this condition.
Treatment for alzheimer’s disease
There are several types of medication for treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Among the most popular drugs are cholinesterase inhibitors, which can reduce or even control behavioral and cognitive symptoms. Antipsychotics, on the other hand, can reduce or control aggressive behavior and paranoia. These medications are often prescribed to patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. They also have side effects. A full list of possible side effects is available online.
Surgical procedures can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by removing plaques from the brain. These surgeries may not be a cure, but they can improve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Other treatments may include environmental modifications and behavioral changes. If none of these treatments works, clinical trials are ongoing to find better alternatives. However, no medication will cure the disease or reverse its progression. It will only help to slow or even prevent it from progressing further.
Exercise is another effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. A stationary bicycle, elastic bands, and chair exercises may improve the mood and behavior of those with the disease. Some of these programs are even available on DVD and TV. Keeping well-hydrated is also essential for those with the disease. Some people develop dementia and forget to eat and drink regularly. These activities may cause dehydration or other complications. If you or a loved one is suffering from this disorder, contact your local Alzheimer’s Association to find local support services and resources in your area.
Despite the success of aducanumab in some patients, it has been difficult to use in clinical trials. The drug was only tested on a small population of patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease. Its effectiveness is not known until the patients have advanced Alzheimer’s disease, but it is still worth asking for. These are just some of the medications available for treating Alzheimer’s disease. If you are suffering from the symptoms of the disease, consider trying aducanumab.
Other medications can treat the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Currently, aducanumab, a human antibody, is the only FDA-approved medication for treating Alzheimer’s. It targets amyloid-beta plaques in the brain. This treatment is effective in early-stage Alzheimer’s but can cause bleeding or swelling. If you suffer from the symptoms of this disease, it is important to talk to your doctor about your options.
How to prevent alzheimer’s disease
Although there is no proven way to completely prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, you can take steps to minimize your risk of the disease. These include making healthy lifestyle choices, such as exercising regularly, and reducing stress. Your doctor can also help you determine what lifestyle changes you should make in order to reduce your risk. Several of these lifestyle changes are simple, yet effective. These include eliminating or limiting the intake of sugar, salt, and fat in your diet, as well as reducing your consumption of alcohol.
One way to lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s is to eat a diet high in antioxidants. You can get these nutrients from whole foods and high-quality juices. For additional antioxidants, you can take supplements from natural sources. To boost your intake of antioxidants, you can include fish oil, although be careful not to consume larger fish, as these contain more mercury. You can also consume plenty of folate, a water-soluble B vitamin that’s naturally found in leafy vegetables, sprouts, and microalgae. Additionally, many cereals and breads are fortified with folate, which can also protect your brain cells from oxidative stress and beta amyloid.
Another way to reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease is to exercise regularly. Studies have shown that regular exercise can slow the progression of the disease, as well as delay the onset of the condition in people already showing symptoms. Experts recommend at least 150 minutes of combined cardio and strength training each week. Besides cardiovascular benefits, building muscle is also important in maintaining brain health. Additionally, avoid injuries from falling or balance exercises, which can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s.
As research into Alzheimer’s disease continues, the hope is that the future will bring new treatments and prevention techniques. As with President Kennedy’s quote, the time to fix the roof is when the sun is shining, so is the case with prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. There is no known cure for this disease, but lifestyle changes can help reduce the progression of the disease. When you have a healthy lifestyle and avoid alcohol, you can protect yourself from the onset of the disease and its effects on the brain.
