Dementia and Alzheimer's disease
Dementia is a syndrome characterized by persistent cognitive impairment caused by brain damage. It is not a specific disease, but rather a syndrome that can manifest as a variety of diseases or pathological conditions. However, dementia is most commonly associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's disease is a neurological disorder that worsens over time. It is distinguished by changes in the brain that result in the deposition of specific proteins, causing the brain to shrink and brain cells to die with time. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, which is characterized by a gradual decline in memory, thinking, behavior, and social skills. These changes have an impact on an individual's ability to function normally.
Alzheimer's disease is a neurological disorder that worsens over time. It is distinguished by changes in the brain that result in the deposition of specific proteins, causing the brain to shrink and brain cells to die with time. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, which is characterized by a gradual decline in memory, thinking, behavior, and social skills. These changes have an impact on an individual's ability to function normally.
Dementia is a term used to describe a set of symptoms that impair memory, thinking, and social skills. Dementia is a collection of symptoms that can be caused by a variety of conditions. Alzheimer's disease is the leading cause of dementia among older adults. Memory loss is a common feature of dementia. It is frequently one of the first signs of the disease. Alzheimer's disease is thought to affect 60-70 percent of the world's 55 million dementia patients. There is no treatment that can completely cure Alzheimer's disease. |
Alzheimer's disease is thought to be caused by an abnormal accumulation of proteins in and around brain cells. One of these proteins is called amyloid, and it forms plaques around brain cells. Another protein, tau, forms tangles inside neurons.
Scientists believe that in most people, Alzheimer's disease is caused by a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors that affect the brain over time. Alzheimer's is caused by specific genetic changes that almost always result in the disease. Alzheimer's disease usually develops in middle age.
Alzheimer's disease begins years before symptoms appear.
Scientists believe that in most people, Alzheimer's disease is caused by a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors that affect the brain over time. Alzheimer's is caused by specific genetic changes that almost always result in the disease. Alzheimer's disease usually develops in middle age.
Alzheimer's disease begins years before symptoms appear.
Age
The most widely recognized risk factor for Alzheimer's disease is advancing age. Alzheimer's is not a normal consequence of aging. However, the likelihood of developing it increases with age.
According to one study, four new diagnoses occur annually per 1,000 individuals aged 65 to 74. In the population aged 75 to 84, 32 new diagnoses were made per 1,000 individuals. In the 85-plus age group, 76 new diagnoses were made per 1,000 individuals.
Family history and genetics
An individual has a slightly increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease if a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, has the condition. The manner in which familial genes influence risk remains largely unknown, and the genetic components are probably intricate.
An improved conceptualization pertains to a variant of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene. APOE e4, a variant of the gene, elevates the susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease. Approximately 25–30% of the populace possesses APOE e4. However, not all individuals carrying this variant of the gene progress to the disease.
A rare mutation discovered by scientists in three genes virtually ensures that an individual inheriting one of these variants will develop Alzheimer's disease. However, these alterations are present in fewer than 1% of Alzheimer's disease patients.
Down syndrome
Down syndrome is associated with a high incidence of Alzheimer's disease. This is probably due to the presence of three copies of chromosome 21. Chromosome 21 contains the gene responsible for encoding the protein that initiates beta-amyloid formation. Plaques can form from beta-amyloid fragments in the brain. Individuals with Down syndrome typically experience the onset of symptoms ten to twenty years prior to the general population.
Sex
Overall there are more women with the disease because they tend to live longer than men.
Mild cognitive impairment
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is characterized by a more pronounced decline in thinking abilities, such as memory, compared to the average decline for the individual's age. However, the individual's decline does not impede their ability to engage in social or occupational settings.
Despite this, individuals with MCI are at a substantial risk for developing dementia. Memory impairment is a significant risk factor for the progression of MCI to dementia as a consequence of Alzheimer's disease. Being diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) provides individuals with the opportunity to prioritize adopting a healthier lifestyle and devise compensatory strategies for memory decline. Additionally, they can schedule routine medical appointments for symptom monitoring.
