Health Conditions

Alzheimer Disease

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Alzheimer Disease

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OverviewOverview

Alzheimer disease is a progressive neurological disorder that leads to the degeneration and death of brain cells. It is the most common cause of dementia, a continuous decline in thinking, behavioral, and social skills that disrupts a person's ability to function independently. The disease primarily affects those aged 65 and older but can also present at an earlier age.

Alzheimer is categorized into different stages: mild (early stage), moderate (middle stage), and severe (late stage). The disease progression varies among individuals, but it generally intensifies in complexity and severity over time.

Risk Factors

There are several risk factors associated with the development of Alzheimer disease. While some of these factors are non-modifiable, others can be managed through lifestyle changes and medical interventions.

Age: The risk increases significantly with age, especially after 65.
Family History: Having a parent, sibling, or child with Alzheimer increases your risk.
Genetics: Specific genes are linked to higher Alzheimer risk.
Down Syndrome: People with Down Syndrome are at a higher risk, often developing the disease earlier in life.
Sex: Women are more likely than men to develop Alzheimer.
Head Injury: A history of head trauma has been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer.
Health conditions: Health conditions, including diabetes, stroke, heart problems, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity in midlife, age-related hearing loss, and depression, may increase a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer disease.

Causes

The exact cause of Alzheimer disease is not fully understood, but it involves a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that affect the brain over time. Several key factors play a crucial role in its development.

Genetic Mutations: In rare cases, specific genetic mutations can directly cause Alzheimer's, particularly in early-onset cases.
Beta-Amyloid Plaques: Clusters of beta-amyloid proteins may disrupt cell-to-cell communication.
Tau Tangles: Abnormal tau proteins can create tangles inside brain cells, leading to cell death.
Inflammation: Chronic brain inflammation may contribute to Alzheimer development.
Lifestyle Factors: Factors like poor diet, lack of exercise, and smoking may increase risk.

Signs and Symptoms

Alzheimer disease manifests in various cognitive and behavioral changes, which tend to worsen over time. Recognizing these signs early can be crucial for timely intervention and management.

Memory loss that disrupts daily life.
Challenges in planning or solving problems.
Difficulty completing familiar tasks, such as managing a budget.
Struggle understanding visual images and spatial relationships, impacting balance, reading, judging distance, determining color or contrast, and driving.
Issues with words in speaking or writing.
Confusion with time or place, such as losing track of the date or season.
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps.
Decreased or poor judgment.
Withdrawal from work or social activities.
Changes in mood and personality

Diagnosis and Tests

Diagnosing Alzheimer disease involves multiple steps, including a thorough medical history, mental and physical examinations, and various tests. Early diagnosis can help manage the symptoms more effectively.

Medical History: Review of symptoms, family history, and other medical conditions.
Cognitive Tests: Tests to assess memory, problem-solving, attention, language, and other cognitive abilities.
Neurological Exams: Tests to evaluate balance, sensory function, reflexes, and speech.
Imaging Tests: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT), and positron emission tomography (PET) scans to rule out other causes of symptoms.
Biomarker Tests: Blood tests and cerebrospinal fluid analyses for definitive markers of Alzheimer.

Treatments

Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer disease. However, various treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These treatments generally aim to slow the progression of the disease and provide symptomatic relief.

Medications: Drugs like cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) and glutamate regulators (memantine) can help manage memory and cognition symptoms. Aducanumab (Aduhelm) and lecanemab (leqembi), both anti-amyloid antibody IV infusion therapies, can change the disease progression of early Alzheimer disease. Medications can also treat non-cognitive symptoms, such as suvorexant for insomnia and brexpiprazole for agitation associated with dementia.
Therapies: Cognitive stimulation and behavioral therapies can aid in managing symptoms.
Lifestyle Modifications: Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and mental stimulation can slow disease progression.
Supportive Care: Engaging caregivers and counseling services to support both the patient and family members.

Tips and Extra Resources

Living with Alzheimer disease can be challenging, but certain strategies and resources can make daily life more manageable. Here are some tips for patients and caregivers:

Extra resources can be found at reputable organizations, such as:

Latest News: Alzheimer Disease

How Early Treatment is Changing the Path for Alzheimer’s Patients

Wendell Helveston, MD, and patient Linda Shows emphasize the importance of early Alzheimer’s diagnosis, noting that many symptoms can be mistaken for normal aging.

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How Early Treatment is Changing the Path for Alzheimer’s Patients

Wendell Helveston, MD, and patient Linda Shows emphasize the importance of early Alzheimer’s diagnosis, noting that many symptoms can be mistaken for normal aging.

Eric Siemers, MD: Balancing Caregiver Wellbeing with Alzheimer’s Care

Supporting Alzheimer's caregivers is essential, and Eric Siemers, MD, stresses that seeking outside help and maintaining caregiver wellbeing is crucial for long-term care.

Understanding Alzheimer’s and the Path Forward, with Eric Siemers, MD

Early detection of Alzheimer's is vital for effective treatment, according to Eric Siemers, MD, who emphasizes the importance of caregiver support and proactive planning for families navigating the diagnosis.

Spotting Early Signs and Risks for Cognitive Decline, with James R. Kilgore, DMSc, PhD, PA-C

Kilgore details how cognitive decline generally presents early in patients, and what lifestyle and behavior risk factors people should avoid.

Diagnosing and Treating a Loved One's Dementia, with Rajesh Tampi, MD, MS

From identifying behavioral symptoms to working through diagnostics and care with a clinician, Tampi provides a guide for loved ones caring for a potential dementia patient.