What we know about Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative
disease of the brain, which causes thinking and
memory to become seriously impaired. It is the
most common form of dementia 1.
The disease was first identified by Dr. Alois
Alzheimer in 1906. He described the two
hallmarks of the disease: “plaques” - numerous tiny dense deposits scattered throughout the brain
which become toxic to brain cells at excessive
levels and “tangles” which interfere with vital
processes eventually “choking” off the living cells.
As well, when brain cells degenerate and die, the
brain markedly shrinks in some regions.
The effects of Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease eventually affects all aspects
of a person’s life: how he or she thinks, feels and
acts. Since individuals are affected differently, it is
difficult to predict the symptoms each person will
have, the order in which they will appear, or the
speed of the disease’s progression.
In general the following will gradually be
affected by the disease:
Mental abilities - A person’s ability
to understand, think, remember and
communicate will be affected. The ability
to make decisions will be reduced. Simple
tasks that have been performed for years
will become more difficult or be forgotten.
Confusion and memory loss, initially for
recent events and eventually for long-term
events, will occur. The ability to find the
right words and follow a conversation will
be affected.
Emotions and moods - A person may
appear uninterested and apathetic, and
may quickly lose interest in the hobbies
they previously enjoyed. The ability to
control mood and emotion may be lost. Some
individuals are less expressive and are more
withdrawn. However, it is now becoming clear
that a person even in the later stages of the
disease may continue to feel joy, anger, fear,
love, and sadness.
Behaviour - Changes will develop in
the way the person reacts to his or her
environment. These actions may seem out
of character for the person. Some common
reactions include repeating the same action
or words, hiding possessions, physical
outbursts and restlessness.
Physical abilities - The disease can affect
a person’s physical co-ordination and mobility,
leading to a gradual physical decline. This will
affect the person’s ability to independently
perform day-to-day tasks such as eating,
bathing and getting dressed.
Research, treatment
and strategies
There have been significant advances in
treatments that can have an impact on an
individual’s day-to-day life. Earlier diagnosis
is improving the quality of life for many
people who begin treatment in the early
stages. Several medications may slow the
decline of memory, language and thinking
abilities in some people. Although these drugs
do not work for everyone, they are a valuable
step forward in the treatment of Alzheimer’s
disease. Promising results are emerging from
clinical trials of new drugs and vaccines that
attack the disease process and provide hope
for continued advances in treatment.
New behavioural therapeutic strategies are
also helping people living with the disease.
Therapeutic techniques, like physical activity
and music therapy, are being used as viable
and useful treatments. Research shows that
the quality of life of people with Alzheimer’s
disease, and also their caregivers, is
significantly improved by activities that
emphasize their strengths and abilities. By
understanding the person’s personality, life
experiences, support systems and ways of
coping, an approach to care can be created
that preserves and improves quality of life.
Risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease
While the specific cause or the cure for
Alzheimer’s disease is not known, the disease
appears to develop when the combined effects
of certain risk factors reach a threshold level.
Many of these risk factors are known but there are likely others that are yet to
be identified. When the threshold level is
reached, the brain’s ability to repair and
maintain itself is overwhelmed, and the
disease process begins.
Risk factors increase the chances of getting
Alzheimer’s disease. Age and genetics are
two risk factors that can not be changed.
However, it may be possible to reduce many
of the other known risks for the disease
through lifestyle choices.
Age - Advancing age is the most significant
risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. Most
people who develop Alzheimer’s disease
are over the age of 65. However the disease
process is thought to begin years before
cognitive and memory impairments are
apparent. It is important to remember
that most people do not get Alzheimer’s
disease as they age. It is not a normal part of
aging. Whatever other risk factors are
present, Alzheimer’s disease never sets in
until some minimum adult age is reached.
Genes - The familial form of the disease
(FAD), passed on directly from generation to
generation, accounts for only about 7% of the
total incidence of Alzheimer’s disease. While
the common form of the disease (sporadic
Alzheimer’s disease) also has some genetic
links much is still unknown. The majority
of cases have no single identifiable cause.
The role of genetics continues to be studied.
Other risk factors include
- Unhealthy eating habits
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol levels
- Strokes
- Obesity
- Stress
- Chronic inflammatory conditions
- History of clinical depression
- MCI (mild cognitive impairment)
- Low levels of physical activity
- Low socio-economic status
- Inadequate exercising of the brain
- Low levels of formal education
- Brain injury
- Smoking
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