Head trauma
Multiple large studies have found that individuals with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) who are 50 years of age or older have an increased risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Survivors of severe and multiple TBIs face an even greater danger. According to several studies, the risk may be highest between six months and two years following the injury.
Air pollution
Animal studies have demonstrated that air pollution particulates can hasten the deterioration of the nervous system. In addition, research on humans has found that exposure to air pollution—particularly from wood burning and traffic exhaust— is associated with an increased risk of dementia.
Excessive alcohol consumption
It has been known for a very long time that excessive alcohol consumption causes mental changes. Multiple large studies and reviews have established a correlation between alcohol use disorders and an elevated risk of dementia, specifically early-onset dementia.
Poor sleep patterns
Inadequate sleep patterns, including difficulty falling unconscious or remaining asleep, have been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease, according to research.
Lifestyle and heart health
Research has shown that the same risk factors associated with heart disease also may increase the risk of dementia. It's unclear if these factors increase risk of dementia by worsening Alzheimer's changes in the brain or by leading to brain vascular changes. They include:
Lifelong learning and social engagement
Research has shown that lifelong social interaction and participation in mentally stimulating activities can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. It seems that having completed less than a high school diploma is associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
The most widely recognized risk factor for Alzheimer's disease is advancing age. Alzheimer's is not a normal consequence of aging. However, the likelihood of developing it increases with age.
According to one study, four new diagnoses occur annually per 1,000 individuals aged 65 to 74. In the population aged 75 to 84, 32 new diagnoses were made per 1,000 individuals. In the 85-plus age group, 76 new diagnoses were made per 1,000 individuals.
Family history and genetics
An individual has a slightly increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease if a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, has the condition. The manner in which familial genes influence risk remains largely unknown, and the genetic components are probably intricate.
An improved conceptualization pertains to a variant of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene. APOE e4, a variant of the gene, elevates the susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease. Approximately 25–30% of the populace possesses APOE e4. However, not all individuals carrying this variant of the gene progress to the disease.
A rare mutation discovered by scientists in three genes virtually ensures that an individual inheriting one of these variants will develop Alzheimer's disease. However, these alterations are present in fewer than 1% of Alzheimer's disease patients.
Down syndrome
Down syndrome is associated with a high incidence of Alzheimer's disease. This is probably due to the presence of three copies of chromosome 21. Chromosome 21 contains the gene responsible for encoding the protein that initiates beta-amyloid formation. Plaques can form from beta-amyloid fragments in the brain. Individuals with Down syndrome typically experience the onset of symptoms ten to twenty years prior to the general population.
Sex
Overall there are more women with the disease because they tend to live longer than men.
Mild cognitive impairment
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is characterized by a more pronounced decline in thinking abilities, such as memory, compared to the average decline for the individual's age. However, the individual's decline does not impede their ability to engage in social or occupational settings.
Despite this, individuals with MCI are at a substantial risk for developing dementia. Memory impairment is a significant risk factor for the progression of MCI to dementia as a consequence of Alzheimer's disease. Being diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) provides individuals with the opportunity to prioritize adopting a healthier lifestyle and devise compensatory strategies for memory decline. Additionally, they can schedule routine medical appointments for symptom monitoring.
Head trauma
Multiple large studies have found that individuals with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) who are 50 years of age or older have an increased risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Survivors of severe and multiple TBIs face an even greater danger. According to several studies, the risk may be highest between six months and two years following the injury.
Air pollution
Animal studies have demonstrated that air pollution particulates can hasten the deterioration of the nervous system. In addition, research on humans has found that exposure to air pollution—particularly from wood burning and traffic exhaust— is associated with an increased risk of dementia.
Excessive alcohol consumption
It has been known for a very long time that excessive alcohol consumption causes mental changes. Multiple large studies and reviews have established a correlation between alcohol use disorders and an elevated risk of dementia, specifically early-onset dementia.
