Alzheimer’s is a brain disorder that grows progressively worse over time. Alzheimer’s causes the brain to shrink and brain cells to die. This leads to dementia and a gradual decline in memory, thinking, and social and behavioural skills. These changes can greatly impact a person’s ability to take care of themselves.
This is a condition that becomes more prevalent as people age. Those aged 65 and older are more at risk for Alzheimer’s than younger people, and early-onset Alzheimer’s is not nearly as common as Alzheimer’s in ageing populations.
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s are typically mild at first and grow worse over time. Common symptoms are:
Abstract concepts are usually the hardest for Alzheimer’s patients to remember, and decision-making can become difficult even in the early stages of the disease. For those who have reached the advanced stages, personality changes like depression, fear, and anger can also accompany the above side effects. This condition is often worse later in the day as well, which is called “sundowning”.
The cause of Alzheimer’s is an abnormal build-up of proteins around the cells in the brain. This leads to plaque in the brain that cause interruptions in thinking processes and nerve function. It can take years for the process of this build-up to lead to symptoms, but ageing is clearly linked with the onset of Alzheimer’s. Genetics might also play a role, but this part of the Alzheimer’s picture still requires more study.
People with Down’s Syndrome are at higher risk for developing Alzheimer’s. The genetic changes that cause Down’s Syndrome increase the build-up of amyloid plaques over time which can lead to Alzheimer’s developing at a younger age.
Additionally, if you have had a head injury, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure, you can be more at risk for Alzheimer’s. Obesity, smoking, and diabetes are also risk factors related to the onset of Alzheimer’s.
Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is made through a series of tests. A doctor will ask a series of questions to evaluate a patient’s use of medications, diet, past medical history, ability to carry our daily activities, decision-making ability, and changes in personality. As well as conduct tests of memory, problem solving, attention, counting and language.
Neuropsychological tests might also be done to help evaluate thinking and cognitive skills in more detail. Lab tests will usually also be done to look for things like diabetes or thyroid conditions which can mimic the symptoms of Alzheimer’s in some patients. Brain imaging can also be done to help see if there is an issue with the brain, such as stroke, tumours, or haemorrhages, that might be causing the symptoms.
Some indications eating a healthy diet with enough fats in it and exercising regularly can help prevent Alzheimer’s. It is important to do activities that challenge your mental faculties, such as puzzles, reading, or even art. However, if your Alzheimer’s is linked with genetics, these preventative measures might be ineffective.
Treatment of Alzheimer’s includes the use of cholinesterase inhibitors and through cognitive therapy that is intended to promote brain activity. There are also some cases where human antibodies, such as those in the drug Aducanumab, can be used to help alleviate further mental decline.
It is important to understand that none of these treatments will prevent the eventual decline of the patient who suffers from Alzheimer’s, and arrangements for long-term care will need to be made for those who suffer from it.