Is your mom, dad, grandma, or aunt at home increasingly forgetting things? Do you suddenly forget something you were talking about? Maybe you yourself find it difficult to remember recent events? You may also be wondering if this is a normal part of aging, or if it is a disease that we should be afraid of. So today, let's talk about Alzheimer's disease, which is a progressive loss of memory that worries many people.
How do I know for sure if I have Alzheimer's disease?
If you have even the slightest suspicion that you or someone in your family is experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, the best thing to do is to see a doctor as soon as possible. Because symptoms like memory loss are not unique to Alzheimer's disease. These symptoms can occur due to a number of other medical conditions and causes.
Consider the following reasons why you may be having memory problems:
- Infections in the body: Some bacterial or viral infections, especially urinary tract infections, can cause mental confusion and memory problems in older adults.
- Side effects of medications: When using several incompatible medications at the same time, they can react with each other and cause symptoms like these.
- Small strokes: Blockages in the very small blood vessels that supply blood to the brain can also affect memory.
- Depression: Depression can cause a person's attention and memory to become very weak.
- Low blood sugar: If blood sugar levels suddenly drop in people with diabetes or others, it can cause temporary memory problems and confusion.
- Thyroid problems: Changes in thyroid hormone levels can affect body function and memory.
- Other neurological diseases such as brain tumors or Parkinson's disease .
So, don't be afraid to say, "I have Alzheimer's" as soon as you feel like your memory is failing. The most important thing is to first see a doctor and find out what the real cause is.
The doctor will first examine your physical health. Then, they will ask you a few questions to check your mental health, including your memory, speech, problem-solving skills, thinking skills, and mood. They will also ask your family about any changes in your behavior.
What tests are done to accurately confirm the disease?
After routine tests, doctors order brain scans to confirm whether the disease is actually Alzheimer's or if these symptoms are due to another cause.
| Name of the test | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan | This is like taking a high-resolution picture of the brain. It uses powerful magnets and radio waves to clearly see the structure of the brain. This can help determine if your symptoms are caused by something else, such as a brain tumor or a stroke. |
| PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan | This is a somewhat special scan. This scan can directly detect the presence of plaques, a harmful protein called beta-amyloid, that accumulate in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. However, this is a somewhat expensive test. |
| Blood Tests | Now, with the advancement of technology, new blood tests have emerged. These can check the levels of certain proteins (e.g. beta-amyloid, APOE) in the blood and give an idea of the likelihood of developing those harmful deposits in the brain. |
What are the treatments for Alzheimer's disease?
First of all, it is important to note that there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease. However, that does not mean that treatment is ineffective. There are many effective medications and treatments available today that can help slow the progression of the disease, control symptoms, and improve the patient's quality of life.
Some of the main types of drugs used are listed in the table below:
| Drug category / name | Functionality and use case |
|---|---|
| Lecanemab, Donanemab | These are newly introduced monoclonal antibody drugs. They target beta-amyloid proteins that are deposited directly in the brain. They are best suited for people in the early stages of the disease. They can cause side effects such as brain swelling or small bleeds. |
| Donepezil, Rivastigmine, Galantamine | These drugs increase levels of a chemical called acetylcholine, which helps nerve cells in the brain communicate. They help control the rate at which symptoms worsen in the early and middle stages of the disease. |
| Memantine | Brain cells damaged by Alzheimer's disease produce excess amounts of a chemical called glutamate. This drug works by blocking the damage caused by excess glutamate to nerve cells. This helps control the rapid progression of symptoms in moderate to severe stages of the disease . |
| Memantine-Donepezil (combination) | This is a combination of the two drugs mentioned above. It is used for moderate to severe Alzheimer's. |
Treatments that control other symptoms that accompany the disease
Alzheimer's disease is not just about memory loss. As the disease progresses, it can also cause behavioral and mental changes. Doctors prescribe various medications to help manage these symptoms.
- Suspicion, confusion, and aggressive behavior: Some patients may develop paranoia and hallucinations. Antipsychotic medications such as haloperidol and risperidone are used to control these symptoms.
- Depression and anxiety: Depression is common with the disease. Medications such as Fluoxetine and Sertraline are used to treat it.
- Insomnia: Inability to sleep at night is also a common problem. For this, the doctor will prescribe an appropriate sleeping pill.
- Restlessness and Agitation: Patients who are constantly restless and agitated are given anti-anxiety medications such as Lorazepam.
Very important: Never use any of the medications mentioned here without a doctor's prescription and supervision. It is essential to take all of these medications in the correct dosage and at the correct time. If used incorrectly, they can cause dangerous side effects.
Take-Home Message
- If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of memory loss, don't dismiss it as a normal part of aging. Be sure to see a doctor for advice.
- Symptoms similar to Alzheimer's can be caused by a number of other easily treatable diseases, so it's important to get an accurate diagnosis.
- Although Alzheimer's disease cannot be completely cured, there are many effective treatments available today to control the progression of the disease, reduce symptoms, and make life easier.
- Do not start, change the dosage, or stop taking any medication without consulting a doctor. Be especially careful with medications for mental symptoms.
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