Alzheimer's disease most often develops in people over 65 (95% of cases). The cause of the disease is not known so far, most likely its development depends on many different factors. Women suffer from Alzheimer's disease more often. It belongs to the group of the so-called dementia diseases. Causes, symptoms, treatment of Azheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's diseasecauses gradual loss of memory, impaired logical thinking, and changes human behavior forever. In Poland, about 250,000 people suffer from the disease, and even 21 million worldwide. The first case of the disease was described in 1907 by the doctor Alois Alzheimer.

Causes of Alzheimer's disease

Scientists have been trying to discover its cause for many years. They take into account the following theories:

  • Genetic predisposition. In 15-20 percent. cases, the disease runs in families. At least four different genes are responsible for its development.
  • Age. In people over 85 years of age, the disease affects every tenth senior citizen. The increase in morbidity is related to the increase in human life expectancy.
  • Environmental factors. People with a low level of education are at risk.
  • Vascular diseases. Researchers indicate that certain conditions contribute to the development of the disease. They include, among others hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol.
  • Disappearance of nerve cells in the brain. With age, neurons slowly die - this is a natural phenomenon. However, researchers have found that in Alzheimer's disease, this process progresses very quickly: within 7-12 years, nearly half of the cells die. The result of this is, among others gradual loss of memory and cognitive abilities.
  • The presence of characteristic tiles. In sick cells, doctors find abnormal elements made of insoluble protein fragments.
  • Presence of tangles. Another discovery of researchers are clusters made of the so-called tau proteins that are found in he althy cells. They are not harmful, but under favorable conditions they can provoke the development of defense mechanisms in the body that lead to the death of nerve cells in the brain.

Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease

The first symptoms of Alzheimer's disease can be easily overlooked.After all, forgetting terms, names, lapses or temporary confusion happens to everyone. However, when such situations occur frequently, it should worry the family. Early diagnosis of the disease gives a chance to slow down its development and reduce some unpleasant symptoms. Unfortunately, when seeing the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, often loved ones think that they are related to the aging process or progressive depression.

  • Forgetting about recent events. A loved one cannot remember what he or she ate on the previous day or with whom he met. Has difficulty finding the right date. However, he is able to go back to more distant times - e.g. he eagerly remembers the times of his youth.
  • Problem with the choice of words. When your mentee is unable to choose the right words, has trouble forming the correct sentence or does not remember certain words, it may be a sign of developing dementia.
  • Trouble with everyday activities. Routine chores, such as cooking dinner, begin to be difficult for the sick person. Not only does he forget to serve the dishes, he also doesn't remember having prepared them. This is dangerous as food can cook for many hours and result in a fire.
  • Loss of sense of orientation. People with Alzheimer's disease often get lost in their own street, in a well-known neighborhood. They are unable to return home on their own. It happens that they leave the house and lose track of time, wandering aimlessly for hours.
  • Changeable mood. The extreme variability of humor is characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. For example, he goes from being teary to euphoria or from deep reverie to anger. Importantly, the change of mood occurs for no apparent reason.
  • Losing items. A close one can hide everyday items such as keys, purse or wallet in unusual places, e.g. in the refrigerator. He instantly forgets what he did with them.
  • Inability to judge temperature. For example, a person who is sick may leave the house in winter wearing only pajamas, or take a walk in the heat while wearing five sweaters. People suffering from Alzheimer's disease often cannot adjust their clothes to the weather conditions. The same goes for the water temperature - they can wash themselves in boiling water or in ice water.
  • Difficulty with counting. The sick are not able to make simple calculations, e.g. to subtract in memory. They also have trouble determining the value of money - it happens that they throw banknotes into the garbage can.
  • Strange behavior. As the disease progresses, a loved one may become suspicious, anxious, apathetic. Sometimes she has inappropriate sexual behavior, e.g.He exposes himself to strangers.
  • Delusions. The sick person often accuses the family of stealing various items or money. He may also complain that he has been abandoned and that no one is taking care of him. It also happens that such a person "sees" a figure of a human or an animal - he talks with ghosts, gestures, etc.
  • Eating disorders. Sometimes the mentee loses his appetite and eats smaller portions. Or, on the contrary, he overeats. Some people try to eat inedible items such as chalk. Excessive consumption of alcohol can also be a problem.

The three stages of Alzheimer's disease

Early -Mild dementia . Memory is impaired but does not cause problems in daily functioning. The patient forgets, for example, where he put his wallet or keys, or what is the name of a distant friend, often repeats questions, begins to make counting errors, etc. He is not able to assimilate current information heard from other people or on the radio. There are also linguistic problems - he looks for the right words, but cannot remember the words. There are some problems with getting around the city.

Moderate -Intermediate dementia . The patient has problems with independent functioning. He gets lost in a well-known neighborhood, and even in his own home, ceases to recognize his family, has difficulty remembering not only recent, but also past events. Apathy, irritability and depression appear. Unable to fall asleep or excessively sleepy - lies in bed all day. She begins to have problems dressing and understanding speech. He also cannot manage money and make more complex decisions.

Severe -very advanced dementia . The patient loses the ability to walk independently (usually he is led by the arm) and to perform simple activities. He cannot eat on his own, keeps food in his mouth and requires encouragement to swallow, does not control his physiological needs, stops talking, does not recognize his relatives. There is also a loss of contact with the world. Apathy, irritability and depression also worsen. Some patients may even be aggressive.

Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease

If you suspect a loved one is developing Alzheimer's disease, consult your he althcare professional. This may be a neurologist, psychiatrist or geriatrician. He will not only recommend appropriate treatment, but also give instructions on how to proceed with the patient. He will also refer, if necessary, to another specialist, such as a cardiologist, in the event of arterial hypertension. Before applying the appropriate treatment, the doctor will perform, among others: diagnostic tests allowing for quick diagnosisdementia and determining the severity of memory impairment. He will also probably order a CT scan or MRI of the brain. If in doubt, the diagnosis can be extended to include the examination of the cerebrospinal fluid, blood and EEG (electroencephalography).

Important

Alzheimer's disease is a disease of celebrities

Alzheimer's disease has affected many famous people, incl. former US President Ronald Reagan, French actress Annie Girardot, American actress Rita Hayworth, and American singer and actor Dean Martin.

Alzheimer's disease treatment

Unfortunately, no effective drug has yet been invented to reverse or at least stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease. However, early diagnosis and proper treatment can help manage some of its symptoms. Thanks to this, not only the quality of life of the patient is improved, but also of his caregiver. Fortunately, scientists are working on developing a formula that would help to tame the disease. For now, there are two types of drugs on the market that alleviate the course of the disease. They are:

  • acelylcholinesterase inhibitors. They increase the level of acetylcholine, the content of which decreases significantly in patients. It is a substance that is involved in nerve cell communication and memory processes. This group of drugs is used to relieve the disease in its early stages.
  • NMDA receptor antagonists. They protect brain cells from being over-stimulated by glutamic acid, which damages them.

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Neurology