Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological condition which means that its symptoms, as well as their severity, will gradually develop over time. It is also the most common cause of dementia.
Signs and symptoms
As stated above the symptoms of Alzheimer’s slowly progresses over several years. For this reason, it does mean that they can sometimes prove to be difficult to spot. This is because the symptoms can sometimes be confused with some other condition or be put down as a result of old age.
When it comes to the rate of the progress of these symptoms each person is different which means that some may develop them in a faster time frame. Also, there are several additional factors that can affect the progress of these symptoms, including:
- A stroke
- An infection
- Delirium
The symptoms that are experienced with Alzheimer’s can be split into 3 stages.
Early stage
One of the first signs of Alzheimer’s that becomes apparent usually involves small problems with memory. As the condition continues to develop, they may begin to:
- Forget where they put something, misplace them
- Not being able to remember the names of objects or places
- Not remembering something they may have recently discussed
- Repeatedly ask the same questions, or say the same thing
Middle stage
When the condition starts to develop further the lapses in memory will become worse. This can lead to them:
- Forgetting the names of people they know
- May not recognise or struggle to recognise their own family and friends
- Getting lost
- Changes in sleeping pattern
- Mood swings
- Feeling anxious
- May start to feel depressed
- Aphasia, difficulties with their speech or language
As a result of these symptoms the person with Alzheimer’s may require additional help to support them with everyday tasks. These can include eating, using the toilet and getting changed.
Later stage
By this stage the level of support they require may need to be bumped up to full-time care. This can be beneficial as the symptoms they will be displaying could be too much for you to look after them alone. A carer can also help as it is also very possible that the symptoms can cause family members and friends to feel distressed at the thought of their loved one going through this.
The symptoms that can develop at this stage include:
- Difficulties with movement
- Dysphagia, problems with swallowing and eating
- Loss of speech happening gradually
- Problems with their memory becoming more severe, both in terms of their short-term and long-term memory
Causes
The exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not something that has been pinpointed yet. However, it is believed that there are several factors that can increase the chances of its development. These risk factors include:
- Family history of the condition
- Age, chances of developing Alzheimer’s increases as you pass 65
- Someone with Down’s syndrome is at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s
- Lifestyle factors linked with cardiovascular disease such as smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes
- Head injury
In addition to this, it is also believed that the cause of Alzheimer’s may be linked to damage to nerve cells in the brain. There are billions of nerve cells that are connected to each other. For someone with Alzheimer’s disease these connections are damaged. This is due to the abnormal build-up of proteins called plaques and tangles.
Diagnosis
If you have any concerns about yourself, it is best to book an appointment with a GP as quick as possible. This is because an early diagnosis can help you and your family adjust your lives and start putting plans in place for the future. It will also allow you to keep some level of independence and control in your life for a longer period of time.
A specialist will use a variety of tools and approaches to help diagnose someone with Alzheimer’s. They may begin by reviewing their medical history whilst also finding out if there might be a family history of the disease or dementia. The specialist will also carry out a physical examination to eliminate the possibility of health issues being the cause of symptoms of dementia.
They may also carry out tests to assess their mental abilities such as their problem-solving skills and memory. They can do this by seeing whether a person is aware of where they are, know the date and time and are able to remember a short list of words.
Brain imaging such as MRI or CT scans can be conducted to rule out any other conditions that are causing symptoms that are similar to Alzheimer’s. These can include a stroke or a tumour.
Treatment
At this moment there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease but there are several medications that are available which can help to reduce the symptoms. However, this is only a temporary solution.
Medication
One of the types of medications that can be prescribed are known as Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors. They work by increasing the levels of acetylcholine, which is used in the brain to help nerve cells communicate with one another. As with any form of medication they come with side-effects such as a loss of appetite or nausea, to name a few. This means that it is vital to meet with a specialist and weigh up the benefits along with the risks.
An alternative medication, called Memantine, can be prescribed to those who cannot take AChE inhibitors. This works by blocking the effects of a chemical in the brain known as glutamate. It can help by improving mental abilities and helping with tasks that make up a person’s daily life. The temporary side effects of this medication can include constipation, headaches and dizziness.
Therapy
A form of therapy called Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) can be used in order to teach them different activities and exercises they can do to improve their memory.
Lifestyle changes
There has been a link made between cardiovascular diseases and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. You can reduce the risk of developing these conditions by following the steps listed below.
Stop smoking
Smoking is a serious health problem that can do a wide range of damage to our bodies such as harming blood circulation and the blood vessels in our brain. By quitting smoking, you can stop further damage from being done to the brain.
Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet
Eating a well-balanced diet can reduce the risk of dementia as well as many other conditions. This is because it provides your brain and body with all the nutrients it needs. You can do this by:
- Eating more fruit and vegetables
- Eating less red meat
- Limit salt intake
- Use plant or vegetable oil
- Eat oily fish regularly
Be more active, do some regular exercise
Regular physical activities can help to reduce a person’s risk of dementia. When thinking about starting to exercise, it is important not to get put off by the thought of having to do something you do not enjoy. This means you should find a form of exercise that you enjoy and works for you.
Lose weight if you need to
Being obese or overweight can increase the risk of developing high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes which are linked with a higher risk of Alzheimer’s. You can lose weight by doing the things listed in this section including regular exercise, eating a well-balanced diet and drinking less alcohol.
Lower alcohol consumption
Drinking large amounts of alcohol can expose the brain to harmful chemicals which can increase the risk of developing dementia. This means that it is important to stay within the recommended alcohol limit.
As you get older keep having regular health check-ups
Growing older can leave you more likely to develop a number of different health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol. These condition can increase the chances of someone getting dementia. This means that it is vital to go for regular check-ups to keep on top of your health.
