What is Alzheimer's disease?
This month (September 2024) is World Alzheimer’s Month. This is an international campaign held every September to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. This initiative also serves as an opportunity to address the stigma and discrimination surrounding these conditions. This article gives details of what Alzheimer's is, how it affects the brain, and how it might be treated. Alzheimer's disease can have a devastating impact on you and your loved one's life, but there are many ways to reduce symptoms.
What is Alzheimer's disease?
Alzheimer's disease affects parts of your brain that controls thought, memory, language, and even emotional responses. It is the most common form of dementia. According to the NHS, it affects an estimated one in 14 people over the age of 65 and one in every six people over the age of 80.
Read about the key difference between Alzheimer's and dementia
In this blog we look at common causes of Alzheimer's, how to recognise symptoms, and which steps you can follow for a timely diagnosis and best treatment options.
How does Alzheimer's affect your brain?
Your brain is a complex organ and more research is required to define the exact cause of Alzheimer's and what exactly it does to the brain. We are all individuals, and our brains may respond differently and our responses to this condition will also be individual.
But, at this stage it has been largely agreed that the disease is due to an abnormal build-up of proteins in your brain which cause toxic changes. A little like a build-up of plaque on teeth, leading to tooth decay. The build-up of proteins causes amyloid plaques and tau tangles (abnormal accumulations of proteins) to prevent previously healthy neurons from functioning properly, meaning they are no longer able to connect with other neurons, causing some neurons to die.
Usually, the damage begins in the areas of your brain that form memories, which is why memory loss is often the first sign of Alzheimer's, although it may not present until a few years after the deterioration has taken place. As more neurons die it impacts upon other areas of the brain tissue which then begins to shrink.
Alzheimer's disease affects parts of your brain that controls thought, memory, language, and even emotional responses. It is the most common form of dementia.
What are the most common symptoms?
Again, this is very individual. Memory loss can be one of the first signs of Alzheimer's, but forgetting where you have left your keys, or phone (which we all do) doesn't count.
Reoccurring and frequent memory loss which is impacting upon daily life could mean someone has mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which is a warning sign. This could be someone having difficulty remembering words or locations. Also, there has been some evidence of impact of sense of smell, as well as movement and spatial awareness. People may show behavioural changes as well.
Symptoms can get progressively worse
Memory problems will become more severe and more noticeable at this stage along with other cognitive difficulties. This can lead to people wandering off, getting lost, forgetting where they live.
They may repeat themselves often, appear confused, behave out of character and be unable to perform daily tasks such as paying the bills, doing daily chores, and generally looking after themselves or their loved ones as they once would.
They may show signs of paranoia, be easily upset or angry, stressed and confused and show physical symptoms such as a change in appetite or sleeping patterns.
Alzheimer's causes your brain to shrink
At the late stage of Alzheimer's, the plaques and tangles (proteins) have spread throughout your brain causing it to shrink significantly.
The individual may be wholly dependent on others as they might not be able to dress, communicate, feed themselves or even get out of bed. That said, they may go on to live for many more years. Either way, it is vital for the caregiver to have a support network and to seek advice and ask for help as needed. There are amazing charities out there providing this vital support.
What causes Alzheimer's?
Although the greatest known risk factor for getting Alzheimer's is increasing age (the majority of people with Alzheimer's are 65 and older) it is not a natural part of aging. It can occur in people under the age of 65 and it is then referred to as younger-onset, or early-onset Alzheimer's. People with this can be in the early, middle or late stage of the disease.
Other than aging, the cause for Alzheimer's is not clear, but as with all disease and health-related conditions, we know lifestyle, genetics and environment make a difference. It is important to eat healthily, exercise, reduce stress, and keep mentally active. That said, a perfect lifestyle isn't necessarily going to prevent Alzheimer's.
Most of us know very healthy individuals who have been unfortunate enough to become unwell, but it's important to do the best we can to avoid it or tackle it as best we can if needed. The clinical research in this area is ramping up every day, and answers will be found.
Other than aging, the cause for Alzheimer's is not clear, but as with all disease and health-related conditions, we know lifestyle, genetics and environment make a difference.
Alzheimer's and clinical research
We are finally making inroads into the substantial medical research and practice required to treat and alleviate symptoms of this disease. As yet, there is no cure, but a more in-depth clinical understanding and most importantly, an individually tailored approach, is leading to vastly different landscape for humankind.
- According to Alzheimer's Society there are 141 drugs being tested in clinical trials for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, including lecanemab, donanemab and remternetug. These are immunotherapy drugs which combat the amyloid plaques in the brains of people with Alzheimer's, to slow the progression of the disease.
- Research of this kind is taking place worldwide. Researchers at The Mount Sinai Hospital School of Medicine have also discovered a way to change the interactions between amyloid plaques to slow down, or even halt the progress of the disease. You can read about their research here.
- Research teams at University College London, and Dementias Platform UK based at the University of Oxford, will capitalise on recent breakthroughs in potential dementia blood tests, and generate the evidence needed for them to be used in the NHS within the next 5 years. The project aims to revolutionise dementia diagnosis.
- Alzheimer's Research UK is working through a strategy to deliver research into key areas of treatment, diagnosis and prevention.
What can we do to treat Alzheimer's?
At present, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but medicines may improve or slow the progression of symptoms and programmes and services can help support people with the disease and their caregivers.
At Circle Health Group, we can support you every step of the way on your treatment journey for Alzheimer's - from your diagnosis right through to your individual care and treatment plan.
If I book an appointment, what can I expect?
At your first consultation, you will be seen by a consultant neurologist, a doctor specialising in conditions affecting your brain, nerves, and spinal cord. Your consultant will ask you about your symptoms and any changes you have noticed in your memory, cognitive function, and ability to perform everyday tasks. They will also ask you about your general health, medical history, and any medications you are taking.
It's a good idea to take someone with you to your appointment, so they can tell your consultant about any changes they may have noticed.
Your consultant may perform a physical examination and order tests such as a blood test to rule out any other conditions that could be causing your symptoms.
Will I need tests or scans?
If other conditions have been ruled out, your consultant may order further tests such as cognitive assessments and brain scans.
Cognitive assessments
Alzheimer's disease can be difficult to diagnose, especially in the early stages when symptoms are mild. Your consultant may perform a series of tests to assess your cognitive function. These are called cognitive assessments and usually involve a series of questions, each of which has a score.
The tests help your consultant to assess your:
- Short and long-term memory
- Concentration and attention span
- Language and communication skills
- Awareness of time and place (orientation)
Cognitive assessments cannot diagnose Alzheimer's disease and the scores may be affected by other factors such as your educational level, but they can give your consultant an idea of your cognitive function and whether you need further investigations.
Brain scans
While brain scans cannot diagnose Alzheimer's, your consultant may order a CT or MRI scan to assess your brain for any abnormalities as well as rule out other conditions such as a brain tumour or stroke that could be causing your symptoms. It's possible to have a normal brain scan and still have dementia.
Types of scans may include:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan - can help confirm a dementia diagnosis, identify blood vessel damage present in vascular dementia, and shrinkage in certain areas of the brain
- Computerised Tomography (CT) scan - to check for other conditions such as a stroke or a brain tumour
Book your assessment today
If you or your loved one is struggling with memory problems, you can book an assessment with one of our specialists today.
Tags
Sign up to our newsletter
How do I book an appointment?
If you're concerned about symptoms you're experiencing or require further information on this subject, talk to a GP or see an expert consultant at your local Circle Hospital.