Poor sleep patterns
Inadequate sleep patterns, including difficulty falling unconscious or remaining asleep, have been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease, according to research.
Lifestyle and heart health
Research has shown that the same risk factors associated with heart disease also may increase the risk of dementia. It's unclear if these factors increase risk of dementia by worsening Alzheimer's changes in the brain or by leading to brain vascular changes. They include:
- Lack of exercise.
- Obesity.
- Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke.
- High blood pressure.
- High cholesterol.
- Poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.
Lifelong learning and social engagement
Research has shown that lifelong social interaction and participation in mentally stimulating activities can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. It seems that having completed less than a high school diploma is associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Memory loss is a key symptom of Alzheimer's disease. Early signs include difficulty recalling recent events or conversations. Initially, a person with Alzheimer's may realize that they have difficulty remembering things and thinking clearly.
The brain changes associated with Alzheimer's disease lead to the following effects:
Memory
Everyone experiences lapses in memory, but Alzheimer's-related memory loss doesn't go away and gets worse over time. Over time, memory loss affects the ability to function at work and at home.
People with Alzheimer's disease can:
Thinking
Alzheimer's disease impairs concentration and reasoning, particularly with abstract notions such as numbers.
People with Alzheimer's disease have an especially tough time multitasking. It can be challenging to manage finances, balance checkbooks, and pay payments on time. A person with Alzheimer's may eventually lose the ability to recognize and use numbers.
Decision-making
Alzheimer's disease impairs the ability to make sound decisions in everyday situations. For example, a person may make poor decisions in a social context or dress inappropriately for the weather. It may become more difficult for someone to respond to daily problems. For example, the individual may not know how to deal with burned food on the stove or make decisions while driving.
Routine chores require planning and execution
Routine chores requiring specific processes, such as food planning and preparation, become problematic. People suffering from advanced Alzheimer's disease eventually lose the ability to do basic tasks like dressing and bathing.
Changes in personality and behavior
The brain changes that occur in Alzheimer's disease can affect mood and behavior. Problems may include:
The brain changes associated with Alzheimer's disease lead to the following effects:
Memory
Everyone experiences lapses in memory, but Alzheimer's-related memory loss doesn't go away and gets worse over time. Over time, memory loss affects the ability to function at work and at home.
People with Alzheimer's disease can:
- Repeat statements and questions over and over again
- Forget conversations, appointments, or events
- Mix up objects, often putting them in odd places
- Get lost in places they used to know well.
- Over time, forget the names of family members and everyday objects.
- Have trouble finding the right words, expressing thoughts, or participating in conversations
Thinking
Alzheimer's disease impairs concentration and reasoning, particularly with abstract notions such as numbers.
People with Alzheimer's disease have an especially tough time multitasking. It can be challenging to manage finances, balance checkbooks, and pay payments on time. A person with Alzheimer's may eventually lose the ability to recognize and use numbers.
Decision-making
Alzheimer's disease impairs the ability to make sound decisions in everyday situations. For example, a person may make poor decisions in a social context or dress inappropriately for the weather. It may become more difficult for someone to respond to daily problems. For example, the individual may not know how to deal with burned food on the stove or make decisions while driving.
Routine chores require planning and execution
Routine chores requiring specific processes, such as food planning and preparation, become problematic. People suffering from advanced Alzheimer's disease eventually lose the ability to do basic tasks like dressing and bathing.
Changes in personality and behavior
The brain changes that occur in Alzheimer's disease can affect mood and behavior. Problems may include:
- Depression
- Loss of interest in any activity
- Social withdrawal
- Mood swings
- Distrust of others
- Anger or aggression
- Changes in sleeping habits
- Delusions, such as the belief that something has been stolen.
Alzheimer's symptoms, such as memory loss, language loss, poor judgment, and other brain abnormalities, might make it difficult to treat other medical illnesses. Alzheimer's patients may be unable to:
- Tell someone about being in pain.
