All you need to know about: Alzheimer's disease
The deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa made headlines some months ago after their bodies were found at their home in Santa Fe, United States. While Ms. Arakawa was found to have died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare rodent-borne disease, Mr. Hackman's autopsy findings indicated severe heart disease as well as advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease. The actor was 95 at the time of his death.
What is Alzheimer's disease and what do you need to know about it? Read on, to find out.
What is Alzheimer's disease?
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, which is an umbrella term for several diseases that affect the brain, impairing memory, thinking, reasoning, affecting a person's ability to function well. Dementia is not a normal part of ageing.
Alzheimer's disease, the World Health Organization (WHO) states, may contribute to 60–70% of dementia cases. Dementia is currently the seventh-leading cause of death and one of the major causes of disability and dependency among older people globally. India is expected to have about 7.6 million afflicted by 2030, as per the Dementia in India Report, 2020, majority of whom are likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
Alzheimer's is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease, which means that over time, brain cells are damaged and die, leading the brain to shrink.
What causes Alzheimer's disease?
The exact causes that lead to Alzheimer's disease are still being studied and are not fully understood. Scientists believe the disease may be caused by the abnormal build-up of proteins in the brain. The brain is made up of billions of nerve cells or neurons that are connected in networks. When a protein called beta amyloid builds up and clumps together, it forms plaques that affect the communication between neurons. Another protein, the tau protein, becomes twisted into strands called tangles, which also affect the functioning of the cells, and damages them. When the cells become damaged and lose their connections with each other, they eventually die. The destruction and death of the brain nerve cells cause the symptoms of Alzheimer's.
Genetics, environmental and environmental factors are believed to contribute to the cause.
Who is at risk for Alzheimer's disease?
Age, being 65 years or older, is one of the primary risk factors. Other risk factors include a family history of Alzheimer's, smoking, a traumatic head injury, untreated depression as well as lifestyle conditions associated with heart disease such as obesity, high blood pressure and high blood sugar. The WHO also lists drinking too much alcohol, being physically inactive and being socially isolated as risk factors for dementia.
What are the signs and symptoms?
One of the first and most common symptoms may be memory loss -- difficulty in remembering recent events or conversations and newly-learned information. This is not the occasional bout of forgetting that most of us may experience -- this form of memory loss is lasting. It may lead, over time, to patients having trouble finding the right words, asking questions over and over, putting familiar objects in unfamiliar places, getting lost in a previously well-known locations and forgetting faces and names.
Other symptoms involve thinking and reasoning abilities as well as changes in speech, moods, personality and behaviour. These can include: confusion, difficulties in paying bills and managing finances, difficulties in day-to-day activities such as cooking or driving and poor judgement. Personality changes can include suspicion of others, mood swings, hallucinations, anxiety, depression, social withdrawal and anger or aggression.
What is the prognosis?
The rate of progression for Alzheimer's disease varies. In the later stages of the disease, a person may lose physical abilities, may need help with all activities, and may lost the ability to communicate. Some people may live several years after a diagnosis, while others may live for fewer years. The stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis and other factors of health may affect life expectancy.
How is it treated?
It is important to see a doctor if you are concerned about memory or other thinking skills or if you have these concerns about a family member. At present, there is no cure for Alzheimer's., however treatment can help manage symptoms and treat the progression of the disease. Early treatment is optimal to help preserve brain health. Medicines may be prescribed where necessary. This apart, medication may also be given for symptoms such as depression, hallucinations, agitation and mood changes.
Opting for a healthy lifestyle including adequate exercise, well-balanced, nutritious meals, keeping up with hobbies and social activities, may all help.
Creating a supportive and caring environment at home, one that is calm, structured, is also important to help improve well-being and the ability to function.
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