How Is Alzheimers Disease Treated
Alzheimers is complex, and it is therefore unlikely that any one drug or other intervention will successfully treat it in all people living with the disease.
Scientists are exploring many avenues to delay or prevent the disease as well as to treat its symptoms. In ongoing clinical trials, scientists are developing and testing several possible interventions. Under study are drug therapies aimed at a variety of disease interventions, as well as nondrug approaches such as physical activity, diet, cognitive training, and combinations of these. Just as we have many treatments for heart disease and cancer, we will likely need many options for treating Alzheimers. Precision medicine getting the right treatment to the right person at the right time will likely play a major role.
Current approaches to treating Alzheimers focus on helping people maintain mental function, treating the underlying disease process, and managing behavioral symptoms.
Is Alzheimers Disease Different Than Dementia
Alzheimers disease is the most common of several types of dementia. Over time, the disease causes damage to the brains nerve cells with symptoms worsening as an increasing number of cells suffer damage. In Alzheimers disease, there is also a loss of nerve cells as part of the dementia that goes above and beyond the minor loss of nerve cells in normal aging.
The disease occasionally strikes people in their 40s and 50s or even younger, but sufferers tend to be over the age of 65. Alzheimers patients often initially notice symptoms like forgetfulness that can affect their work and home lives.
Additional symptoms include changes in mood along with misplacing items, repeating statements or questions, becoming confused or lost, and having problems with multitasking and verbalizing thoughts. There is no cure for Alzheimers, but treatments can help control the disease, especially when it is diagnosed early in its progression.
The Difference Between Age
When you begin to notice changes in an aging parents mental or physical well-being, it is difficult to determine if these are the normal signs of advancing age, or symptoms of Alzheimers or another form of dementia.
Forgetfulness is common but there is a point when forgetfulness is more concerning, especially in older adults. Of course, it is not uncommon for people over 65-years-old to experience some memory loss on occasion. This memory loss, which is not caused by a medical condition, is called age-associated memory impairment. The Alzheimers Association reports that around 40 percent of people over the age of 65 experience this memory loss, whereas Alzheimers and other dementias are considered brain diseases that can cause significant memory loss.
As we begin to notice changes in an aging parents mental or physical well-being, it can leave them worrying and wondering about what might be wrong. Most arent sure if what they are witnessing is the normal signs of advancing age or symptoms of something more serious, like Alzheimers or another form of dementia. It can be difficult to tell the difference.
Some behaviors are recognized as the classic early signs of Alzheimersbut there are other medical conditions that closely mimic the disease. If you find yourself unsure about your senior loved ones health, it can help to learn more about the early symptoms of Alzheimers or dementia, as well as other illnesses that can sometimes look like dementia.
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Compensating For Memory Loss
The same practices that contribute to healthy aging and physical vitality also contribute to a healthy memory. So, by taking steps early to prevent cognitive decline, youll also be improving all other aspects of your life as well.
Stay social. People who arent socially engaged with family and friends are at higher risk for memory problems than people who have strong social ties. Quality face-to-face social interaction can greatly reduce stress and is powerful medicine for the brain, so schedule time with friends, join a book club, or visit the local senior center. And be sure to put your phone away and focus fully on the people youre with if you want the full brain benefit.
Stop smoking. Smoking heightens the risk of vascular disorders that can cause stroke and constrict arteries that deliver oxygen to the brain. When you quit smoking, the brain quickly benefits from improved circulation.
Manage stress. Cortisol, the stress hormone, damages the brain over time and can lead to memory problems. But even before that happens, stress or anxiety can cause memory difficulties in the moment. When youre stressed out or anxious, youre more likely to suffer memory lapses and have trouble learning or concentrating. But simple stress management techniques can minimize these harmful effects.
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Alzheimers Disease: What You Need To Know As You Age
An estimated 5.2 million Americans are living withAlzheimers disease, the most common form ofdementiain the world and the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.Todays statistics are just the tip of the iceberg, however. By 2025, thenumber of people afflicted will top 7 milliona 40 percent jumpas babyboomers continue to age and people live longer overall.
Although the risk of AD increases with age, it is not a usual partof aging or something that should be expected in older people, saysConstantine Lyketsos, M.D., director of the Memory and Alzheimers Treatment Center at Johns Hopkins.In fact, early onset Alzheimers can occur in people younger than 65,although it accounts for a small number of all cases. The rest areclassified as late onset.
Alzheimers and many other dementias occur as a result of damage toneuronsin the brain that affects their ability to communicate with each other.Over time, those neurons death and malfunction affects memory, learning,mood, behavior, and eventually physical functions, such as walking, andswallowing.
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A Note About Unproven Treatments
Some people are tempted by untried or unproven “cures” that claim to make the brain sharper or prevent dementia. Be cautious of pills, supplements, brain training computer games, or other products that promise to improve memory or prevent brain disorders. These might be unsafe, a waste of money, or both. They might even interfere with other medical treatments. Currently there is no drug or treatment that prevents Alzheimer’s or related dementias.
