Alzheimer’s Disease and
Dementia: Everything You Need to Know
Dementia: Everything You Need to Know
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder
that causes brain cells to waste away and die. It occurs when nerve cells in
the brain die.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of fast-growing psychological disease of dementia in the elderly.
Dementia is a brain disease
that harms mental and social skills, which impede daily functioning in normal
life.
Alzheimer’s disease often results in the following behaviors: Thinking,
impaired memory, and behavior. In this article, we will let you know
Alzheimer’s
disease facts, causes, symptoms, stages, and diagnosis, treatment, and prevention tips.
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| Presenile dementia and Alzheimer’s disease |
Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: Fast Facts, Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s
disease (also called: presenile dementia) is a progressive,
fast-growing psychological disease of dementia. It
harms mental and social skills, which impede daily functioning in normal life.
disease (also called: presenile dementia) is a progressive,
fast-growing psychological disease of dementia. It
harms mental and social skills, which impede daily functioning in normal life.
Alzheimer’s
disease is atrophy in healthy brain cells leading to a continuous decline in
memory and in mental abilities.
disease is atrophy in healthy brain cells leading to a continuous decline in
memory and in mental abilities.
Dementia
is a broad term for situations caused by brain injuries or diseases that
negatively affect memory, thinking, and behavior. These changes make a considerable
intervention in daily life.
is a broad term for situations caused by brain injuries or diseases that
negatively affect memory, thinking, and behavior. These changes make a considerable
intervention in daily life.
According
to the Alzheimer’s
Association, Alzheimer’s disease is responsible for 60 to 80 percent
of dementia cases.
to the Alzheimer’s
Association, Alzheimer’s disease is responsible for 60 to 80 percent
of dementia cases.
Most
people are diagnosed with the disease after 65 years. If it is diagnosed
earlier, it is usually known as the primary Alzheimer’s disease.
people are diagnosed with the disease after 65 years. If it is diagnosed
earlier, it is usually known as the primary Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s
disease is not a normal stage of aging, but the risk of developing Alzheimer’s
disease increases with age.
disease is not a normal stage of aging, but the risk of developing Alzheimer’s
disease increases with age.
Although
Alzheimer’s disease is incurable, there are treatments that can slow down
the progression of the disease and improve the
quality of life of those who suffer from it.
Alzheimer’s disease is incurable, there are treatments that can slow down
the progression of the disease and improve the
quality of life of those who suffer from it.
Patients
with Alzheimer’s disease, as well as people who care for them, need support
from family and friends to succeed in resisting Alzheimer’s disease.
with Alzheimer’s disease, as well as people who care for them, need support
from family and friends to succeed in resisting Alzheimer’s disease.
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Alzheimer’s disease: Overview and Facts
Although
many people have heard of Alzheimer’s disease, they do not know what actually it
is. Here are some facts about this disease:
many people have heard of Alzheimer’s disease, they do not know what actually it
is. Here are some facts about this disease:
✰Alzheimer’s
is an old ongoing condition.
is an old ongoing condition.
✰Alzheimer’s
disease is not as inevitable as aging.
disease is not as inevitable as aging.
✰Heart
diseases are associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s.
diseases are associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s.
✰Scientists
are still unsure of the cause of Alzheimer’s
are still unsure of the cause of Alzheimer’s
✰The
symptoms of Alzheimer’s come gradually and worsen over several
years.
symptoms of Alzheimer’s come gradually and worsen over several
years.
✰The
effects of Alzheimer’s on the brain are irreversible they can cause a slow
decline.
effects of Alzheimer’s on the brain are irreversible they can cause a slow
decline.
✰Alzheimer’s
disease or presenile dementia is one of the leading causes of death.
disease or presenile dementia is one of the leading causes of death.
✰Alzheimer’s
disease can happen to anyone, but some people have more risk for it.
disease can happen to anyone, but some people have more risk for it.
This
includes people over 65 years old and people with a family history of this
situation.
includes people over 65 years old and people with a family history of this
situation.
