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. This can make daily tasks that require logical thinking more challenging.

• 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. Over time, assistance may be needed for personal care, including dressing, grooming, and eating.

• Personality and Behavior Changes: Alzheimer's can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and depression. As it progresses, individuals may show anger, aggression, or confusion, and may lose interest in social activities or hobbies. They may also become suspicious of loved ones or feel disconnected from familiar routines.

• Preserved Skills: Even as Alzheimer's progresses, people often retain abilities tied to long-practiced habits, like singing, drawing, or storytelling. These moments can bring comfort and joy, offering a chance for connection with loved ones.

• Memory, Thinking, and Reasoning: Early signs of Alzheimer's include forgetfulness, like misplacing recent information or names. As the disease progresses, memory loss 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. A doctor will perform memory tests and assessments to help diagnose Alzheimer's.

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: As memory loss becomes more severe, individuals may forget how to perform basic tasks like eating, dressing, or using the bathroom, requiring full-time assistance.

• Increased Risk of Falls: Alzheimer's can affect balance and coordination, leading to an increased risk of falls and injuries, especially as mobility declines.

• Difficulty Communicating: As Alzheimer's progresses, speaking and understanding language becomes harder, making it challenging to express needs and interact with loved ones.

• Sleep Disturbances: Many individuals experience changes in sleep patterns, such as sleeping more during the day and staying awake at night, which can impact overall health.

• Behavioral Changes: Alzheimer's can cause emotional shifts, including aggression, anxiety, or depression, leading to frustration and stress for both the individual and their caregivers.

• Infections and Health Issues: Due to decreased mobility and personal care abilities, those with Alzheimer's are more prone to infections, such as urinary tract infections, pneumonia, or pressure sores.

• Difficulty Swallowing: As the disease progresses, individuals may have trouble swallowing, increasing the risk of choking or malnutrition, requiring special care and feeding methods.

These complications can be challenging, but early intervention and care planning can help manage them, ensuring the individual remains as comfortable and supported as possible.

Some known Risk Factors for Alzheimer's include:

Genetics: Family history plays a role in some cases of Alzheimer's, especially beginning Alzheimer's. Having a parent or sibling with the disease increases your risk, though it doesn't guarantee that you'll get it.

Age: The risk of Alzheimer's increases significantly with age. Most people are 65 or older, although early-onset Alzheimer's can occur as young as 30.

Lifestyle and heart health: Conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, can increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease. A heart-healthy lifestyle — including regular exercise, a balanced diet and not smoking — can reduce the risk.

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: Engage in activities that stimulate your brain, like reading, puzzles, or learning new skills. Staying mentally sharp may help delay the onset of cognitive decline.

Exercise Regularly: Physical activity, like walking or swimming, boosts blood flow to the brain and supports overall brain health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days.

Maintain a Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats (like those from olive oil and fish) can promote brain health. The Mediterranean diet, in particular, is often linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer's.

Stay Socially Engaged: Regular social interaction can help maintain cognitive function. Spend time with loved ones, join clubs, or volunteer to stay connected and mentally active.

Get Quality Sleep: Good sleep hygiene is essential for brain health. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to allow the brain to repair and recharge.

Manage Chronic Conditions: Control conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol through lifestyle changes and medication. These conditions can increase the risk of Alzheimer's.

Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can harm the brain. If you smoke, seek help to quit, and if you drink, do so in moderation.

Reduce Stress: Chronic stress can negatively impact the brain. Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises to manage stress.

While these steps can not fully prevent Alzheimer's, they can help improve overall brain health and may reduce the risk of cognitive decline.