Dorothy FarrarAlzheimer
Alzheimer’s disease ( Alzheimer ‘s disease) is one of the most common dementia diseases worldwide. The gradual decline in mental performance (memory) is characteristic of this neurodegenerative clinical picture.
What is Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s disease (lat. Morbus Alzheimer) is a neurodegenerative disease that can occur in humans from the age of 50.
The probability of developing Alzheimer’s increases sharply with age and occurs primarily in people over the age of 65.
Alzheimer’s dementia accounts for 60-70% of all dementias. Due to the increased life expectancy in recent years, there has been a sharp increase in Alzheimer’s patients, especially in the high-tech countries of the world.
causes
The causes of Alzheimer’s disease have not yet been fully clarified. Scientists suspect that both the predisposition (hereditary disposition) and acquired factors such as obesity , arteriosclerosis or high blood pressure can promote a disease.Experts largely agree that Alzheimer’s disease is caused by plaques in the brains of those affected (which form years before symptoms appear). These plaques are made up of the misfolded protein beta-amyloid.
In addition to the plaques, fibrils form in the nerve cells of Alzheimer’s patients, which together ultimately lead to the death of the nerve cells. Due to cell death, the brain in people with Alzheimer’s can shrink by up to 20%.
At the genetic level, the protein ApoE, which is involved in the transport of cholesterol in the blood, is probably the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s. The ApoE protein occurs in three variants in the human body, with variant ApoE4 increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s by up to three times.
When to the doctor?
If incomprehensible memory disorders occur , a doctor must be consulted immediately. Loss of memory, as well as difficulties in orienting oneself in everyday life, are a cause for concern when they occur repeatedly and are of increasing character. If it is no longer possible to read the time on an analogue watch, medical examinations must be initiated.
If the forgetfulness increases unusually or life-decisive events in one’s own biography can no longer be remembered, a doctor should be consulted. If there are no more memories of your own wedding, the birth of your own child or the last trip without a comprehensible reason, a doctor must clarify the symptoms. If learned skills can no longer be implemented as usual, you must also speak to a doctor. If there are interruptions when tying shoelaces, riding a bicycle or usual manual activities, it is advisable to see a doctor.
In states of mental confusion and the lack of memories of people in the immediate vicinity, a doctor must be consulted. If speech disorders or noticeable mood swings occur suddenly, the symptoms should be clarified. If the ability to think decreases in everyday life and the person concerned finds it difficult to acquire new knowledge, the cause must be determined so that treatment can be initiated.
symptoms
Typical symptoms of Alzheimer’s:
- word-finding disorders
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s are varied and depend on the stage of the disease. Usually there is a disturbance of the short-term memory and a decrease in the ability to think, as well as speech disorders and fatigue .
Other symptoms include disorientation, difficulty coping with everyday activities such as shopping and recognizing people you know. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s can also include personality and behavior changes.
diagnosis and course
The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is relatively easy to determine. The first diagnosis begins with the doctor’s interview (anamnesis). It is advisable to take someone you trust with you to the interview to avoid any misunderstandings. The aim of the doctor’s consultation is the complete presentation of the current suffering in order to get a picture of the extent of the problems. The doctor is particularly interested in:
- How long have the complaints started?
- What problems do you have in coping with everyday tasks (shopping, dressing)?
- Do you have short-term memory problems (what did we talk about, what did we eat)?
- Do you keep moving things (book in the fridge, phone in the closet)?
- Have you noticed language difficulties (problems finding words, use of filler words)?
- Do you have orientation problems (what is the date today, where am I)?
If the indication of Alzheimer’s increases in the doctor’s consultation, radiological examinations such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRT) and computed tomography (CT) follow . Neuropsychological tests are also carried out, such as the dementia detection test or the minimal mental status test. These provide information on the extent to which language, perception, memory, concentration and thinking are affected by the disease.
The course of Alzheimer’s can be divided into three stages, each of which is characterized by different symptoms. In the first stage of Alzheimer’s, short-term memory decreases and the disease often repeats itself. Alzheimer’s sufferers also show a reduced interest in social activities and their hobbies.
In the second stage of Alzheimer’s, those affected often appear restless and have a pronounced urge to move. They can no longer cope on their own in unfamiliar places and unfamiliar conditions. Complex activities can no longer be carried out by oneself and it is usually impossible to exercise the profession.
In the last stage of Alzheimer’s personality changes usually occur. The patients no longer recognize acquaintances, can hardly speak and are completely disoriented. In the last stage of Alzheimer’s, control over bodily functions is also lost and the patient needs nursing care.
complications
Serious complications sometimes occur as a result of Alzheimer’s disease. Depending on the concomitant disease, circulatory disorders , strokes and diseases of the cardiovascular system can occur in the course of the disease. Alzheimer’s patients often develop serious inflammatory diseases such as life-threatening pneumonia or infections of the internal organs. There is also an increased risk of arteriosclerosis and severe nerve damage. The mental decline, which is initially consciously perceived by those affected, can lead to depression , schizophrenia, anxiety and other mental illnesses.
The decrease in mental performance also increases the risk of accidents and falls. Affected people are usually no longer able to take care of themselves, which leads to malnutrition and weight loss. Depending on the severity of the disease, other problems can arise in everyday life or in hospital care. Possible complications of inpatient treatment are, for example, incontinence and bed sores as a result of being bedridden. Potential swallowing and breathing problems often result in the patient choking on food or saliva. Allergic reactions to medical preparations cannot be ruled out either.
treatment and therapy
Both drug and non-drug approaches are used to treat Alzheimer’s. According to current medical knowledge, however, a cure for Alzheimer’s is not yet possible.
However, those affected should under no circumstances give up after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and do nothing. Targeted treatment methods can help to decisively slow down the progression of the disease.
Memantine and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are the main drugs used in Alzheimer’s disease. Memantine prevents damage to a human receptor by the messenger substance glutamate and thus protects the nerve cells from irreversible cell death.The acetylcholinesterase inhibitor prevents the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from being broken down too quickly in the brain, which improves the transmission of information in the brain. Among other things, the medication can be used to treat behavioral disorders and increase the mental activity of Alzheimer’s patients.
In non-drug Alzheimer’s therapy, attempts are made to support the patient mentally and physically. The focus is on movement therapy using physiotherapy or, for example, swimming and aqua aerobics. Memory is strengthened through educational games and work with psychologists and social workers.
prevention
To prevent Alzheimer’s, it is recommended to constantly train the brain before the symptoms appear. Mental activity in the form of memory training ( brain jogging ) can help counteract cognitive decline.
In addition, lively social and communicative commitment in old age (e.g. voluntary work) can have a positive effect on memory performance.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.