However, there are currently several drugs available by prescription to safely treat the symptoms of early and mid-stage Alzheimer’s. If you have been diagnosed with dementia, your doctor may suggest that you take one of them.
How to protect yourself and others from unproven treatments:
- Beware if the product claim seems too promising and if it conflicts with what youve heard from your health care provider.
- Question any product that claims to be a scientific breakthrough. Companies marketing these products often take advantage of people when they are most vulnerable and looking for a miracle cure.
- Check with your doctor or health care professional before buying any product, including those labeled as dietary supplements, that promises to improve your memory or prevent dementia.
- Report any products or supplements being advertised as a treatment for Alzheimer’s or other diseases on the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations website.
How Is Alzheimers Disease Diagnosed
Doctors use several methods and tools to help determine whether a person who is having memory problems has Alzheimers disease.
To diagnose Alzheimers, doctors may:
- Ask the person and a family member or friend questions about overall health, use of prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diet, past medical problems, ability to carry out daily activities, and changes in behavior and personality.
- Conduct tests of memory, problem solving, attention, counting, and language.
- Carry out standard medical tests, such as blood and urine tests, to identify other possible causes of the problem.
- Perform brain scans, such as computed tomography , magnetic resonance imaging , or positron emission tomography , to support an Alzheimers diagnosis or to rule out other possible causes for symptoms.
These tests may be repeated to give doctors information about how the persons memory and other cognitive functions are changing over time.
People with memory and thinking concerns should talk to their doctor to find out whether their symptoms are due to Alzheimers or another cause, such as stroke, tumor, Parkinsons disease, sleep disturbances, side effects of medication, an infection, or another type of dementia. Some of these conditions may be treatable and possibly reversible.
In addition, an early diagnosis provides people with more opportunities to participate in clinical trials or other research studies testing possible new treatments for Alzheimers.
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Alzheimer’s Vs Normal Aging: How To Tell The Difference
Everyone’s memory gets worse with age, so how can you tell the difference between normal aging and signs of Alzheimer’s disease?
There definitely is a distinction between the two, experts say. “Alzheimer’s disease is not normal aging,” said Heather Snyder, senior associate director of medical and scientific relations at the Alzheimer’s Association.
Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia, a general term for a condition in which someone develops cognitive problems as a result of changes in the brain. Alzheimer’s is thought to be caused by the buildup of toxic proteins in the brain.
The most common symptom of Alzheimer’s is difficultly remembering things , particularly new information, such as an appointment you have made. While people who are aging normally may forget things as well, they will typically remember them later — in other words, you remember that you forgot.
But in some people with Alzheimer’s disease , that doesn’t happen. “You forget something and then you don’t get that information back, it doesn’t seem familiar to you even if someone reminds you,” Snyder said.
Another example might be forgetting to pay your monthly bills, which would be a sign of normal aging, versus forgetting how to pay your bills or how to manage your budget, which would be a sign of Alzheimer’s, Snyder said.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, other signs of Alzheimer’s disease include:
What Are The Normal Signs Of Ageing
As people get older, they are likely to notice some changes in their mental abilities. These could include:
- becoming a little more forgetful
- taking a bit longer to remember things
- getting distracted more easily
- finding it harder to do several things at once.
This may become noticeable particularly from middle age usually meaning our 40s, 50s and early 60s.
Though these changes can be frustrating, they are a natural part of ageing. Many people worry that these are early signs of dementia. For most people, this is not the case.
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What Should You Do If Youre Younger Than 65 And Having Memory Problems
As Ive discussed, if youre younger than 65 and youre having memory problems, its very unlikely to be Alzheimers disease. But if it is, there are resources available from the National Institute on Aging that can help.
What else could be causing memory problems at a young age? The most common cause of memory problems below age 65 is poor sleep. Other causes of young onset memory problems include perimenopause, medication side effects, depression, anxiety, illegal drugs, alcohol, cannabis, head injuries, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders, chemotherapy, strokes, and other neurological disorders.
Here are some things that everyone at any age can do to improve their memory and reduce their risk of dementia:
Health Environmental And Lifestyle Factors
Research suggests that a host of factors beyond genetics may play a role in the development and course of Alzheimers. There is a great deal of interest, for example, in the relationship between cognitive decline and vascular conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure, as well as metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and obesity. Ongoing research will help us understand whether and how reducing risk factors for these conditions may also reduce the risk of Alzheimers.
A nutritious diet, physical activity, social engagement, and mentally stimulating pursuits have all been associated with helping people stay healthy as they age. These factors might also help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimers. Researchers are testing some of these possibilities in clinical trials.
