The Facts About Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that causes progressively significant impairments in behavior and cognition, including speech production and comprehension, focus, recall and complex reasoning skills. It's the most common subtype of dementia, a generalized term that alludes to cognitive decline so severe it interferes with activities of daily living.

Alzheimer's is the leading cause of cognitive ability decline.

The disease predominantly affects seniors: onset prior to age 65 is rare. There is no cure, and diagnosis in the early stages is cumbersome because Alzheimer's has no definitive tests, but treatments exist to help manage or slow symptoms.

Alzheimer's disease is the result of neuronal cell death. Though the most significant risk factor is age, research indicates a strong genetic component in disease development. Other significant predispositions include cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), Down syndrome and depression.

Clinical depression is another common predecessor to Alzheimer's.

The disease occurs because of neuronal dysfunction. Typically, amyloid plaques—tiny, spherical lesions with extracellular beta-amyloid cores—are moderated by other cells, but when repetitive cleavage occurs, they accumulate to form hard clusters called neurofibrillary tangles. The subsequent amyloid plaque buildup results in neuronal toxicity cell death and synaptic functioning impairments.

Symptomatic variation in Alzheimer's disease is vast and occurs in stages. The cognitive impairments can range from mild to debilitating and are accompanied by behavioral abnormalities. Episodic short-term memory loss is often the first symptom, but as the disease progresses, troubles with problem-solving, executive functioning, reasoning, motivation, organization, abstract thinking and multitasking soon follow.

Upon reaching this stage of dementia, aphasia (language disorder) and the inability to perform daily tasks are present.

Alzheimer's disease has myriad impacts behaviorally and physically. Patients may undergo personality changes or become depressed, irritable or paranoid. Some experience hallucinations and neuromuscular disturbances, such as seizures or lack of coordination.

The long-term effects of Alzheimer's disease are devastating, with most sufferers ending up needing assistance with all daily activities. Advanced complications resemble Parkinson's disease, in which symptoms include regularly drifting into a comatose state, immobility, sensory disruption and sleep disturbances. With the loss of visuospatial awareness and a general sense of direction, activities such as walking alone, and especially driving, could be extremely dangerous.

Falls are a major risk, and disruptive or inappropriate behaviors may hinder social situations or cause legal issues. Eventually, the cumulative damage from Alzheimer's is death, and once the diagnosis is confirmed, the prognosis is poor. It is possible to live five years or longer with Alzheimer's disease, but the quality of life during that time becomes severely diminished.

Patients undergo several exams and provide extensive medical history to receive a proper diagnosis. As some patients may be unaware of their condition, loved ones should be present to contribute information. Patients are further categorized by level of functioning: preclinical/presymptomatic, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia.

Neurological, physical and mental status exams are other crucial diagnostic procedures, although neuropsychological tests are best for early stages. The resulting data is useful for ruling out other conditions and deducing disease progression.

Dementia itself is not a condition; it refers to a group of symptoms causing changes in the brain, affecting cognition and capabilities with daily tasks. Dementia is known to come in more than 100 different forms, one of which is Alzheimer's disease. Some forms are very serious and some are reversible.

Symptoms often overlap, and consequently, there are a multitude of differential diagnoses, meaning it's possible to have more than one form of dementia concurrently.

Alzheimer's disease is known to be progressive and, once diagnosed, virtually everyone eventually develops symptoms of dementia within five to seven years. If a case of Alzheimer's is at the dementia stage, it has reached the peak of impairment, and anyone affected is unlikely to have autonomy over their minds or bodies.

Though the primary risk factors for Alzheimer's are age-related, you can take preventive measures to possibly avoid the disease. Physical activity has been shown to lower the rate of cognitive degeneration, while mental exercises, such as learning new skills and engaging in thought-provoking tasks, lessen dementia risk.

Socialization is another important factor. Social interaction is protective against Alzheimer's.

Keeping to a Mediterranean diet may slow symptom progression as well as decrease the likelihood of obesity and hypertension, both of which are environmental risk factors.

