Living with Alzheimer's Disease: A Journey of Hope
Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia that affects the brain and leads to a decline in cognitive function, including memory, thinking, and behaviour. It's a degenerative condition that deteriorates with time. Several neurologists understand it as the accumulation of protein plaques and tangles in the brain, which disrupt communication between brain cells and cause them to die. Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia in older adults, affecting millions worldwide.
Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease include memory loss, confusion, difficulty communicating, and changes in behaviour and personality. The exact causes of Alzheimer's disease are not fully understood, but neurologists confirm that it is a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. The other name for Alzheimer's disease is senile dementia.
What are the defining characteristics of Alzheimer's disease, and how does it affect individuals?
Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that affects the brain and causes a decline in cognitive function, including memory, thinking, and behaviour. The accumulation of protein plaques and tangles in the brain damages and kills brain cells. As Alzheimer's disease progresses, individuals may experience a range of symptoms, including memory loss, confusion, difficulty communicating, and changes in behaviour and personality. Initially, individuals with Alzheimer's disease may have genuine difficulty remembering recent events, people's names, or locations. As time progresses, individuals may experience difficulty with language, decision-making, and problem-solving. They may also have hurdles completing tasks they used to do freely and may become disoriented in familiar places.
 |
| Alzheimer's Disease A Journey of Hope |
What are the possible changes in the brain in Alzheimer's?
- Neurologists often characterise Alzheimer's by changes in the brain, including the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles.
- Beta-amyloid plaques are sticky clumps of protein that accumulate outside and around the brain's nerve cells, disrupting communication between neurons and causing inflammation.
- Tau protein tangles are abnormal clumps of protein that accumulate inside the brain's nerve cells, disrupting their normal function and eventually leading to cell death.
- As these plaques and tangles accumulate, they interfere with the brain's normal function, causing cognitive decline and other symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
- Other changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer's include inflammation, oxidative stress, and a decrease in the number of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that transmit signals between neurons.
In the later stages of Alzheimer's disease, individuals may experience difficulty with basic activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also become increasingly agitated, anxious, or depressed. Alzheimer's can be challenging and distressing for the affected individual and their loved ones.
The Causes of Alzheimer's Disease and How Can We Prevent It?
Causes of Alzheimer's disease:
- The exact causes of Alzheimer's disease are not fully understood, but neurologists believe that it results from a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
- Risk factors for Alzheimer's include age, family history of the disease, head injuries, and certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
- The APOE gene is also associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease:
- Regular physical exercise, especially cardiovascular exercise, has been shown to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
- A healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats may also help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
- Managing medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease can also help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
- Mental stimulation and social engagement are protective factors against Alzheimer's disease.
- Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption may also help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Treatment Options for Managing Symptoms of Dementia and Prevention:
Medications for Alzheimer's Disease:
- Doctors prescribe cholinesterase inhibitors such as donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine for Alzheimer's disease. They elevate acetylcholine levels in the brain, a neurotransmitter essential for memory and learning.
- Memantine is another medication used to treat Alzheimer's disease. It works by regulating the activity of glutamate, a chemical involved in learning and memory.
- Neurologists prescribe antidepressants and antipsychotics to manage the behavioural symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Doctors use these with caution due to potential side effects.
- Medications are not a cure for Alzheimer's, but they can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals with the disease.
- Cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine are medications that can help manage the cognitive symptoms of dementia.
- Experts prescribe antidepressants, and antipsychotics may also manage the behavioural symptoms of dementia.
 |
| Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease |
Non-Pharmacological Treatments for Dementia:
- Cognitive stimulation therapy, reminiscence therapy, and reality orientation therapy can help improve cognitive function and quality of life for individuals with dementia.
- Music therapy, art therapy, and pet therapy are effective in managing the behavioural symptoms of dementia.
- Carer education and support can also help improve outcomes for individuals with dementia and their carers.
Prevention Strategies for Dementia:
- Regular physical exercise, especially cardiovascular exercise, can help prevent or slow down the progression of dementia.
- A healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats may also help prevent or slow down the progression of dementia.
- Managing medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease can also help prevent or slow down the progression of dementia.
- Mental stimulation and social engagement are protective factors against dementia.
- Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption may also help prevent or slow down the progression of dementia.
What is the recent development in the treatment of Alzheimer's?
Some recent developments in the treatment of Alzheimer's include:
FDA approval of Aduhelm (aducanumab):
Aduhelm is a monoclonal antibody that targets amyloid beta, a protein that builds up in the brains of people with AD. In June 2021, the FDA approved Aduhelm as the first drug to slow cognitive decline in people with early-stage AD. However, the decision was controversial, and some experts have raised concerns about the drug's effectiveness and safety.
Advances in precision medicine:
Researchers are working to develop personalised treatments for AD based on a person's genetic profile, lifestyle factors, and other individual characteristics. This approach may lead to more effective treatments that can slow or even reverse the progression of the disease.
Non-pharmacological interventions:
Non-pharmacological interventions, such as cognitive training, physical exercise, and diet modifications, are also being studied as potential treatments for AD. These interventions delay the onset of symptoms and improve overall cognitive function.
New diagnostic tools:
Researchers are developing new tools to diagnose AD earlier and more accurately. For example, brain imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect changes in AD before symptoms appear.
Combination therapies:
Many researchers believe mixed drugs or treatments may be more effective than a single therapy alone. For example, combining Aduhelm with other medicines that target different aspects of the disease may lead to better outcomes for people with AD.
It's important to note that AD is a complex disease, and there is still much to learn about its underlying causes. Ongoing research is critical for developing new treatments and improving the lives of people with AD and their families.