Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that slowly damages memory, thinking skills, and the ability to carry out daily activities. It is the most common cause of dementia. Over time, changes in the brain cause problems with reasoning, communication, and eventually, physical functions.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause is not fully understood, but it involves abnormal protein deposits in the brain (amyloid plaques and tau tangles) that damage nerve cells.
Risk factors include:

  • Age (most common after age 65)
  • Family history/genetics
  • Head injuries
  • Heart and vascular health issues (high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol)

Common Symptoms

Early symptoms are often mild but worsen over time.

Early Stage:

  • Forgetting recent events or conversations
  • Difficulty finding the right words
  • Losing track of time or place
  • Misplacing items

Middle Stage:

  • Increased memory loss and confusion
  • Trouble with familiar tasks (cooking, paying bills)
  • Mood or behavior changes
  • Needing help with dressing, bathing, or eating

Late Stage:

  • Severe memory loss (may not recognize loved ones)
  • Trouble speaking or understanding language
  • Difficulty walking, swallowing, or controlling bladder/bowels
  • Need for round-the-clock care

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on:

  • Medical history and symptom review
  • Cognitive testing (memory, attention, problem-solving)
  • Brain scans (MRI, CT, or PET) to rule out other causes
  • Blood tests to check for other conditions

Treatment and Management

There is currently no cure, but treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Medications:

  • Cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine)
  • Memantine (for moderate-to-severe stages)

Non-medication strategies:

  • Structured routines
  • Memory aids (calendars, reminders)
  • Physical activity and healthy diet
  • Social engagement and mental stimulation

Caregiving Tips

  • Maintain a calm, supportive tone when communicating
  • Use short, clear sentences
  • Offer choices rather than open-ended questions
  • Create a safe home environment (remove tripping hazards, install grab bars)
  • Take breaks and seek respite care to prevent burnout

Prevention and Brain Health

While Alzheimer’s cannot be completely prevented, healthy lifestyle choices may lower risk:

  • Exercise regularly
  • Eat a heart-healthy diet (Mediterranean or DASH diet)
  • Stay mentally active (reading, puzzles, learning new skills)
  • Stay socially connected
  • Manage health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes
  • Vascular dementia is a type of progressive cognitive impairment caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. It is the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer's disease and often results from strokes, small vessel disease, or other conditions that damage blood vessels and limit oxygen and nutrient delivery to brain tissue.