The Disease
Alzheimer’s Disease
To take care of yourself and your loved ones, it is important to understand what Alzheimer’s Disease is. Here are some key facts about the disease.
Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form
of dementia (60 to 80% of cases). Dementia is not
a specific disease but rather is a general term for the impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interferes with doing
everyday activities.
There are two forms of Alzheimer’s Disease, early onset and late onset. Early onset Alzheimer’s Disease occurs in people under 65 years old. A very small percentage of early onset AD is due to familial inherited Alzheimer’s Disease.
Late onset Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form and occurs in people over age 65.
Alzheimer’s Disease has a gradual progression and begins with the onset of mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
As Alzheimer’s Disease progresses, areas of the brain degenerate, resulting in cell loss. This causes a progressive worsening of disease symptoms.
Symptoms may be expressed as deviations in a person’s typical functioning, like:
Gradual memory loss resulting in forgetting details of conversations
or events.
Loss of language skills. This could present itself in many ways, but some examples are searching for words or the inability to express thoughts.
Problems with
reasoning or judgment.
Disorientation that may cause difficulty keeping track of dates or appointments or difficulty navigating in both familiar and unfamiliar areas.
Difficulty
learning new skills.
Behavioural and psychological changes expressed as increased anxiety, apathy, depression, or acting out of character.
Decreased ability to perform daily tasks and function independently
in everyday life.
Other causes of memory and thinking issues
Many conditions can impact memory and thinking. Your symptoms may be caused by a medical issue that is treatable. These conditions may be the sole cause of your symptoms or may be exacerbating an underlying dementia. Understanding the cause of memory concerns is a key step to make a plan on how to move forward. While it may be fully normal for someone to experience any of the above-mentioned challenges occasionally due to increased stress, sleeplessness, or a number of other reasons, it is always best to establish a baseline of what is normal for you (or your loved one). It is also important to know that the above aren’t always related to Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia. If you have further questions or would like to schedule a no-cost assessment with our team, please contact us.
Pathology
When an individual notices symptoms related to Alzheimer’s Disease, it is due to changes in their brain. In fact, the brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s Disease can start decades before someone notices symptoms. Alzheimer’s Disease is characterized by the abnormal accumulation of two types of protein in the brain, amyloid beta and tau. As these proteins accumulate, there is also an increase in inflammation in the brain.
Risk factors and means of protection
A risk factor impacts the likelihood of developing a condition like Alzheimer’s Disease but does not cause the disease itself. Risk factors can be in your genetics, environment, or lifestyle. Some risk factors like aging, your genes, and biological sex are out of your control while others can be modified. Below we discuss some modifiable risk factors that have been associated with the development of Alzheimer’s Disease. The Lancet group in 2020 released a list of 12 modifiable risk factors. The list below is not exhaustive and as research and knowledge are constantly evolving new risk factors may be identified. In general, if it is good for your body, it is good for your brain. All aspects of a healthy lifestyle including a good diet and a proper night’s sleep will protect your brain. Remember, it is never too early or too late to worry about your brain health.
Risk and protective factors related to health conditions
Cardiovascular health has a big impact on your brain health! Individuals with hypertension are at an elevated risk of developing dementia and this can be reduced with active intervention to reduce blood pressure.
Hearing loss increases risk for dementia. While the cause is not completely understood, some research suggests hearing loss leads to a decrease in brain volume for areas important for memory. Using hearing aids may reduce this risk.
Research is working to understand how body weight impacts your brain health. Evidence supports that individuals with a body mass index in the obese range have elevated dementia risk.
Data clearly shows that diabetes is a risk factor for dementia. However, study results are mixed on whether adequately controlling diabetes will mitigate this risk. Nonetheless, it is important to work with your physician to control any medical issue, including diabetes.
Depression is associated with an increased risk of dementia. Interestingly, depressive symptoms can also result from dementia.
A single mild TBI may elevate dementia risk. The risk is further increased for a severe TBI or multiple TBIs.
Health Background
Genetic risk and protective factors
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) is a molecule that carries genetic information which is found in every cell in our body. This DNA contains genes that serve as instructions to make each of us who we are as well as everything our bodies need to function. Based on research, we know that our genes can play an important role in Alzheimer’s Disease risk. In fact, a very small percentage of Alzheimer’s Disease cases are specifically caused by mutations in certain genes. However, for most people, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease is influenced by both genes and lifestyle factors. Scientists are working to determine which genes contribute to Alzheimer’s Disease risk. One of the most extensively studied Alzheimer’s Disease risk genes is apolipoprotein E (APOE).
Lifestyle risk and protective factors
Higher childhood education levels and lifelong higher educational attainment reduce dementia risk. It is important to engage in intellectual activity at all life stages.
If it is bad for your body, it is bad for your brain and smoking is no exception. Smokers are at increased risk of dementia and premature death.
A sedentary lifestyle is not good for your body overall and this includes your brain. There is an increased risk of Alzheimer’s in physically inactive individuals. And studies showed that regular moderate physical exercise reduced risk.
Social contact is a protective factor that makes your brain more resilient. Having little social contact also increases risk for dementia.
Excessive drinking is associated with brain changes that increase risk for developing dementia.
Sleep plays a vital role in your overall health. Insufficient sleep or poor-quality sleep is linked to many diseases, including Alzheimer’s Disease. Sleep disturbance is thought to increase inflammation and accumulation of amyloid beta in the brain, increasing risk for Alzheimer’s Disease.
According to several studies, a healthy, balanced diet may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or slow its progression.
Environmental factors
Exposure to certain toxins, such as pesticides, fumigants and others, may be a risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease.
The Seahorse Emblem
Alzheimer’s Disease is a degenerative disorder that manifests itself in the brain through causes not fully understood. As the disease progresses, any area of the brain can be affected. However, the hippocampus (so named because of its resemblance to the sea animal) is usually the first part of the brain to be impacted. This critical brain structure is closely linked to learning and memory, and this is the link between the disease itself and the symptoms. The hippocampus has been one of the most studied parts of the brain over the past 100 years.