Dementia is a term that indicates a condition in which an individual has developed changes in mental function, such as problems with memory and thinking, and is no longer able to function independently in everyday life.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly, although dementia can be caused by many different conditions, including strokes, brain tumors, chronic infections of the brain, hormonal problems or certain vitamin deficiencies. The risk for Alzheimer’s disease increases as one ages, although Alzheimer’s is not a normal consequence of aging but appears to be related to the toxic effects of a protein that is deposited in the brain, called beta amyloid. The majority of those afflicted by Alzheimer’s are aged 65 and above, even though the disease can appear in people as young as their 30s and early 40s, especially as a consequence of a genetic abnormality resulting in greater amounts of beta amyloid being deposited in the brain.

At present, there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s, and after the first signs of the disease appear, victims live an average of eight years before finally succumbing to the effects of the disease. A great deal of research is currently underway to find ways to prevent Alzheimer’s from developing, to delay its onset, and to find better treatments for its symptoms.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s

The earliest symptoms of Alzheimer’s are memory loss and confusion in thinking, which is a sign that brain cells have been affected. This is most noticeable when someone has difficulty remembering facts recently learned, because the disease typically affects the part of the brain associated with learning new facts and recalling recent events and conversations. This results in repeated questioning and repeated statements, forgetting where possessions have been placed and forgetting how to get to places outside of the neighborhood.

As the disease spreads through the brain, symptoms become more noticeable and pronounced, e.g. mood and behavior swings, especially having paranoia about people stealing their possessions, disorientation in time and place and confusion about recent and even remote events. Additional symptoms include growing difficulty with speaking, comprehending what is said, reading and writing, walking (resulting in frequent falls) and trouble with swallowing. While signs may be obvious to family and friends, an afflicted person frequently loses insight, fails to recognize the problem and denies there is anything wrong with them.

Risk factors

By far the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s is advancing age. While only one out of nine people aged 65 or older has Alzheimer’s, one out of three people aged 85 or older will be afflicted. Scientists do not know why this is so, but recognize the very strong correlation between age and progression of the disease. Family history and genetics are contributing factors, so those who have a family member afflicted by Alzheimer’s are more likely to be afflicted themselves.

Another risk factor is related to ethnicity, with Latinos and African-Americans at greater risk for developing Alzheimer’s, possibly due to their higher rates of vascular disease, which is a contributing factor in Alzheimer’s. There is a growing body of evidence that links heart health to brain health, so people who have any form of heart disease seem to also be at greater risk for developing brain problems such as Alzheimer’s. Head trauma is another condition linked to future risk of Alzheimer’s, especially when repeated trauma occurs, or when it involves a loss of consciousness.

Treatments

Memory loss and some of the other cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer’s can be treated with two different types of medications approved by the FDA, cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine. At the root of these cognitive symptoms are dying brain cells, and while this cannot be prevented, these two types of medications can allow the brain to function more efficiently and lessen the symptoms for a period of years.

Also because of progressive brain cell deterioration, behavioral changes become more and more prominent. Some of these behavioral issues can be managed by training caregivers how to deal better with the patient and what to avoid doing. Medications can be very beneficial in dealing with some of the more troublesome behavioral problems. Alzheimer’s patients can be made more comfortable by periodically checking on their personal security, avoiding confrontation, creating a calm and relaxed environment, ensuring adequate rest, being responsive to requests, and even providing a security object, including a pet.

Prevention

While there are no surefire ways to prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, research and evidence seem to suggest that a generally healthy approach to aging contributes to keeping the brain fit as well as the body. Maintaining healthy body weight is important, as well as the avoidance of smoking and excess alcohol.
A regular program of exercise for both body and mind appear to be the most helpful measures in avoiding onset of the disease. It also seems to be very useful to stay socially connected, as interaction with others stimulates brain activity, and may help prevent the dying off of brain cells, which leads to Alzheimer’s.