✰Women
are more susceptible to disease.
are more susceptible to disease.
✰Each
person encounters various experiences with Alzheimer’s disease.
person encounters various experiences with Alzheimer’s disease.
✰Alzheimer’s
is associated with loss of smell.
is associated with loss of smell.
✰Alzheimer’s
disease is the most common condition among dementia cases.
disease is the most common condition among dementia cases.
✰Alzheimer’s
and dementia are not the same things. Alzheimer’s disease is a type of
dementia.
and dementia are not the same things. Alzheimer’s disease is a type of
dementia.
✰There
is no expected result for people with Alzheimer’s. Some people live longer with
light cognitive impairment.
is no expected result for people with Alzheimer’s. Some people live longer with
light cognitive impairment.
✰There
is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but treatment can help to slow down the progression
of the disease and improve the quality of life.
is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but treatment can help to slow down the progression
of the disease and improve the quality of life.
Difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia
The
words “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s” are sometimes
used for each other. However, these two conditions are not the same.
words “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s” are sometimes
used for each other. However, these two conditions are not the same.
Alzheimer’s
is a type of dementia. Dementia is a progressive deterioration of a person’s
mental abilities with symptoms related to memory loss such as forgetfulness, confusion, and dysfunction,
etc.
is a type of dementia. Dementia is a progressive deterioration of a person’s
mental abilities with symptoms related to memory loss such as forgetfulness, confusion, and dysfunction,
etc.
Dementia
is more symptomatic than its disease. Dementia includes more specific
conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and others. Due to
these diseases, symptoms and treatments can vary.
is more symptomatic than its disease. Dementia includes more specific
conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and others. Due to
these diseases, symptoms and treatments can vary.
Learn
more about how Alzheimer’s disease and dementia differ.
more about how Alzheimer’s disease and dementia differ.
What Causes Alzheimer’s Disease?
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| Presenile dementia and Alzheimer’s disease |
Alzheimer’s Causes and Risk Factor
Alzheimer’s
is not the result of just one factor. Scientists believe that Alzheimer’s disease is caused by a
combination of genetic factors and other factors related to lifestyle and
environment.
is not the result of just one factor. Scientists believe that Alzheimer’s disease is caused by a
combination of genetic factors and other factors related to lifestyle and
environment.
It
is very difficult to understand the causes and factors of Alzheimer’s, but its
effect on brain cells is clear, as it affects and destroys brain cells.
is very difficult to understand the causes and factors of Alzheimer’s, but its
effect on brain cells is clear, as it affects and destroys brain cells.
There
are two common types of neuritic damage in Alzheimer’s patients:
are two common types of neuritic damage in Alzheimer’s patients:
Plaque: A protein accumulation, usually harmless, called
amyloid-beta, can cause damage in the communication process between brain
cells.
amyloid-beta, can cause damage in the communication process between brain
cells.
The
main reason for the destruction of neurons in Alzheimer’s disease is still
unknown, but there is ample evidence that the accumulation of amyloid-beta
protein abnormally is the cause.
main reason for the destruction of neurons in Alzheimer’s disease is still
unknown, but there is ample evidence that the accumulation of amyloid-beta
protein abnormally is the cause.
Tangle: The internal structure of brain cells depends on the normal
functioning of a protein called Tau protein.
functioning of a protein called Tau protein.
In
patients with Alzheimer’s disease, changes occur in the Tau protein fibers
leading to the tingling and twisting.
patients with Alzheimer’s disease, changes occur in the Tau protein fibers
leading to the tingling and twisting.
Many
researchers believe that this phenomenon can cause serious damage to nerve
cells (neurons), and even eliminate them.
researchers believe that this phenomenon can cause serious damage to nerve
cells (neurons), and even eliminate them.
Experts
have not identified the actual cause of Alzheimer’s disease until now, but they
have identified some risk factors, including the following:
have not identified the actual cause of Alzheimer’s disease until now, but they
have identified some risk factors, including the following:
Age: Alzheimer’s disease usually appears above the age of 65
years, but can appear, in very rare cases, even before the age of 40 years.
years, but can appear, in very rare cases, even before the age of 40 years.
