Age
FAQ’s
AD is the most common type of dementia; it starts with memory loss and gets worse over time. In end-stage disease, many people are dependent on caretakers. There is no cure, but there are treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease.1
Scientists don’t know precisely what causes Alzheimer’s Disease, but it is related to the accumulation of proteins in the brain, specifically amyloid plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles, that lead to brain degeneration.1
Risk factors for Alzheimer’s Disease include1:
Traumatic head injury
Depression
Cardiovascular disease
Cerebrovascular disease
Higher parental age
Smoking
Increased homocysteine levels
Presence of Apolipoprotein (APOE) e4 allele
It is estimated that over 24 million people are living with AD worldwide. Symptoms of the disease usually appear after the age of 65, but can occur in a small percentage of younger patients (early Alzheimer’s).1
The earliest and most common symptom of AD is memory loss. Symptoms tend to get worse as the disease progresses, and include1,2:
- Memory loss
- Judgment/problem-solving difficulties
- Trouble completing familiar tasks
- Problems communicating, both speaking and writing
- Time/place confusion
- Vision/spatial issues
- Social withdrawal
- Mood changes like apathy and irritability
- Sleep disturbances
- Problems with movement
There is no guaranteed method of preventing Alzheimer’s Disease. However, some studies suggest that adopting a healthy lifestyle, including diet modifications and regular exercise, may decrease the risk of developing AD. In addition, participating in mentally stimulating activities like reading, playing music, and social activities may also decrease AD risk.1,2
Early diagnosis can benefit people with AD by allowing them more time for treatment as well as long-term planning and family communication. AD is typically diagnosed via1,2:
Gathering information from family members and caregivers
Physical exam including neurological findings
Cognitive testing, looking at memory, problem-solving, etc.
Blood tests looking for biomarkers
Neuroimaging, like MRI, PET, and other scans
Ruling out other potential causes of dementia
While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s Disease, several treatment options are available aimed at improving quality of life and cognitive function. Medications like donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine, and memantine may help decrease the symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease. Newer medications, like aducanumab, may slow the protein deposition and brain shrinkage that is characteristic of AD1,2.
A new diagnosis of AD can be challenging to both the person affected and their family. Keeping an open line of communication with the healthcare team can help with finding clinical trials and dealing with tough decisions. Future planning, like addressing financial, legal, and end-of-life issues should be addressed as soon as possible. Societies, associations, and support groups can offer both patients and caregivers a place to share concerns, get helpful tips, and receive emotional support. Examples include:
- National Institute on Aging: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers
- Alzheimers.gov: https://www.alzheimers.gov/
- Alzheimer’s Association. Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures
- Caregiver Resources & Long-Term Care: https://www.hhs.gov/aging/long-term-care/index.html
- Caregiver Support: https://www.usa.gov/disability-caregiver
References
- Kumar A, Sidhu J, Goyal A, et al. Alzheimer Disease. StatPearls. 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499922/
- National Institute on Aging (NIA). Alzheimer’s Disease Fact Sheet. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet
All URLs accessed on November 2, 2022.
This activity is provided by Med Learning Group.