Alzheimer's disease is incurable, but establishing a cohesive support system and following a treatment plan can help manage symptoms. Pharmaceuticals are limited, suited only for early stages and come with copious side effects. If used, they need to be closely monitored, but they do have efficacy in slowing down progression of the disease to maximize the remaining function for people with Alzheimer's disease. Clinicians, physical and mental health nurses, physical therapists, social workers and dietitians are all medical professionals equipped to help with Alzheimer's. They all need to coordinate for the most effective treatment.

Caregivers also need to ensure that they become well-educated on how to care for their loved ones.

If you're diagnosed with Alzheimer's, you'll likely go through a variety of turbulent emotions as you process the information. Take your time, prioritize self-care and familiarize yourself with the details available on the disease. Having a clear understanding helps on a day-to-day basis, and if it all seems like too much, get help from family members and loved ones and research all the various specialized support groups for further assistance and perspectives.

It's also imperative to make plans for your future in case you become unable to advocate for yourself. Legal, financial and healthcare plans, including a proxy for future medical decisions, need to be managed early on in the process.

Having Alzheimer's influences all areas of life. Coping psychologically is taxing, and cognitive decline may lower self-esteem, which in turn reduces libido. Unstable emotions contribute as well. Physically, a patient's issues with musculature, coordination and incontinence also become barriers to sex.

However, while some people have decreased sexual motivation, others may be inversely affected by hypersexuality.

It's estimated that over half of couples who have Alzheimer's as part of their lives remain sexually active and have healthy sex lives. However, partners of patients may find themselves lacking sex drive due to caregiver burnout. Consult a doctor about how to safely engage in sex.

If someone you know has Alzheimer's, be supportive. Whether you are a friend, partner or family member, simply being present can go a long way. If you are a regular part of that person's life, you're more likely to be solidified in their memory, and that allows the relationship to continue as long as possible.

Stimulation of any kind promotes cognitive retention, and if you're always there, you can track symptoms to determine disease progression.

As a caregiver, follow medical advice and get all the assistance you need with daily tasks. Recognize and respect your own limitations and understand that there will be times when your loved one needs more help than you can provide. As Alzheimer's disease becomes increasingly serious, it's wise to begin research on various home care and senior living facilities.

It is vital to remember that there must be care for the caregiver, too, not just the patient. Caregivers who overexert themselves are likely to experience burnout and exhaustion, which can lead to a host of health problems. It's also helpful to point out that if caregivers aren't compassionate enough toward themselves, their diminished physical and mental capabilities may put their loved ones at higher risk of negative consequences, such as falls or missed medications.

Caregivers need an occasional reprieve from the turmoil Alzheimer's causes. It's a full-time job, especially in the advanced stages. Providing sufficient and sustainable aid must involve a program for your own self-care.

Alzheimer's disease alters your life irrevocably. From initial diagnosis to dementia, dealing with the disease yourself or watching someone you love suffer from it can be extraordinarily difficult.

Organizations and programs exist to help both patients and their caregivers throughout every stage of the disease. These groups include the Alzheimer's Association and the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.

Local support groups, senior centers and outpatient facilities may also provide assistance for personalized care.

What are the signs of Alzheimer's disease?

Depending on the stage of the disease, Alzheimer's presents various symptoms. The primary sign is memory loss, which can lead to linguistic limitations and frequently misplacing items. People may become disoriented about places and time, and complex problem-solving skills suffer. In addition, people with the disease often undergo personality changes and lose the ability to make rational decisions.

What are the main causes of Alzheimer's disease?

Alzheimer's is the result of neuronal cell death. When proteins called amyloid plaques undergo repetitive cleavage, they accumulate to form hard clusters called neurofibrillary tangles. The subsequent amyloid plaque buildup results in neuronal toxicity, cell death and synaptic functioning impairments.

Though the most significant risk factor is age, research has indicated a strong genetic component in disease development. Other significant predispositions include cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), Down syndrome and depression.

Can Alzheimer's be inherited from your mother or father?

Though there are certain genes that make someone more likely to develop Alzheimer's and people with first-degree relatives who've had the disease are at significantly increased risk, it is not necessarily inherited from either parent. Having a family history of Alzheimer's has been indicative of a predisposition, but there are outliers for any given affliction.

Remember, multiple factors contribute to disease formation outside of genetics. Environmental factors are important, and the chances of developing Alzheimer's increase with age.