Alzheimer's Disease

What is Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that causes brain cells to degenerate and die. It is the most common cause of dementia, leading to a continuous decline in cognitive, behavioral, and social skills, which affects a person's ability to function independently.

Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease

• Memory loss: One of the earliest and most common signs, especially forgetting recently learned information.
• Difficulty in planning or solving problems: Trouble following familiar recipes or managing bills.
• Confusion with time or place: Losing track of dates, seasons, or the passage of time.
• Challenges understanding visual images and spatial relationships: Issues with reading, judging distance, or recognizing objects.
• Problems with speaking or writing: Struggling with vocabulary, stopping in the middle of a conversation, or repeating oneself.
• Misplacing items and being unable to retrace steps to find them.
• Poor judgment: Decreased judgment or decision-making skills.
• Withdrawal from social activities: Avoiding social interactions or hobbies.
• Changes in mood or personality: Increased confusion, suspicion, depression, or anxiety.

Risk Factors

• Age: The most significant known risk factor. Most people with Alzheimer's are 65 and older.
• Family history and genetics: Having a parent or sibling with Alzheimer's increases the risk.
• Genetic predisposition: Specific genes, such as APOE-e4, are linked to a higher risk.
• Head injuries: Past head trauma may increase the risk.
• Lifestyle and heart health: Factors like smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes can elevate the risk.

Stages of Alzheimer's Disease

1. Early Stage (Mild Alzheimer's)

• Symptoms: Minor memory lapses and difficulty with complex tasks.
• Independence: Individuals may still function independently but with occasional assistance.

2. Middle Stage (Moderate Alzheimer's)

• Symptoms: More pronounced memory loss, confusion, and difficulty recognizing family and friends.
• Behavioral changes: Increased wandering, agitation, and repetitive behaviors.
• Assistance: Requires more significant support with daily activities.

3. Late Stage (Severe Alzheimer's)

• Symptoms: Severe memory loss, loss of communication abilities, and complete dependence on caregivers.
• Physical symptoms: Difficulty walking, swallowing, and general unresponsiveness.

Diagnosis

• Medical history: Reviewing medical and family history, along with changes in behavior.
• Cognitive tests: Assessing memory, problem-solving, attention, and language skills.
• Neurological exams: Evaluate balance, reflexes, and senses.
• Brain imaging: CT or MRI scans to rule out other conditions and identify brain atrophy.
• Biomarker tests: Can include spinal fluid tests or PET scans to detect specific protein changes associated with Alzheimer's.

Management and Treatment

• Medications:
  • Cholinesterase inhibitors: Helps increase communication between brain cells (e.g., donepezil, rivastigmine).
  • Memantine: Regulates brain chemicals and may help with memory and learning.
  • Medications for symptoms: To manage depression, anxiety, or behavioral issues.
• Therapies:
  • Occupational therapy: Helps adapt living environments for safety.
  • Cognitive stimulation: Engages memory and thinking skills through activities.
• Lifestyle modifications: Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, social engagement, and mental stimulation.

Complications of Alzheimer's Disease

• Inability to communicate: Leads to increased frustration and behavioral challenges.
• Reduced mobility: Can lead to bedsores, blood clots, and infections.
• Malnutrition and dehydration: Challenges with swallowing or forgetting to eat/drink.
• Increased risk of infections: Such as pneumonia due to weakened immune function.
• Death: Alzheimer's is a terminal disease, with most people succumbing to complications such as infections or organ failure.