Alzheimer's Disease

What is Alzheimer's?

Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative brain disorder and type of dementia where the individual experiences gradual declines in memory and concentration, plus struggles with speech formation. It is a progressive disorder that worsens over time, and with late-stage Alzheimer’s sufferers may lose the ability to carry on a conversation, respond to their environment, or be unable to recognize friends or family members. It usually affects older people, but early-onset Alzheimer’s is possible and is the diagnosis if a person develops it before the age of 65.

What Causes Alzheimer's?

Alzheimer's is caused by large numbers of brain cells shrinking and/or dying, and as the number of cells in the brain is reduced, their ability to interact properly with each other is diminished. There are two contributors to the cells being damaged and dying: the first are beta-amyloid protein fragments (plaques) that build up in the spaces between nerve cells. The second are tangles of twisted fibers called tau that build up inside the cells.

The buildup of both the fragments and the twisted fibers tends to occur most prominently for cells in the areas of the brain responsible for memory, and this is at the root of what causes Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer's Symptoms

The most common of Alzheimer's symptoms is difficulty remembering newly learned information. Other symptoms can include speaking difficulties, difficulty swallowing, inability to walk normally, disorientation, mood and behavior changes, being confused about events, times, and places, and unfounded suspicions of friends and family.

Alzheimer's Treatment

The most conventional approach to Alzheimer's treatment is to have the person start on medications like Aricept or Namenda. Aricept works by preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain for more normal nerve function, and Namenda is an NMDA receptor agonist drug that lowers abnormal excitement in the brain.

Establishing and strengthening routine habits so that they require less memory can also be a part of Alzheimer's treatment for people with this type of dementia. This can include keeping keys, wallets, mobile phones, and valuables in the same place at home at all times, keeping medicines in a secure location, arranging finances to be on automatic payment and automatic deposit, and ensuring regular appointments are on the same day at the same time as often as possible.