The
prevalence of the disease among people aged 65-74 years is less than 5% among
those aged 85 years and older, the prevalence of Alzheimer’s is about 50%.
prevalence of the disease among people aged 65-74 years is less than 5% among
those aged 85 years and older, the prevalence of Alzheimer’s is about 50%.
Genetics: If the family has Alzheimer’s disease, the risk of this
disease in first-degree relatives (sons/daughters, brothers/sisters) is
slightly higher.
disease in first-degree relatives (sons/daughters, brothers/sisters) is
slightly higher.
Genetic
mechanisms for the transmission of Alzheimer’s disease among family members
have not yet been fully identified, but scientists note several genetic
mutations that increase the risk of infection in certain families.
mechanisms for the transmission of Alzheimer’s disease among family members
have not yet been fully identified, but scientists note several genetic
mutations that increase the risk of infection in certain families.
Gender: Women are more likely and highly susceptible to develop
Alzheimer’s disease than men. One reason is that women live longer.
Alzheimer’s disease than men. One reason is that women live longer.
Simple
cognitive deficits: People with mild cognitive deficits have more serious
memory problems than normal and acceptable in their age, but not serious enough
to define them as dementia.
cognitive deficits: People with mild cognitive deficits have more serious
memory problems than normal and acceptable in their age, but not serious enough
to define them as dementia.
Many
people with these defects develop Alzheimer’s disease at some point.
people with these defects develop Alzheimer’s disease at some point.
Lifestyle: Factors that increase the risk of heart disease also
increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease such as hypertension,
hypercholesterolemia and unbalanced diabetes, etc.
increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease such as hypertension,
hypercholesterolemia and unbalanced diabetes, etc.
Maintaining
high fitness is not the only task – the brain should be trained as well.
high fitness is not the only task – the brain should be trained as well.
Some
research and studies confirm that the maintenance of mental activity throughout
life, especially at an advanced age, reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
research and studies confirm that the maintenance of mental activity throughout
life, especially at an advanced age, reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Educational-Cultural Level: Studies have found a relationship between
the low level of education and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. But
the exact reason for this is unknown.
the low level of education and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. But
the exact reason for this is unknown.
Some
researchers believe that the more we use our brain, the more contact areas will
be created between the neurons, which are a greater reserve in old age.
researchers believe that the more we use our brain, the more contact areas will
be created between the neurons, which are a greater reserve in old age.
However,
it may have been difficult to observe Alzheimer’s disease in people who occupy
their brains permanently.
it may have been difficult to observe Alzheimer’s disease in people who occupy
their brains permanently.
These
reasons do not mean that you will develop Alzheimer’s disease. Rather it can
increase your risk level.
reasons do not mean that you will develop Alzheimer’s disease. Rather it can
increase your risk level.
To
learn more about your personal risk of developing the situation, talk to your
doctor.
learn more about your personal risk of developing the situation, talk to your
doctor.
Learn
more about the amyloid plaque, neurofibrillary tangles, and other factors that
can cause Alzheimer’s disease.
more about the amyloid plaque, neurofibrillary tangles, and other factors that
can cause Alzheimer’s disease.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease
In
the first phase of Alzheimer’s, there is a slight loss of memory, confusion,
and dysfunction, ultimately resulting in irreversible damage to the patient’s
mental abilities, as well as his ability to remember, to think logically, to
learn and to imagine.
the first phase of Alzheimer’s, there is a slight loss of memory, confusion,
and dysfunction, ultimately resulting in irreversible damage to the patient’s
mental abilities, as well as his ability to remember, to think logically, to
learn and to imagine.
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Memory loss:
By
the way, everyone has difficulty remembering some things.
the way, everyone has difficulty remembering some things.
