Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects memory, thinking and behavior. Alzheimer’s affects millions of people worldwide, leading to significant cognitive decline and impacting daily life. Early diagnosis and effective management are key to improving quality of life for both patients and caregivers.
What is Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60–80% of dementia cases. The disease progressively damages brain cells, impairing cognitive functions such as memory, reasoning and problem solving.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can vary but typically include:
- Memory loss: difficulty remembering recent events or conversations;
- Confusion: forgetting familiar places or becoming disoriented;
- Trouble with tasks: difficulty completing everyday activities like managing finances or cooking;
- Personality changes: mood swings, withdrawal from social activities and increased anxiety or suspicion;
- Language problems: struggling to find the right words or follow conversations.
Stage of progression
Alzheimer’s disease progresses in stages:
- Early stage: mild memory loss and confusion, often overlooked as normal aging;
- Moderate stage: increased memory loss, difficulty recognizing loved ones and confusion about time and place;
- Severe stage: loss of ability to communicate, inability to perform daily tasks and dependence on others for care.
The biology of Alzheimer’s disease
In Alzheimer’s, two abnormal structures develop in the brain:
- Plaques: clusters of protein called beta-amyloid form sticky deposits between neurons, disrupting communication;
- Tangles: twisted tangles of another protein called tau build up inside neurons, damaging their structure and function.
These plaques and tangles lead to neuronal death, shrinking the brain over time. Particularly affected areas include the hippocampus, responsible for memory and the cortex, which is involved in thinking, reasoning and decision making.
As neurons die and brain tissue shrinks, the brain becomes smaller, especially in the areas responsible for cognitive functions. This shrinkage leads to difficulty with learning, memory retention and complex thought processes.
Key causes and risk factors
- Genetic factors: genetics play a role in Alzheimer’s disease, particularly through the APOE ε4 gene, which increases the risk. However, having the gene doesn’t guarantee that an individual will develop Alzheimer’s;
- Age: the most significant risk factor. Alzheimer’s affects primarily individuals over the age of 65, with the risk increasing as people age. After 65, the risk of developing the disease doubles every five years;
- Lifestyle factors: poor diet, lack of physical activity, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption;
- Health conditions: heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol can also raise the risk;
- Head injuries: Traumatic brain injuries may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s later in life.
Prevention and reducing risk
While no guaranteed prevention exists, adopting healthy habits can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s:
- Regular physical activity;
- A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains;
- Engaging in mental exercises and learning new skills;
- Maintaining strong social connections;
- Managing heart health by controlling blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.
Alzheimer’s disease is a complex and devastating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Understanding its causes, symptoms and treatment options is essential for improving the lives of those affected. Ongoing research offers hope for better treatments and a potential cure, but in the meantime, early diagnosis and lifestyle changes can help manage the disease and improve quality of life.
