- Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior.
- The early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease may include forgetfulness, difficulty with language, confusion, disorientation, and changes in mood or behavior.
- majority of cases occur in people over 65.
Causes of Alzheimer’s disease
In Alzheimer’s, abnormal protein clumps called “amyloid plaques” and “tau tangles” build up in the brain, disrupting the normal communication between brain cells and causing them to die. Some common reasons:-
- Over the age of 65.
- Lifestyle factors like a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, lack of mental and social stimulation, and smoking contribute to the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
- The apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene, in particular, is associated with a higher risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
- Chronic inflammation in the brain can damage nerve cells.
- Head injuries
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease vary from person to person.
- Changes in personality and behavior, including mood swings.
- irritability, and depression.
- The earliest sign is forgetfulness, especially of recent events or important information.
- Confused about where they are, what day it is, or even the time
- of year.
- Simple tasks, like cooking, dressing, or handling money, may become challenging for them as the disease progresses.
- Problems in Speaking and Writing.
- Loss of Interest in activities they once enjoyed.
- Sometimes they face trouble recognizing family members, friends, or even themselves in the mirror.
Types of Alzheimer’s Disease
- Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease:- Early-Onset Alzheimer’s disease is when people younger than 65 years old develop the condition. This type of Alzheimer’s is less common, Symptoms may include memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with daily tasks.
- Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease:-
most common type and typically affects people who are 65 or older. It often starts with mild memory problems that gradually worsen over time. - Familial Alzheimer’s Disease:- Some families have a history of Alzheimer’s disease passed down from one generation to the next. This is known as Familial Alzheimer’s disease.
It usually occurs at a younger age and is linked to specific gene mutations. - Sporadic Alzheimer’s Disease:- Scientists believe that a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors contribute to its development.
- Alzheimer’s with Lewy Bodies (LBD) :-
Alzheimer’s with Lewy bodies is a type of dementia that shares some similarities with both Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.s
Symptoms such as problems with movement, visual hallucinations, and fluctuations in alertness and attention. - Vascular Dementia – Alzheimer’s
It’s caused by reduced blood flow to the brain due to conditions like strokes or small blood vessel disease. - Mixed Dementia – Alzheimer’s
Sometimes, a person can have a combination of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. This is called Mixed Dementia.Alzheimer’s disease isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition. It comes in various forms.
Diagnostic tests
- CT scans
- MRIs
- Neuro-psychological tests
- Cognitive tests
- Medical history
Treatment option for Alzheimer’s disease
There are currently five drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. These drugs are divided into two categories: cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists.
- Cholinesterase Inhibitors: They may help improve memory, thinking, and daily functioning in some people with Alzheimer’s. Cholinesterase inhibitors include drugs like Donepezil (Aricept), Rivastigmine (Exelon), and Galantamine (Razadyne).
- NMDA Receptor Antagonist: Memantine (Namenda) is a type of medication used to treat moderate to severe Alzheimer’s.
- Supportive Therapies: Besides medication, several supportive therapies can help manage Alzheimer’s disease symptoms and improve the quality of life:
- Occupational therapy: Helps with daily activities and routines.
- Speech therapy: Addresses communication difficulties.
- Physical therapy: Aims to improve mobility and balance.
- Cognitive training: Engages the brain in mental exercises and challenges.
- Support groups: Offer emotional support and education for both patients and caregivers.
4. Lifestyle Changes: Lifestyle modifications can be beneficial in managing Alzheimer’s symptoms:
- Regular exercise: Helps improve blood flow to the brain and may slow cognitive decline.
- A balanced diet: Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.
- Mental stimulation: Engaging in activities that challenge the brain, such as puzzles and games.
- Social engagement: Staying socially active and maintaining relationships can be beneficial.
**It’s important to note that treatments are based on the individual, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and to discuss the most suitable treatment plan.**
Healthy lifestyle
- Adequate sleep is also essential for brain health. To promote better sleep, aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night and establish a regular sleep schedule.
- Stress management is also important for brain health. To manage stress, try meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
- Social engagement Studies have shown that social isolation and loneliness increase the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. To stay socially engaged, consider joining a club or group, volunteering, or spending time with friends and family.
- A nutritious diet can also help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
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Commonly questions asked related to Alzheimer’s disease
Q.1. What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease?
Ans. – Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are related, but they’re not same.
Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of symptoms that affect your memory and thinking. It can be caused by various things, not just Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s disease is a specific type of dementia. It’s the most common one. In Alzheimer’s, your brain cells get damaged and die over time. This leads to memory loss and problems with thinking and behavior.
So, dementia is a big category, and Alzheimer’s is one of the conditions under that umbrella.
Q.2. Which sense is most affected by Alzheimer’s disease?
Ans.- Alzheimer’s disease most affects the sense of memory.
Q.3. Which neurotransmitter is associated with Alzheimer’s disease?
Ans.- The neurotransmitter associated with Alzheimer’s disease is Acetylcholine.
Q.4. What do myasthenia gravis, MS, autism spectrum disorder, and Alzheimer’s disease all have in common?
Ans. -They have one thing in common:
They are all neurological disorders.
Q.5. What is the ICD-10 code for Alzheimer’s disease?
Ans. – The ICD-10 code for Alzheimer’s disease is G30.