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Due To Lack Of Immunity And Frailness Old Age People Faces Many Changes In The Body Which Are Mentioned Below:
1. Bones, Joints, and Muscles: Bones and muscles tend to lose the strength and flexibility, and becomes weak and fragile which makes many troubles for elderly people. Their body shape becomes curved and misshaped as well. Also, it becomes difficult for old people to perform daily chores and tasks due to the frailness in bones, joints, and muscles.
2. Senses:Eyes loses the vision and the lens loses its accuracy whereas hearing clearly becomes the task of difficulty. Also, old age people lose the sensitivity of taste buds due to which they are unable to enjoy all the tastes and so does happens with smell organ as well. The skin of senior people loosens and becomes wrinkled.
3. Hormones: The metabolism and cholesterol levels are more likely to be disturbed by aging. Due to this hormonal dis-balance old people get exposed to many chronic diseases.
4. Immunity and Memory: Elderly people forget a lot due to the tendency of the age factor. Also, the blood cells that tackle the harmful bacteria and viruses frail which causes lack of immunity.
5. Sleep and Motor Movements:Old age people lose their balancing motor skills and the sleep pattern gets disturbed which causes frequent awakening during the night and small duration of sleep as well.
So Is It Old Age Or Alzheimers Disease
This is a rather simplified description. The point is that dementia is marked by a fairly rapid and statisticaly significant loss of cognitive ability whether it is noticed or not, it is safe to say that this decline in cognitive competence including memory, reasoning, and judgment, will always accompany the onset of dementia. There are conditions, however, that can cause a similar deterioration but are not dementia and do not lead to dementia. Most notably, depression and delirium can present with symptoms that are often indistinguishable from dementia symptoms in fact, there are as many as fifty conditions that can mimic dementia. These conditions need to be ruled out before a definitive diagnosis is made.
A medical professional will look at other indications before diagnosing dementia. Some other criteria that might indicate that a person is in the earlier stages of dementia include:
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Memory And New Information
| Possible signs of Alzheimers disease or vascular dementia | |
|---|---|
|
Forgetting something you were told a while ago |
Forgetting something you were only recently told. You may ask for the same information repeatedly for example, ‘Are the doors locked?’ |
|
Misplacing things from time to time for example, your phone, glasses or the TV remote but retracing steps to find them |
Putting objects in unusual places for example, putting your house keys in the bathroom cabinet |
|
Taking longer to work out new tasks, such as how to set up and use a new appliance or device |
Being unable to learn new tasks, like setting up and using a new appliance or device |
Reasons Rate Of Alzheimers Disease Increases With Age
When talking about the average age for Alzheimers, it is important to discuss the reasons the illness increases with age.
Healthy brains clear out amyloid-beta regularly. This ability tends to slow down as people grow older.
A study from The Washington University School of Medicine shows that for people in their 30s a healthy brain will clear amyloid-beta every 4 hours.
When a person is 80 the brain may take at least 10 hours to complete the job. This may explain the relationship between Alzheimers and age.
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What Is Alzheimer Disease
Alzheimer disease, which affects some older people, is different from everyday forgetting. It is a condition that permanently affects the brain. Over time, the disease makes it harder to remember even basic stuff, like how to tie a shoe.
Eventually, the person may have trouble remembering the names and faces of family members or even who he or she is. This can be very sad for the person and his or her family.
It’s important to know that Alzheimer disease does not affect kids. It usually affects people over 65 years of age. Researchers have found medicines that seem to slow the disease down. And there’s hope that someday there will be a cure.
How Alzheimer’s Disease Is Treated
There’s currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but medicines are available that can help relieve some of the symptoms.
Various other types of support are also available to help people with Alzheimer’s live as independently as possible, such as making changes to your home environment so it’s easier to move around and remember daily tasks.
Psychological treatments such as cognitive stimulation therapy may also be offered to help support your memory, problem solving skills and language ability.
Read more about treating Alzheimer’s disease.
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Depression And Anxiety Are More Common In Young Onset Alzheimers Disease
People with late onset Alzheimers disease do show more impairment, on average, in their cognition and daily function than those with young onset Alzheimers disease, at least when the disease starts. However, because their insight is also impaired, those with late onset disease dont notice these difficulties that much. Most of my patients with late onset Alzheimers disease will tell me either that their memory problems are quite mild, or that they dont have any memory problems at all!
By contrast, because they have more insight, patients with young onset Alzheimers disease are often depressed about their situation and anxious about the future, a finding that was recently confirmed by a group of researchers in Canada. And as if having Alzheimers disease at a young age wasnt enough to cause depression and anxiety, recent evidence suggests that in those with young onset Alzheimers disease, the pathology progresses more quickly.
Another tragic aspect of young onset Alzheimers disease is that, by affecting individuals in the prime of life, it tends to disrupt families more than late onset disease. Teenage and young adult children are no longer able to look to their parent for guidance. Individuals who may be caring for children in the home now need to care for their spouse as well perhaps in addition to caring for an aging parent and working a full-time job.