It’s
normal to forget where to put your car keys or the names of people you rarely
meet. But memory problems in Alzheimer’s patients are exacerbated much and the
behavior and symptoms of those with Alzheimer’s disease vary over time.
normal to forget where to put your car keys or the names of people you rarely
meet. But memory problems in Alzheimer’s patients are exacerbated much and the
behavior and symptoms of those with Alzheimer’s disease vary over time.
Some
of the major traits are the following:
of the major traits are the following:
- Alzheimer’s
patients repeat the same sentences and words - Forget
conversations or appointments - They
put things in the wrong place or in places that are completely illogical - They
forget the names of their family members and the names of objects they use
daily - Problems
in abstract thinking - Make
distance from friends, family, and society. - At
the beginning of the disease, Alzheimer’s patients may not be able to maintain
their financial balance, a problem that may develop into difficulty in knowing,
identifying and handling numbers - Difficult
to find the right or proper word - Problems
in the ability to locate - Loss
of sense of time, even Alzheimer’s patients may be “lost” in a
familiar area - Difficulties
in solving daily problems, such as knowing how to behave in the event of
burning food in the oven, with time it becomes more difficult and eventually
becomes impossible.
Alzheimer’s
disease is characterized by extreme difficulty in the implementation of tasks
and actions that require planning, decision-making and the ability to govern
and take a position.
disease is characterized by extreme difficulty in the implementation of tasks
and actions that require planning, decision-making and the ability to govern
and take a position.
It
is very difficult to carry out routine tasks involving a few stages or steps,
such as cooking.
is very difficult to carry out routine tasks involving a few stages or steps,
such as cooking.
People
with Alzheimer’s disease in its advanced stages forget how to do the most basic
things.
with Alzheimer’s disease in its advanced stages forget how to do the most basic
things.
Alzheimer’s
patients have personality changes in their lives such as:
patients have personality changes in their lives such as:
- Mood
changes - Lack
of trust in others - Increasing
intransigence - Increasing fear
- Social
Isolation - Depression
- Aggression
What are the 7 Stages of
Alzheimer’s?
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| Symptoms of presenile dementia and Alzheimer’s disease |
Stages of
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s
is a progressive disease, which means that the symptoms gradually get worse
over time.
is a progressive disease, which means that the symptoms gradually get worse
over time.
Alzheimer’s
is divided into 7 different steps:
is divided into 7 different steps:
Stage
1: During this stage, there are not any serious memory
problems or other symptoms of dementia but initial diagnosis
can be based on family history.
1: During this stage, there are not any serious memory
problems or other symptoms of dementia but initial diagnosis
can be based on family history.
Stage 2: In this stage, people can
notice that they have minor memory problems and are forgetting
things around the house, although not at that point where memory loss can
be easily separated from normal age-related memory loss.
notice that they have minor memory problems and are forgetting
things around the house, although not at that point where memory loss can
be easily separated from normal age-related memory loss.
In this
condition, the person will still do good work on memory tests and the disease
cannot be detected easily by loved ones or physicians.
condition, the person will still do good work on memory tests and the disease
cannot be detected easily by loved ones or physicians.
Stage 3: At this stage, mild
physical and mental impairment appear, such as low memory and concentration.
physical and mental impairment appear, such as low memory and concentration.
This
cognitive problem can only be noticeable by someone very close to the
person.
cognitive problem can only be noticeable by someone very close to the
person.
Performance
on memory tests is affected and the physician can detect impaired cognitive
function.
on memory tests is affected and the physician can detect impaired cognitive
function.
Stage 4: Alzheimer’s is often diagnosed
in this stage, patients have a poor
short-term memory and forget details about their life histories and
are unable to pay bills and manage finance.
in this stage, patients have a poor
short-term memory and forget details about their life histories and
are unable to pay bills and manage finance.
But it is
still considered lightweight because the ability to do everyday tasks is clear.
still considered lightweight because the ability to do everyday tasks is clear.
