Have you ever noticed that someone in your family, perhaps your beloved grandmother, grandfather, or one of your parents, is gradually forgetting everything? Do you find it difficult to do things that you used to do very well, such as gardening, doing household chores, or finding your way around? This is the picture that many of us think of when we hear the word Alzheimer's Disease. But did you know that there are different types of this disease? It doesn't affect everyone the same way. Today, we'll talk about it.
What exactly is Alzheimer's disease?
Before we talk about these types, let's understand very simply what happens to the brain in Alzheimer's disease. Imagine that our brain is an amazing network of billions of neurons, or nerve cells, that work together. Everything we think, remember, and learn is done through the communication between these cells.
In Alzheimer's disease, a type of protein called amyloid beta peptides begins to build up in the brain in an unwanted way. These build up to form plaques and tangles . Simply put, it's like a blockage in the brain's communication system. This disrupts the communication between nerve cells, and over time, those cells die. This results in symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, and difficulty making decisions.
The important thing is that while these symptoms develop over time in every Alzheimer's patient, the onset and speed of the disease can vary from person to person. This is because of the different types of the disease we are talking about.
The two main types of Alzheimer's disease
Scientists divide Alzheimer's disease into two main categories, based on the age at which the disease is diagnosed. Let's take a look at the differences between the two.
| Characteristic | Early-onset Alzheimer's | Late-onset Alzheimer's |
|---|---|---|
| Age of onset | Under 65 years of age (most often in their 40s-50s) | 65 years and older |
| Abundance | Rare (about 5% of all patients) | The most common variety |
| Genetic relationship | There is often a strong genetic link (defects in chromosomes 1, 14, and 21) | The genetic link is not clear. It may or may not run in families. |
| Brain changes | More plaques and tangles in the brain and loss of brain volume are seen. | Although brain changes occur, they may be at a lower level compared to other types. |
| Other symptoms | Muscle twitching and jerking (myoclonus) are common. | This characteristic is usually rare. |
| Special risks | People with Down syndrome are at higher risk. | Aging is the main risk factor. |
A little more about early-onset Alzheimer's disease
Imagine, what if someone who is at the top of their career, raising their children, and spending the most time of their life, starts having memory problems at around the age of 45? This is the saddest part of early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Although it is rare, it is a huge shock to the person and their family who are diagnosed with the disease.
The damage to the brain in these patients can be relatively rapid and extensive. Also, the condition is often influenced by strong genetic factors - that is, some defect in the genes that are inherited from parents to children.
Late-onset Alzheimer's - the type we all know
This is the type we most often see and talk about when we talk about Alzheimer's. We have seen our grandparents gradually lose their memory as they get older. This is it. The exact genetic cause of this type has not yet been found. That is, it cannot be said that you will definitely develop it if your mother or father had the disease. However, if someone in your family has it, others are also at some risk. But it is believed that many factors, such as genes, lifestyle, and environmental factors, affect this.
What is Familial Alzheimer's Disease (FAD)?
This is another special, but very, very rare subtype of Alzheimer's disease. FAD (Familial Alzheimer's Disease) is a form of Alzheimer's disease that has been confirmed to be caused by specific genes .
Simply put, it requires at least two generations (e.g., a grandfather and a father) to have the disease. This affects less than 1% of all Alzheimer's patients. Importantly, many people with early-onset Alzheimer's actually have this type of FAD. That is, it is passed down through their genes.
What should I do if I have doubts about someone in my family?
If you have any doubts or fears about the memory of someone in your family, especially someone younger, don't ignore it.
- The best thing to do immediately is to see an experienced doctor. It is especially better if you can see a neurologist.
- The doctor asks about the symptoms and family medical history.
- Several tests will be done to see if there are other causes of memory loss (such as vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems, or stress).
- If necessary, they will refer you for things like brain scans (CT/MRI).
Remember, early diagnosis helps the patient and family plan ahead and receive the necessary support and treatment. So don't be afraid to seek medical advice.
Take-Home Message
- Alzheimer's disease is not a single disease. There are two main types: early-onset, which affects people under the age of 65, and late-onset, which affects people over the age of 65.
- The early-onset type is rare, but its symptoms and brain damage are more severe. It is often associated with a genetic defect that is passed down through generations.
- The late-onset type we see most often is associated with aging. No specific genetic cause has yet been found.
- If anyone in your family, especially at a young age, is showing signs of memory loss, don't ignore it and talk to a doctor immediately.
- Awareness of this disease and early detection are the best ways to help the patient live a quality life.
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