- Explain symptoms of another illness.
- Follow a treatment plan.
- Explain medicine's side effects.
- Inhaling food or liquid into the lungs.
- Flu, pneumonia and other infections.
- Falls.
- Fractures.
- Bedsores.
- Poor nutrition or dehydration.
- Constipation or diarrhea.
- Dental problems such as mouth sores or tooth decay.
- Розповісти комусь про свій біль.
- Пояснити симптоми іншої хвороби.
- Дотримуватися плану лікування.
- Пояснювати побічні ефекти ліків.
- Аспірація їжі або рідини
- Інфекційні ускладнення
- Падіння та переломи
- Пролежні
- Погане харчування або зневоднення
- Закреп або діарея
- Стоматологічні проблеми, такі як виразки в роті або карієс
Some conditions can result in memory loss or other dementia symptoms. Some of those conditions can be treated. If you are concerned about your memory or other thinking skills, talk to your healthcare professional.
If you are concerned about thinking skills you observe in a family member or friend, talk about your concerns and ask about going together to talk to a health care professional.
If you are concerned about thinking skills you observe in a family member or friend, talk about your concerns and ask about going together to talk to a health care professional.
Preventive measures
The condition known as Alzheimer's disease cannot be prevented. Nevertheless, several lifestyle risk factors are modifiable.
Taking measures to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease may also reduce the risk of developing dementia, according to the available evidence.
Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle may decrease the likelihood of developing dementia.
People at risk for dementia participated in coaching sessions on diet, exercise, and other lifestyle modifications in another Australian study. After one, two, and three years, their performance on cognitive assessments was superior to that of individuals who did not receive the coaching.
Other research has demonstrated that maintaining mental and social engagement is associated with later-life cognitive preservation and a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. This consists of attending social gatherings, reading, dancing, participating in board games, producing art, and playing an instrument, among other pursuits.
The condition known as Alzheimer's disease cannot be prevented. Nevertheless, several lifestyle risk factors are modifiable.
Taking measures to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease may also reduce the risk of developing dementia, according to the available evidence.
Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle may decrease the likelihood of developing dementia.
- Engage in regular exercise.
- Adopt a Mediterranean-style diet consisting of fresh produce, healthful oils, and foods low in saturated fat.
- Adhere to prescribed treatment protocols to manage hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol effectively.
- If you smoke, seek the assistance of a medical professional to cease.
People at risk for dementia participated in coaching sessions on diet, exercise, and other lifestyle modifications in another Australian study. After one, two, and three years, their performance on cognitive assessments was superior to that of individuals who did not receive the coaching.
Other research has demonstrated that maintaining mental and social engagement is associated with later-life cognitive preservation and a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. This consists of attending social gatherings, reading, dancing, participating in board games, producing art, and playing an instrument, among other pursuits.
Medications
Medications for Alzheimer's disease can slow the progression of memory loss and other cognitive deficits. Currently, symptoms are treated with two types of drugs:
The FDA authorized lekanemab in 2023 for persons with mild Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment caused by Alzheimer's disease.
A Phase 3 clinical research found that the medicine decreases cognitive deterioration in persons with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The medication inhibits the production of amyloid plaques in the brain. The Phase 3 experiment was the largest study to see if "clearing" amyloid plaque formation in the brain could prevent disease progression.
Donanemab is another medication currently being investigated. It targets amyloid plaques and tau proteins and can lower their levels in brain tissue. It has been demonstrated to reduce the loss of cognitive abilities in persons with early-stage Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's disease and TPS treatment
Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS) is a therapeutic method approved in Europe in 2018 for treating mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. The goal of TPS is to improve cognitive abilities in people with Alzheimer's dementia by stimulating different parts of the brain and maintaining this state for as long as possible. Patients and their relatives report improved verbal abilities, memory, spatial orientation, and reduced symptoms of concurrent depression.
