Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that leads to the degeneration of brain cells, causing cognitive decline and memory loss. It is the most common cause of dementia, affecting millions of people worldwide. By learning more about Alzheimer’s, individuals can recognize early signs and seek appropriate medical care.
Types of Alzheimer’s Disease
There are two main types of Alzheimer’s disease:
Early-Onset Alzheimer’s: This rare form of the disease affects individuals under 65 years old, often beginning in their 40’s or 50’s. In fact, it has been estimated that 6.1% of the total population suffers from Early-Onset Alzheimer’s (1). While the cause is not fully understood, it is believed to have a genetic component.
Late-Onset Alzheimer’s: The most common form, typically developing in individuals over 65 years of age, is linked to a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors (2).
Causes of Alzheimer’s Disease
The exact cause of Alzheimer’s remains unclear, but it is believed to result from a complex interaction of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. The primary factors include:
Genetics: A family history of Alzheimer’s increases the risk, particularly if a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, has had the disease (3).
Age: The risk of Alzheimer’s increases significantly with age, particularly after the age of 65 (4).
Brain Changes: Abnormal buildups of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s, leading to the death of brain cells (5).
Cardiovascular Health: Poor heart health, including conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, can contribute to the risk of Alzheimer’s (6).
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s symptoms typically develop gradually and worsen over time. Common symptoms include:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Difficulty in planning or solving problems
- Confusion with time or place
- Difficulty in understanding visual images and spatial relationships
- Problems with speaking or writing
- Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
- Decreased or poor judgment
- Withdrawal from work or social activities
- Changes in mood and personality
Statistics on Alzheimer’s Disease
- Alzheimer’s disease affects approximately 6.7 million people in the United States, aged 65 years or older (7).
- By 2050, this number is expected to rise to nearly 13.8 million (8).
- Alzheimer’s is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States (9).
Diagnosis
Diagnosing Alzheimer’s involves a comprehensive medical evaluation, including:
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Patient History and Physical Examination: A detailed history of symptoms, family history, and overall health is gathered (10).
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Cognitive Testing: Neurocognitive testing is performed to assess cognitive performance. Kane Hall Barry utilizes neurocognitive testing known as BrainCheck screenings (analysis of a clinical study revealed that BrainCheck Screens correctly identified patients with cognitive impairments with 92% sensitivity) (11).
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Neuroimaging: MRI or CT scans are used to detect brain changes, such as atrophy in specific regions (12).
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Laboratory Tests: Blood tests are conducted to rule out other causes of cognitive decline (13).
Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease
While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, several treatments can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life:
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Medications: Cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists are commonly prescribed to manage cognitive symptoms (14).
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Lifestyle Modifications: A healthy diet, regular physical activity, and cognitive exercises can support brain health (15).
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Supportive Care: Counseling, support groups, and caregiver education are essential in managing the emotional and practical challenges of Alzheimer’s (16).
Kane Hall Barry Neurology is dedicated to providing compassionate care and support for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Our clinics offer comprehensive diagnostic testing and tailored treatment plans to meet each patient’s needs. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact our office at (817) 267-6290 or visit us online.
References
National Institute on Aging. Alzheimer’s Disease Genetics Fact Sheet. National Institutes of Health. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-causes-and-risk-factors/alzheimers-disease-genetics-fact-sheet. Published April 29, 2021. Accessed August 15, 2024.
Jackson EMJ, O’Brien K, McGuire LC, et al. Promoting Healthy Aging: Public Health as a Leader for Reducing Dementia Risk. Public Policy & Aging Report. 2023;33(3):92-95. doi:10.1093/ppar/prad011. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1093/ppar/prad011. Accessed August 15, 2024.
Gonzalez-Ortiz F, Kac PR, Brum WS, Zetterberg H, Blennow K, Karikari TK. Plasma phospho-tau in Alzheimer’s disease: towards diagnostic and therapeutic trial applications. Mol Neurodegener. 2023;18(1):18. doi:10.1186/s13024-023-00605-8. PMID: 36927491; PMCID: PMC10022272. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10022272/. Accessed August 15, 2024.
Tini G, Scagliola R, Monacelli F, et al. Alzheimer’s Disease and Cardiovascular Disease: A Particular Association. Cardiol Res Pract. 2020;2020:2617970. doi:10.1155/2020/2617970. PMID: 32454996; PMCID: PMC7222603. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7222603/. Accessed August 15, 2024.
2023 Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures. Alzheimers Dement. 2023 Apr;19(4):1598-1695. doi:10.1002/alz.13016. Epub 2023 Mar 14. PMID: 36918389. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36918389/. Accessed August 15, 2024.
Hebert LE, Weuve J, Scherr PA, Evans DA. Alzheimer disease in the United States (2010–2050) estimated using the 2010 census. Neurology. 2013 May 7;80(19):1778-1783. doi:10.1212/WNL.0b013e31828726f5. Available from: https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/WNL.0b013e31828726f5. Accessed August 15, 2024.
National Center for Health Statistics. Mortality in the United States, 2022. CDC. Published December 2023. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db492.htm. Accessed August 15, 2024.
Porsteinsson AP, Isaacson RS, Knox S, Sabbagh MN, Rubino I. Diagnosis of early Alzheimer’s disease: clinical practice in 2021. J Prev Alz Dis. 2021;3(8):371-386. Published online June 9, 2021. doi:10.14283/jpad.2021.23. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.14283/jpad.2021.23. Accessed August 15, 2024.
BrainCheck. Science. BrainCheck. Available from: https://braincheck.com/science/. Accessed August 15, 2024.
Ferreira LK, Busatto GF. Neuroimaging in Alzheimer’s disease: current role in clinical practice and potential future applications. Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2011;66 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):19-24. doi:10.1590/s1807-59322011001300003. PMID: 21779719; PMCID: PMC3118433. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3118433/. Accessed August 15, 2024.
National Institutes of Health. Accurate blood test for Alzheimer’s disease. NIH Research Matters. Published February 15, 2023. Available from: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/accurate-blood-test-alzheimer-s-disease. Accessed August 15, 2024.
Birks J. Cholinesterase inhibitors for Alzheimer’s disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006 Jan 25;2006(1) .doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005593. PMID: 16437532; PMCID: PMC9006343. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16437532/. Accessed August 15, 2024.
Livingston G, Huntley J, Sommerlad A, et al. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission. Lancet. 2020 Aug 8;396(10248):413-446. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30367-6. Available from: https://www.thelancet.com/article/S0140-6736(20)30367-6/fulltext. Accessed August 15, 2024.
Sörensen S, Conwell Y. Issues in dementia caregiving: effects on mental and physical health, intervention strategies, and research needs. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2011 Jun;19(6):491-6. doi:10.1097/JGP.0b013e31821c0e6e. PMID: 21502853; PMCID: PMC3774150. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3774150/. Accessed August 15, 2024.
Reviewed for accuracy by: Nirav C. Shah, M.D., MPH
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