We all know that it is normal for your mother, father, or grandmother to forget some things as they get older. But have you ever felt that sometimes this forgetfulness goes beyond the normal range? You may forget what you talked about in the morning by the evening, you may forget where you put your frequently used items, and sometimes you may not even recognize the people around you. This condition can often be a sign of Alzheimer's Disease. So let's talk about this today.
What is Alzheimer's? What is dementia?
Many people confuse these two words. So first, let's understand the exact difference between the two.
Simply put, dementia is not a name for a specific disease. It is a general term, like "fever." There are many different causes of fever, such as dengue fever and influenza, right? Similarly, dementia is a general term for a collection of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, behavior, and difficulty performing daily tasks.
Alzheimer's disease is the main and most common cause of dementia. That is, not everyone with dementia will develop Alzheimer's disease, but not everyone with Alzheimer's disease will develop dementia.
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive loss of brain cells (nerve cells) over time. This causes memory, thinking, and behavior to gradually change. It usually affects people over the age of 65. However, it is not a normal part of aging.
The three stages of Alzheimer's disease
This disease does not develop suddenly. It develops gradually, through three stages.
| Disease stage | Visible features |
|---|---|
| Early stage (Mild) | At this stage, the symptoms are not so obvious. Only those who are in close contact will notice a slight difference. There may be things like forgetting recent events, difficulty finding words, and forgetting where you put things. But things like driving a car alone and participating in social activities are still possible. |
| Moderate | This is the longest stage of the disease. Symptoms are now becoming more obvious. Family and friends become unrecognizable. Nighttime restlessness occurs. Behavioral changes such as confusion, irritability, and anger can be seen. Since it is difficult to perform daily tasks alone, the patient definitely needs someone (caregiver) to help him/her at this stage. |
| Final stage (Severe) | At this stage, the patient requires care 24 hours a day. They are unable to do even basic things like walking, sitting, and swallowing. They lose their ability to speak completely. They may lose all awareness of their surroundings. At this point, palliative care services are very important to support the patient and family. |
What causes Alzheimer's disease?
Scientists still don't have a 100% definitive answer as to why some people develop this disease, but they have found that it is mainly caused by two types of damage to nerve cells in the brain.
1. Formation of tangles inside nerve cells: A type of protein inside the nerve cells of our brain becomes tangled and tangled. We call this `neurofibrillar tangles`.
2. Deposits between nerve cells: A type of protein called `beta-amyloid` is deposited between nerve cells, forming a kind of garbage-like mass. These are called `plaques`.
Think of the nerve cells in our brain as a system of electrical wires that carry information. Because of the tangles and deposits mentioned above, these electrical wires cannot function properly. The transmission of messages stops, and eventually those nerve cells die. This is the main reason for memory loss.
Do genes affect this?
Yes, there is some genetic influence. If your parents or siblings have had Alzheimer's disease, you are slightly more likely to develop it. But that doesn't mean you will. Certain genes, such as `ApoE (apolipoprotein E),` have been found to increase the risk of this disease. But this is not a disease that is caused by genetic factors alone.
How to diagnose the disease?
If you suspect that you or someone close to you is experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer's, the best thing to do is to see a doctor immediately, preferably a neurologist.
The doctor will ask you and your family about things like:
- What are the problems with memory and thinking? How severe are they?
- Are there any changes in behavior or personality?
- Have these problems affected your daily life?
In addition, several tests can be done to confirm the disease:
- Memory and mental ability testing: Asking questions, asking simple calculations, and testing language skills.
- Blood and urine tests: Check for other medical conditions (e.g., vitamin deficiencies) that may be causing memory loss.
- Brain scans: CT, MRI, or PET scans can detect changes in the brain.
- Spinal Tap: In some cases, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is tested to see if there are proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease.
The most important thing is not to be ashamed or afraid to seek medical advice as soon as you notice these symptoms. The sooner the disease is diagnosed, the easier it is for the patient and family to prepare for the situation.
Treatment and management
Unfortunately, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease yet. However , there are several medications that can help slow the progression of the disease and manage symptoms.
Newer drugs like `Lecanemab (Leqembi)` and `Donanemab (Kinsula)` are trying to control the progression of the disease by removing harmful proteins that accumulate in the brain. Also, drugs like `Cholinesterase inhibitors` and `Memantine` help to maintain memory and mental function to some extent.
All of these medications should only be taken on the recommendation of a doctor.
In addition to medications, creating a comfortable and safe environment for the patient, following a daily routine, and engaging in simple exercises go a long way in improving the patient's quality of life.
If you are caring for someone with Alzheimer's...
If you are a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer's, it can be a very challenging and demanding task. Here are some things that can help you:
- Establish a routine: Do things like feeding, bathing, and sleeping at the same time every day. This will reduce the patient's confusion.
- Speak clearly and calmly: use simple words, short sentences. Listen to them patiently.
- Take care of safety: Remove slippery carpets in the house. Install handrails in the bathroom. Be careful when the patient goes out alone.
- Allow independence: Allow them to do things they can do on their own. This will protect their self-esteem.
- Think about yourself too: Taking care of a patient is mentally and physically exhausting. So take time to rest, do something you enjoy, and join support groups if necessary. Only when you are well can you take good care of the patient.
Take-Home Message
- Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging. It is a disease that damages the brain.
- If you have symptoms like memory loss, behavioral changes, or difficulty performing daily tasks, don't be shy and see a doctor.
- Although the disease cannot be completely cured, there are treatments to control its progression and manage symptoms.
- Caring for someone with Alzheimer's is a challenge. It requires patience, love, and the right knowledge. As a caregiver, it is important to take care of your own health as well.
- A healthy lifestyle (good diet, exercise, and controlling high blood pressure) can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
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