Stage 5: This is a stage of moderately
severe decline. At this stage, patients start to get help in many day-to-day
activities and may encounter the following experiences:
severe decline. At this stage, patients start to get help in many day-to-day
activities and may encounter the following experiences:
- Significant
confusion - Difficulty
dressing appropriately - Inability to
recall their own phone number
Stage 6: It is the stage of severe
decline. In this phase, a person with Alzheimer’s may need help in basic tasks,
such as eating, dressing, toileting, and bathing and frequently require
professional care and constant supervision.
decline. In this phase, a person with Alzheimer’s may need help in basic tasks,
such as eating, dressing, toileting, and bathing and frequently require
professional care and constant supervision.
Other
symptoms may include:
symptoms may include:
- Inability to
recognize people faces except for the closest relatives and friends - Inability to
remember the details of personal history - Unawareness
of environment and surroundings or excessive confusion - Personality
and mood changes and potential behavior problems - Loss of
bowel and bladder control
Stage
7: This is the
most serious and final stage of Alzheimer’s. People in this stage are
nearing death.
7: This is the
most serious and final stage of Alzheimer’s. People in this stage are
nearing death.
They lose
speech, facial expressions and the ability to respond to their environment.
speech, facial expressions and the ability to respond to their environment.
While they
still can utter words and phrases, there is no insight into their condition and
they need help in all activities of daily living.
still can utter words and phrases, there is no insight into their condition and
they need help in all activities of daily living.
Complications of Alzheimer’s Disease
In an
advanced stage of Alzheimer’s disease patients lose the ability to take care of
themselves. This fact may result in other medical problems such as
Pneumonia.
advanced stage of Alzheimer’s disease patients lose the ability to take care of
themselves. This fact may result in other medical problems such as
Pneumonia.
It is
difficulty swallowing food and fluids which may cause inhalation of certain
nutrients and beverages in the airways (bronchial tubes) and lungs, which may
lead to pneumonia.
difficulty swallowing food and fluids which may cause inhalation of certain
nutrients and beverages in the airways (bronchial tubes) and lungs, which may
lead to pneumonia.
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Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease
Doctors can
diagnose 90% of cases of Alzheimer’s disease accurately.
diagnose 90% of cases of Alzheimer’s disease accurately.
The disease
can be surely diagnosed only after death, using a microscope to detect plaques
and tangles.
can be surely diagnosed only after death, using a microscope to detect plaques
and tangles.
The doctor
may use other tests to assess the mental abilities, diagnose dementia and
eliminate other conditions. The doctor will first know about medical history.
may use other tests to assess the mental abilities, diagnose dementia and
eliminate other conditions. The doctor will first know about medical history.
Apart from
this, the doctor can ask –
this, the doctor can ask –
- The family
medical history about the symptoms - The current
or previous health status or current or previous medicines - About diet,
alcohol consumption, or other lifestyle habits
Alzheimer’s Tests
There is no
definitive test for Alzheimer’s disease. However, your doctor will do a number
of tests to determine your diagnosis.
definitive test for Alzheimer’s disease. However, your doctor will do a number
of tests to determine your diagnosis.
These tests
may include physical, mental, neurological and imaging tests.
may include physical, mental, neurological and imaging tests.
After this,
they can take a physical test, for example, they can check your blood pressure,
assess heart rate, and take body temperature.
they can take a physical test, for example, they can check your blood pressure,
assess heart rate, and take body temperature.
In some
cases, doctors can collect urine or blood samples for testing in the
laboratory.
cases, doctors can collect urine or blood samples for testing in the
laboratory.
Apart from
this, physicians can ask for separate examination to study brain-imaging,
including Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT scan).
this, physicians can ask for separate examination to study brain-imaging,
including Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT scan).
Positron
Emission Tomography (PET scan) can also be used to detect less active brain
regions and plaques.
Emission Tomography (PET scan) can also be used to detect less active brain
regions and plaques.
