Introduction 

There is more to the complex journey of Alzheimer’s disease than just memory loss. It is a journey of love, patience, and understanding. Alzheimer's disease is a complex neurodegenerative condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. The perplexity of the disease lies in its ability to disrupt cognitive functions, leading to memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes. An individual can improve or slow disease progression by taking medications or participating in Alzheimer’s clinical trials involved in exploring novel therapeutics in Michigan.  

Continue reading this blog as we dive into understanding what is alzheimer’s disease, its causes, symptoms and how it affects individuals and their loved ones. 

What is Alzheimer’s Disease? 

Alzheimer's is the main cause of dementia, a term covering memory loss and cognitive issues that disrupt daily life. It leads to a gradual decline in memory, thinking, learning, and organizational abilities, affecting basic daily tasks. Symptoms worsen over time, and researchers believe the disease may start a decade before showing signs. 

Characteristics of Alzheimer’s Disease 

• Aging: Alzheimer's is not a typical aspect of the aging process. The primary recognized risk is advancing age, with most individuals affected being 65 years or older. When Alzheimer's occurs in individuals under 65 years, it is termed as younger-onset or early-onset Alzheimer’s. Those with younger-onset Alzheimer’s may experience the early, middle, or late stages of the disease. 
• Progressive Nature: Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, with symptoms gradually worsening over several years. In the early stages, memory loss is mild, progressing to severe cognitive impairment in later stages. 
• No Cure: Alzheimer's has no cure. Treatments like aducanumab and lecanemab show promise in addressing cognitive decline by removing beta-amyloid which is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. However other than these two medications, there is currently no definitive cure for the disease. 
• Stages of Decline: The disease advances through stages, with symptoms increasing in severity over time. In early stages, individuals may experience mild memory loss, while late-stage Alzheimer's can lead to a loss of communication and responsiveness. 

How does Alzheimer’s Affect the Brain? 

The brain is made up of 1000 billion nerve cells specialized in different functions like thinking, learning, memory, and sensory perception. Alzheimer's disease disrupts the efficient functioning of these nerve cells. Plaques and tangles are two abnormal structures involved in the damage and demise of nerve cells.  

• Plaques consist of deposits of a protein fragment called beta-amyloid that accumulates in the spaces between nerve cells.  
• Tangles are twisted fibers of another protein called tau that accumulate inside cells.  

Plaques and tangles interfere with the communication between nerve cells, hindering their ability to execute essential processes. Autopsy studies reveal that aging individuals commonly develop some plaques and tangles, but individuals suffering from Alzheimer's disease have more plaques and tangles. Ultimately, as damage spreads, cells lose their functionality and ultimately perish, resulting in irreversible changes to the brain. 

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease 

• Memory loss: One of the hallmark signs is difficulty remembering recently learned information. Individuals may forget important dates, events, or appointments and may repeatedly ask for the same information. 
• Difficulty planning and problem-solving: Alzheimer's can impact the ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers.  
• Confusion with time or place: People with Alzheimer's may lose track of dates, seasons, time and may get lost in familiar places. 
• Misplacing items: Individuals may place items in unusual locations and struggle to retrace their steps to find them.  
• Challenges in completing familiar tasks: Alzheimer's can make it difficult to complete routine tasks. 
• Impaired judgment: Alzheimer's can lead to poor decision-making. 
• Withdrawal from social activities: A person with alzheimer's may withdraw from social activities, hobbies, work projects, or sports.  
• Mood and personality changes: Individuals may experience mood swings, including increased irritability, anxiety, or depression.  
• Difficulty with visual perception: Problems with vision, such as difficulty reading, judging distance, and determining color or contrast. 

Also Read: Untangling the Details: Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease 

Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease 

To diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, a healthcare provider may: 

• Conduct a thorough physical examination and neurological assessment. 
• Conduct a mental status examination, comprising evaluations of memory, problem-solving, attention, basic math skills, and language proficiency.  
• Request routine medical tests, including blood and urine analyses, to eliminate alternative explanations for the symptoms.  
• Arrange brain imaging procedures like CT scans, MRI scans, or positron emission tomography to either confirm an Alzheimer's diagnosis or exclude other potential conditions. 

Treatment and Management of Alzheimer’s Disease 

Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease  

While there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, certain medications can temporarily slow the progression of dementia symptoms. Additionally, medications and other interventions can be effective in managing behavioral symptoms. Commencing treatment at the earliest possible stage of Alzheimer's may aid in preserving daily functioning for a period. However, it is essential to note that current medications do not have the capacity to halt or reverse the progression of Alzheimer's disease. 

The two categories of drugs that can be used to address alzheimer's symptoms are:  

• Cholinesterase inhibitors  
• NMDA antagonists 

To treat behavioral symptoms due to Alzheimer's, doctors may prescribe 

• Anti-depressants 
• Anti-anxiety 
• Anti-convulsant 
• Anti-psychotics 

Management of Alzheimer’s Disease 

If an individual has received a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, they or their caregivers could implement measures listed below to enhance their comfort and address behavioral changes. 

• Familiarize themselves with their surroundings and avoid altering the layout or organization of their living space. 
• Pay attention to their comfort levels. 
• Use comforting items like a cherished stuffed animal or blanket. 
• Redirect their focus if they appear stressed. 

• Minimize confrontations and strive to handle situations without conflict. 

Takeaway 

As highlighted in this blog, Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging, and its impact extends far beyond memory loss. From the microscopic changes in the brain to the observable symptoms and treatments, the journey through Alzheimer's is challenging. Recognizing the early signs and seeking medical attention promptly may temporarily alleviate symptoms. While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's, the prime focus is on enhancing the quality of life for individuals and their caregivers. Creating a supportive environment, maintaining familiarity, and embracing strategies to address behavioral changes are some vital aspects of caring for someone with Alzheimer's.