Creating a safe and supportive environment
An important part of any treatment plan is adapting to the needs of the person with Alzheimer's disease. Here are some ways to support a person with Alzheimer's disease's sense of well-being and ability to function:
Support
People with Alzheimer's disease experience a range of emotions, including confusion, frustration, anger, fear, uncertainty, grief, and depression.
If you care for someone with Alzheimer's disease, you can help them cope by being present and listening to them. Reassure the person that life is still enjoyable, offer support, and do everything you can to help them maintain their dignity and self-esteem.
A calm and stable home environment can help to alleviate behavioral issues. New situations, noise, large crowds, being rushed or forced to remember things, or being asked to perform difficult tasks can all cause anxiety. When a person with Alzheimer's disease becomes upset, their ability to think clearly declines even further.
Medications for Alzheimer's disease can slow the progression of memory loss and other cognitive deficits. Currently, symptoms are treated with two types of drugs:
- Cholinesterase inhibitors. These drugs help to maintain communication between brain cells by changing the molecules that transfer signals from one cell to another. These medications are typically the first line of treatment for Alzheimer's disease, and most people see a little improvement after using them. Cholinesterase inhibitors help alleviate symptoms related to behavioral changes, such as agitation or sadness.
- Memantine. This medication operates in a separate network of communication between brain cells, slowing the advancement of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease symptoms. It is occasionally used in combination with a cholinesterase inhibitor.
The FDA authorized lekanemab in 2023 for persons with mild Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment caused by Alzheimer's disease.
A Phase 3 clinical research found that the medicine decreases cognitive deterioration in persons with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The medication inhibits the production of amyloid plaques in the brain. The Phase 3 experiment was the largest study to see if "clearing" amyloid plaque formation in the brain could prevent disease progression.
Donanemab is another medication currently being investigated. It targets amyloid plaques and tau proteins and can lower their levels in brain tissue. It has been demonstrated to reduce the loss of cognitive abilities in persons with early-stage Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's disease and TPS treatment
Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS) is a therapeutic method approved in Europe in 2018 for treating mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. The goal of TPS is to improve cognitive abilities in people with Alzheimer's dementia by stimulating different parts of the brain and maintaining this state for as long as possible. Patients and their relatives report improved verbal abilities, memory, spatial orientation, and reduced symptoms of concurrent depression.
Creating a safe and supportive environment
An important part of any treatment plan is adapting to the needs of the person with Alzheimer's disease. Here are some ways to support a person with Alzheimer's disease's sense of well-being and ability to function:
- Keep your keys, wallets, cell phones, and other valuables in one place at home to prevent them from getting lost.
- Keep your medications in a safe location. Use a daily checklist to keep track of your dosages.
- Set up automatic payments and deposits for your finances.
- Ask the Alzheimer's patient to carry a cell phone with location tracking. Program important phone numbers into the phone.
- Install alarms on the doors and windows.
- Regular appointments should be scheduled on the same day and time as much as possible.
- Keep your daily schedule on a calendar or whiteboard. Develop the habit of checking off completed tasks.
- Remove all unnecessary furniture and clutter.
- Install sturdy handrails on the stairs and in the bathroom.
- Make sure your shoes are comfortable and have good traction.
Support
People with Alzheimer's disease experience a range of emotions, including confusion, frustration, anger, fear, uncertainty, grief, and depression.
If you care for someone with Alzheimer's disease, you can help them cope by being present and listening to them. Reassure the person that life is still enjoyable, offer support, and do everything you can to help them maintain their dignity and self-esteem.
A calm and stable home environment can help to alleviate behavioral issues. New situations, noise, large crowds, being rushed or forced to remember things, or being asked to perform difficult tasks can all cause anxiety. When a person with Alzheimer's disease becomes upset, their ability to think clearly declines even further.
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Brainspot 2021-2024
Brainspot 2021-2024
Lviv, Ukraine,
127 Zamarstynivska St.
(entrance from Torfyana St)
127 Zamarstynivska St.
(entrance from Torfyana St)