By looking
at brain scan images, doctors can observe and identify abnormal results, such
as blood clots, bleeding or tumors – which may be signs and symptoms of
Alzheimer’s disease.
at brain scan images, doctors can observe and identify abnormal results, such
as blood clots, bleeding or tumors – which may be signs and symptoms of
Alzheimer’s disease.
What is the Best Treatment for Alzheimer’s
Disease?
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| Alzheimer’s disease and dementia- Everything you need to know |
Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Neurologists
sometimes prescribe drugs to reduce the symptoms that often accompany Alzheimer’s disease, including the inability to
sleep, confusion, anxiety, insomnia, and depression.
sometimes prescribe drugs to reduce the symptoms that often accompany Alzheimer’s disease, including the inability to
sleep, confusion, anxiety, insomnia, and depression.
But
only two types of drugs have been shown to be effective in slowing the mental
decline caused by Alzheimer’s disease – Cholinesterase inhibitors: Memantine and Namenda.
only two types of drugs have been shown to be effective in slowing the mental
decline caused by Alzheimer’s disease – Cholinesterase inhibitors: Memantine and Namenda.
Alternative Treatments
Vitamin E: A number of studies have shown that vitamin E may slow
the progression of the disease, while others have shown that it is not useful.
the progression of the disease, while others have shown that it is not useful.
Doctors
warn against taking high doses of vitamin E, as it may increase the risk of
dying from heart disease.
warn against taking high doses of vitamin E, as it may increase the risk of
dying from heart disease.
GINKGO: Some believe that Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract may help
delay the development of memory problems associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
delay the development of memory problems associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
But
recent research has shown that the use of this is not very useful.
recent research has shown that the use of this is not very useful.
Please
note that these products may adversely affect the effectiveness of
blood-thinning drugs (Blood dilution) causing bleeding.
note that these products may adversely affect the effectiveness of
blood-thinning drugs (Blood dilution) causing bleeding.
Hfrazin A: A substance produced from Chinese algae that works the
same way as cholinesterase inhibitors.
same way as cholinesterase inhibitors.
The
use of this substance with drugs such as Donepezil increases the risk of toxic
side effects, so it is prohibited to take them together at the same time.
use of this substance with drugs such as Donepezil increases the risk of toxic
side effects, so it is prohibited to take them together at the same time.
Alzheimer’s Care
If
someone in your family or your loved one has Alzheimer’s disease, then you have
to consider taking care of him properly.
someone in your family or your loved one has Alzheimer’s disease, then you have
to consider taking care of him properly.
Although
it is usually not easy, it can be very beneficial. This is like a permanent
job.
it is usually not easy, it can be very beneficial. This is like a permanent
job.
Being
a caregiver, you have many skills inside you.
a caregiver, you have many skills inside you.
It
is necessary to have patience, creativity, stamina.
is necessary to have patience, creativity, stamina.
There
is also a benefit from it that you take good care of your loved one by
selflessly.
is also a benefit from it that you take good care of your loved one by
selflessly.
Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease
As
there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there is no proven defense
in the same way.
there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there is no proven defense
in the same way.
However,
human trials of anti-Alzheimer’s vaccinations were halted a few years ago
because some of the participants in the trials who received the vaccine had acute
brain inflammation.
human trials of anti-Alzheimer’s vaccinations were halted a few years ago
because some of the participants in the trials who received the vaccine had acute
brain inflammation.
The
risk of Alzheimer’s disease can be reduced, as does the risk of heart disease.
Many factors that increase the risk of heart disease may increase the risk of
dementia.
risk of Alzheimer’s disease can be reduced, as does the risk of heart disease.
Many factors that increase the risk of heart disease may increase the risk of
dementia.
The
main factors are high blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
main factors are high blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Continuing
physical, mental and social activity will reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s
disease.
physical, mental and social activity will reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s
disease.
The
following measures can also help:
following measures can also help:
- Take
green vegetables and fruits - Consume
more antioxidants - Maintain
an active social life
Make
sure to talk to your doctor before making any major changes to your lifestyle.
sure to talk to your doctor before making any major changes to your lifestyle.
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