We all forget things once in a while. Forgetting stuff is a part of life and it often becomes more common as people age. But Alzheimer's is a condition that permanently affects the brain, and over time, makes it harder to remember even basic stuff, like how to swallow food. So why is this disease so deadly? Let's find out:
What is Alzheimer's disease?
Named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a non-reversible brain disorder that develops over a period of years. It is the most common form of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. People with AD may have trouble remembering things that happened recently or names of people they know. Over time, symptoms get worse. Eventually, the disease destroys large areas of the brain, leaving its victims with little comprehension or awareness.
Most often, Alzheimer's is diagnosed in people over 65 years of age, although the less-prevalent early-onset Alzheimer's can occur much earlier (when someone is in their 40s or 50s). There were 26.6 million sufferers worldwide in 2006 with 1 in 85 people predicted to be affected by it globally by 2050.
What happens to the brain in Alzheimer's?
Many scientists believe that Alzheimer's disease results from an increase in the production or accumulation of a specific protein (beta-amyloid protein) in the brain that prevents the nerve cells from working properly which cause them to malfunction. As the disease progresses, brain cells affected by Alzheimer disease begin to shrink and die. The brain tissue shrinks and the ventricles (chambers within the brain that contain cerebrospinal fluid) become larger. The communication between brain cells gets disrupted because of the damage, leading to impairment of memory, speech, and comprehension.
What causes Alzheimer's disease?
Scientists are still trying to fully understand the cause or causes of Alzheimer's disease. Research indicates that the disease is associated with plaques (deposits of the protein beta-amyloid that accumulate in the spaces between nerve cells) and tangles (deposits of the protein tau that accumulate inside of nerve cells) in the brain.
Although Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging, the number one risk factor is increasing age. The majority of people with Alzheimer's are 65 and older. There are also genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's disease. Scientists have identified two kinds of genes that are associated with this risk factor. The first, ApoE 4, is thought to be a "risk gene" that increases the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's, but does not guarantee it. The second kind of gene is a "deterministic gene" and is much rarer than risk genes. If a deterministic gene is inherited, the person will undoubtedly develop Alzheimer's, probably at a much earlier age.
Apart from age and family history, research has now shown that there may be potential other causes as well, such as head injury and cardiovascular disease.
What are the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease?
Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease usually develop slowly and get worse over time. Short-term memory problems are one of the first signs of Alzheimer's disease, which are often mistakenly thought to be 'age-related' concerns, or manifestations of stress. Examples include misplaced things, and repetitive questions and conversations. As the disease advances, symptoms include long-term memory loss, difficulty performing familiar tasks, problems with language (struggling to remember common words), changes in personality, mood swings, confusion, poor or decreased judgement, and depression.
The duration of the disease varies as the it takes a different path in every patient. It develops for an indeterminate period of time before becoming fully apparent, and it can progress undiagnosed for years. The average life expectancy following diagnosis of Alzheimer's is three to nine years, but few individuals (fewer than three percent) can survive for more than fourteen years after diagnosis.
As there is no simple test for Alzheimer's, the doctor will rely on you to describe the changes in your loved one. When Alzheimer's is suspected, the diagnosis is usually confirmed with behavioural assessments and cognitive tests (that help evaluate the patient's mental function and memory), often followed by a brain scan if available.
What are the treatment options?
Currently there are no medicines that can cure or slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. However, there are a variety of medications that help individuals carry out the activities of daily living by maintaining thinking, memory, or speaking skills. If these treatments are given during the early stages of Alzheimer's, they can improve the quality of life of the patient as well as their caregivers. Currently, there are more than 400 treatments being investigated in clinical trials worldwide to find better ways to treat the disease, delay its onset, and prevent it from developing.
As Alzheimer's disease is degenerative and cannot be cured, management of patients is essential. Alzheimer's disease is known for placing a great burden on caregivers The role of the main caregiver is often taken by the spouse or a close relative. Caring for someone with Alzheimer's can be physically and mentally taxing. The pressures can be wide-ranging, involving social, psychological, physical, and economic elements of the caregiver's life.
How do I prevent Alzheimer's disease?
Unfortunately, there's no surefire way to prevent this disease. But research in this area is ongoing, and diet and exercise appears to be key. Here are a few steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Maintain an active lifestyle. Research suggests that people who are the most physically active are the least likely to get Alzheimer's.
- Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish and nuts. Studies indicate a lower risk among people who eat a Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables, fish, and nuts.
- Do some brain exercise daily like solving riddles and work puzzles.
- Establish a regular sleep schedule.
- Maintain a good social support and constantly engage in social activities.
- Quit smoking as smoking is a significant risk factor and limit our alcohol intake.
- Keep blood pressure and cholesterol under control. Research shows that those who are free of heart disease or related conditions are at a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's or another kind of dementia than those who have cardiovascular problems.
Although there is no cure for Alzheimer's, scientists are constantly working to find a cure. This effort is bringing us closer to the day when we will be able to manage successfully or even prevent this devastating disease.
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