Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder characterised by deposits of proteins that lead to the shrinking of the brain, death of cells, and atrophy of the brain. It is the leading cause of dementia, which leads to decreasing memory, thinking, and social skills. There are no known cures, but some medicines may help palliate symptoms at least temporarily.
Medications can help control symptoms and slow the worsening of symptoms, and supportive programs and services help people who have Alzheimer’s disease as well as those caring for them. There is currently no treatment to cure Alzheimer’s disease. In advanced stages, a person’s mental functions deteriorate severely, and complications from dehydration, malnutrition, or infection become life threatening.
Symptoms
It is the most classic symptom of Alzheimer’s disease that initially is characterized by an inability to remember events or conversations, which gradually worsens.
At more advanced stages of the disease, people may experience:
Memory Problems: The inability to remember things causes problems in everyday life-the person may repeat questions; forget appointments; lose items and as time progresses, they may not identify family members or objects.
Cognitive Impairment: Confusion and disorganized thinking means that doing multiple things at one time and keeping track of finances becomes very difficult. Eventually, people can’t understand simple math.
Impaired Judgment: Alzheimer’s can affect a person’s judgment as well as their ability to make responsible decisions about social behavior or even the easier everyday activities like cooking or driving.
Reduced Performance of Simple Tasks: Simple tasks are no longer an easy game, such as cooking and playing, and may eventually have problems with getting dressed or a bath.
Personality or Behavior Changes: Mood and behavior change, which can trigger depression or withdrawal, mood swings, aggressiveness, or sleep disturbances. Additionally, some people develop delusions or get lost without a clue.
These changes represent a course of Alzheimer’s disease progression, which impacts various levels in human life as the condition unfolds.
Causes and Risk Factors:
The exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease remains unclear, but several factors are believed to contribute:
- Age: The most significant risk factor; most individuals diagnosed are over 65.
- Genetics: Family history may increase risk. Certain genetic mutations (e.g., APP, PSEN1, PSEN2) are associated with early-onset familial Alzheimer’s.
- Amyloid Plaques and Tau Tangles: Abnormal protein deposits in the brain are characteristic of Alzheimer’s and disrupt communication between neurons.
- Cardiovascular Health: Conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol are linked to increased risk.
- Lifestyle Factors: Physical inactivity, poor diet, and smoking may contribute to the risk.
Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease:
Diagnosing Alzheimer’s involves a combination of clinical evaluation, cognitive testing, and sometimes imaging. Key steps include:
- Medical History: Reviewing symptoms, medical history, and family history.
- Cognitive Assessments: Tests such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) or Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) assess memory, reasoning, and language skills.
- Neurological Examination: Evaluating reflexes, coordination, and other neurological signs.
- Brain Imaging: MRI or CT scans help rule out other causes of cognitive decline, assess brain structure, and detect abnormalities such as atrophy.
- Laboratory Tests: Blood tests may be conducted to rule out other conditions that can mimic Alzheimer’s symptoms.
Treatment Options:
While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, various treatments can help manage symptoms or improve quality of life:
- Medications:
Cholinesterase Inhibitors: Medications like donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne) are commonly prescribed to improve cognitive symptoms by increasing levels of acetylcholine in the brain.
Memantine (Namenda): A NMDA receptor antagonist used to treat moderate to severe Alzheimer’s. It helps regulate glutamate activity, which is involved in learning and memory. - Psychosocial Interventions:
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy: Engaging activities and exercises to enhance cognitive function and promote social interaction.
Reminiscence Therapy: Encouraging discussion of past experiences using photographs and familiar objects to stimulate memory. - Supportive Care:
Home Modifications: Adapting the living environment to enhance safety and accessibility.
Caregiver Support: Education, resources, and respite care for caregivers are vital to manage the demands of caregiving. - Lifestyle Modifications:
Regular physical exercise, the balanced diet (such as the Mediterranean diet), social engagement, or mental stimulation can help maintain cognitive health.
What is the treatment for Alzheimer’s disease?
There is no treatment for Alzheimer’s at this point in time although certain medications can sometimes temporarily delay the progression of dementia symptoms and problem behaviors can be controlled. If treatment is initiated in the early stages of the disease, these medications may maintain daily ability for a period of time, but they cannot halt or reverse Alzheimer’s.
Treatment must be individualized to the individual because the severity of Alzheimer’s varies so much from person to person. These plans are created in partnership with patients and their caregivers by their healthcare providers.
There are two types of drugs that may alleviate symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease: cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA antagonists. The drug aducanumab (Aduhelm) has been granted accelerated approval and is now classified as the first disease-modifying therapy for Alzheimer’s disease. Aducanumab works by removing amyloid deposits from the brain; it is most effective in people at the very earliest stage of the disease.
At our Neurosys Multispeciality Center, we perform several key procedures including Craniotomy, which is primarily for the excision of brain tumors; V-P Shunt Surgery for treating hydrocephalus; surgeries for epilepsy; and operations targeting brain stem glioma. Beyond these, we offer a range of other neurosurgical services. If you have any questions that are not answere, please contact us through our Contact Us or Book your Appointment.