A progressive form of dementia is often called Alzheimer’s Disease. This condition impacts an individual’s memory, behavior, and thinking. This disease may occur due to various factors including brain injuries or conditions. However, in some cases the exact cause is unknown. Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s disease does not have a cure but certain treatments may help to decrease the progression and improve your quality of life.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
- Speech or writing problems
- Reduced personal hygiene
- Mood and personality changes
- Withdrawal from friends, community, and family
- Problem-solving difficulties
- Reduced judgment
- Memory loss
- May become disoriented about times or places
If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, it is advised to consult a doctor to determine the cause. In addition, these symptoms may worsen in later stages. Therefore, people cannot answer what is happening around them, moving and talking trouble, and others.
How to Diagnose Alzheimer’s Disease?
To diagnose a person with Alzheimer’s disease a physician needs to examine the brain tissue after death. This is considered the only definitive method. However, healthcare providers use other examinations and tests that help to diagnose your mental ability. Usually, a doctor starts with your medical history. For example:
- Ask about symptoms
- Family medical history
- Other health conditions
- Using of medicines
- Alcohol intake, diet, and lifestyle habits
Thereafter, your healthcare professional will direct several tests to determine if you have Alzheimer’s disease.
Tests
In most cases, doctors analyze your mental, physical, neurological, and imaging tests and will decide whether you have this condition or not. A doctor often begins with a mental status test. For example:
- Orientation to place and time
- Long-term memory
- Short-term memory
The next step is to conduct a physical exam. Examples include:
- Assess your heart rate
- Take your temperature
- Check your blood pressure
- Urine or blood tests
A neurological exam also may exclude other possible diagnoses including acute medical problems (such as infection or stroke). Check below some examples:
- Reflexes
- Speech
- Muscle tone
In addition, your healthcare provider may also order brain imaging tests to create pictures of your brain. For example:
- CT (computed tomography) scan
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan
Moreover, the patient may do a blood test to check for genes that may show that you have a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Facts
Check below some facts about Alzheimer’s disease:
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are not the same condition. Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia.
- A chronic long-term condition is called Alzheimer’s disease and it should not be considered the condition’s symptoms as an aging factor.
- Effects of Alzheimer’s disease come on gradually and are degenerative on the brain. It means that they provoke a slow decline.
- People over 65 years old are at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. However, everyone can experience this condition.
- Some people may live a long time with mild cognitive damage while others notice quick symptoms and disease progression.
Each person experiences Alzheimer’s disease differently.
Medicines
Healthcare providers usually prescribe certain medicines to lessen the symptoms and delay the progression of the disease as long as possible. Donepezil and Rivastigmine are two medicines prescribed by doctors for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. These drugs help to maintain high acetylcholine levels in your brain.
Additionally, a new medicine Aducanumab is advised only for patients with early Alzheimer’s disease. It may help to decrease the protein plaques that build up in the brain with this condition.
Donepezil and Memantine may also be used to treat moderate to late stages of Alzheimer’s disease. To block the excess of glutamate in the brain is used Memantine. If an individual experiences this health condition, an increased amount of glutamate is released in the brain. This chemical can provoke damage.
Furthermore, your healthcare professional may prescribe some antidepressant, anti-anxiety, and antipsychotic medicines to decrease the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Check below some symptoms of the disease progression:
- Hallucinations
- Agitation
- Difficulty sleeping at night
- Depression
Other Treatment Options
Some lifestyle changes may help to treat your disease. Examples include:
- Limit confusion
- Calm environment
- Relaxation techniques
- Get enough rest every day
- Simplify tasks
Additionally, a team of healthcare providers may also help to control Alzheimer’s at all stages. They can include:
- Physical therapist
- Dietician
- Pharmacist
- Mental health professional
- Social worker
- Hospice care center
- Respite care center
As per studies, Vitamin E in combination with Donepezil may help to decrease loss of functioning in Alzheimer’s disease.
Risk Factors
There are some risk factors that may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Examples include:
- Age (people that are 65 years of age or older are at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s)
- Genetics is another factor that may cause Alzheimer’s disease.
- Family History
It is not sure that you will develop Alzheimer’s disease even if you have one or more of the factors listed above. Check below some examples of possible risk factors:
- Smoking
- Cardiovascular disease
- Traumatic brain injury
- Mental disorders (such as depression)
Ask your healthcare professional if you have any questions.
Alzheimer’s Disease Stages
This health condition is a progressive disease and will gradually elevate over time. There are seven main stages of Alzheimer’s. For example:
Stages 1 to 3 (Pre-dementia and mild cognitive impairment)
- Stage 1 – has no symptoms and it is recommended to talk with a healthcare provider for healthy aging strategies.
- Stage 2 – may cause forgetfulness, which is the earliest symptom that may appear.
- Stage 3 – usually occurs with cognitive and mild physical impairments.
Stages 4-7 (Dementia)
- Stage 4 – is when Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed but is still considered mild. The common symptoms are memory loss and difficulty performing daily tasks.
- Stage 5 – may cause moderate to severe symptoms, which usually require help from family or caregivers.
- Stage 6 – is when a person needs help with basic tasks including eating, dressing, and toileting.
- Stage 7 – This is the final and the most severe form of Alzheimer’s disease. The most common symptoms are loss of speech and facial expressions.
In most cases, patients with Alzheimer’s live for 4-8 years after diagnosis. However, some people may live up to 20 years.
How to Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease?
Several steps may help you to prevent this health condition. For example:
- Quit smoking
- Try some cognitive training exercises to maintain your brain active
- Maintain an active social life
- A balanced diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits
- Exercise regularly
Talk with your healthcare professional before making any big change in your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Alzheimer’s disease be cured?
No, medicines and other treatment options (such as lifestyle changes) can help to lessen and delay the progression of this health condition. Talk with a doctor for more details.
What provokes Alzheimer’s Disease?
This is considered one of the leading causes of Alzheimer’s. The abnormal build-up of proteins in and around brain cells. One of the proteins is called amyloid.
What are foods that help to prevent Alzheimer’s?
There are some foods that may help to prevent this medical condition. For example leafy greens, blueberries, curcumin, and others. In any case, you can consult with a dietician about what products you can include in your diet.
