Affecting millions of people worldwide, this disease is the most common form of dementia, and its impact not only affects those who suffer from it, but also their families and the healthcare system.
Although there is still no known cure for Alzheimer's, scientific research has made progress in understanding its causes and risk factors. Early diagnosis is essential to manage the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life of patients. In addition, support and training for caregivers are key aspects in the comprehensive treatment of this pathology, underlining the importance of specialized training in health and long-term care issues.
Index
What is Alzheimer's?
What are the causes of Alzheimer's?
What are the symptoms of Alzheimer's?
How is Alzheimer's detected?
What is the best treatment for Alzheimer's?
Alzheimer's risk factors
Is Alzheimer's hereditary?
What is Alzheimer's?
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects older people and manifests itself through memory loss, cognitive decline and behavioral changes.
It is the most common form of dementia , accounting for 60% to 80% of cases of this type of condition. At a biological level, Alzheimer's is characterized by the abnormal accumulation of proteins in the brain, such as beta-amyloid plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles, which interfere with the normal functioning of neurons. Over time, these neurons die, causing the reduction of brain tissue and severely affecting the cognitive ability of those who suffer from it.
Alzheimer's disease often begins with mild symptoms, such as frequent forgetfulness or difficulty finding the right words to say in conversation. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms become more severe and affect more complex cognitive functions, such as decision-making, reasoning, and understanding the environment.
People with Alzheimer's may experience disorientation, confusion, mood swings and, in the more advanced stages, even lose the ability to recognize family members and perform basic tasks such as dressing or feeding themselves.
Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but there are treatments that can alleviate some symptoms and improve patients' quality of life. Early diagnosis is crucial, as it allows for medical intervention and proper management of the disease through medications and therapies, which can slow its progression.
Caregiving and specific training in this area are essential to provide comprehensive support to those who live with this pathology.
Nurse with Alzheimer's patient playing board games
The exact causes of Alzheimer's are still not fully understood, but experts believe it is the result of a combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors.
Biologically, Alzheimer's is linked to the buildup of two abnormal proteins in the brain: beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Beta-amyloid plaques build up between neurons, disrupting communication between them, while tau tangles develop inside neurons, hampering their normal function and eventually causing their death.
Genetic factors also play a role in the development of the disease, especially when there is a family history of Alzheimer's. A specific gene, called APOE-e4, has been identified as a risk factor, as people who carry it are more likely to develop Alzheimer's, although it is not determinant on its own. In addition, certain rare genetic mutations can cause hereditary forms of the disease, which tend to manifest at earlier ages.
On the other hand, lifestyle and environmental risk factors, such as lack of physical activity, poor diet, smoking, obesity and hypertension, are also associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's.
In addition, advanced age is the most significant risk factor, as most cases of Alzheimer's occur in people over 65. However, it is believed that an active life both physically and mentally can help reduce the risk or delay the onset of symptoms.
What are the symptoms of Alzheimer's?
Alzheimer's disease manifests itself through a variety of symptoms that primarily affect memory, thinking and behavior , progressively worsening over time. The first symptoms are usually mild, but as the disease progresses, they become more severe and disabling.
One of the most common and early symptoms is memory loss, especially of recent memories. People with Alzheimer's tend to forget recent conversations or events and repeat the same questions or phrases frequently.
Over time, they also experience difficulty remembering important information, such as dates, names and places. This memory impairment progressively affects their ability to carry out everyday tasks.
In addition to memory problems, people with Alzheimer's philippine whatsapp number often have difficulty with reasoning and decision-making. They may have trouble planning, organizing or solving problems, making it difficult to do tasks such as managing money, following recipes or performing daily tasks.
At the behavioral level, it is common for them to experience changes in personality and mood, such as anxiety, irritability, disorientation and, in more advanced stages, episodes of severe confusion and hallucinations.
How is Alzheimer's detected?
Diagnosing Alzheimer's disease is based on a comprehensive evaluation that includes both clinical examinations and cognitive and neurological tests . One of the first steps in detecting this disease is a detailed medical evaluation in which the doctor reviews the patient's medical history, including family history and possible changes in behavior or cognitive abilities. Interviews with family members or close people are also conducted to identify signs such as memory loss or difficulties in daily life.
Cognitive testing is a key tool in detecting Alzheimer's. These tests measure a patient's ability to remember, solve problems, concentrate, and communicate. Doctors use assessment scales, such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), to determine the degree of cognitive decline. In addition, more specific tests may be performed to rule out other causes of dementia, such as depression or nutritional deficiencies, which could mimic Alzheimer's symptoms.
For a more precise diagnosis, brain imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or positron emission tomography (PET) are used. These images allow doctors to observe changes in the structure and function of the brain, such as shrinkage of certain areas related to memory and cognition, or the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques characteristic of Alzheimer's.
In some cases, laboratory tests, such as cerebrospinal fluid analysis, can be performed to detect biomarkers that indicate the presence of the disease in its early stages. Early diagnosis is essential to initiate treatments that help slow the progression of the disease.