What are Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia?

What is Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that causes changes in the brain, affecting a person’s memory, learning, thinking, and organising skills. These changes lead to the accumulation of certain proteins in the brain, causing the brain cells to shrink and die. This disease worsens with time and affects mostly people above the age of 65. Alzheimer’s affects the person’s ability to function properly, leading to changes in their personality, behaviour, memory, thinking, and other cognitive functions.
 

Difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Dementia is not a specific disease; it's an umbrella term to describe a decline in a person’s mental state, affecting their memory and other cognitive abilities. There can be many causes of dementia disease, with Alzheimer’s being the most common form. All Alzheimer's symptoms are dementia symptoms, but not all dementia symptoms are caused by Alzheimer’s disease. Understanding this distinction helps in getting the appropriate dementia treatment based on the underlying cause.

Alzheimer’s Disease Symptoms

Alzheimer’s progresses slowly with time, and its symptoms vary based on the stage of the condition and from person to person. 

These include:

• Memory loss: This is the key symptom, and the person starts forgetting recent events and conversations.

• Behaviour and personality changes, including mood swings, depression, anxiety, social withdrawal, loss of interest in activities, etc.

• Difficulty in performing simple and familiar tasks

• Language issues

• Lack of coordination

• Decline in thinking and reasoning capability

• Poor judgment and decision-making

In the later stages, individuals may experience total memory loss, lose the ability to communicate, become vulnerable to infections, and need help even with basic everyday tasks.

If you experience any of these Alzheimer’s symptoms, seek consultation with a neurologist.
 

Causes of Alzheimer’s Disease

The exact causes of Alzheimer’s disease are still not known. As per research, the amyloid proteins build up in the brain, causing masses called plaques. This disrupts the functioning of the brain cells, leading to their death. 

Also, the cause of Alzheimer’s disease may be a combination of lifestyle, genetic, and environmental factors. These include:

• Age 

• Family history and genetics

• Head trauma

• Brain changes

• Bad lifestyle choices and heart health

• Down syndrome

• Sex

Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease

There is no proper cure for Alzheimer’s disease; only the symptoms can be managed using medications and other therapies, improving their quality of life. Starting this treatment at an early stage can result in better functioning and treatment outcomes. It's crucial to understand that this disease affects every individual differently, so get personalised treatment from an expert. 

The treatment options include:

• Medications: To treat and improve symptoms, medications are prescribed. They may also be given to manage behavioural symptoms. These include:

  • NMDA Antagonists: These include Memantine used for moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease, which keeps the brain cells healthier.

  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors: Donepezil, Galantamine, and Rivastigmine drugs are used to block the action of acetylcholinesterase, responsible for destroying acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter involved in memory. Thus, these drugs improve memory and reduce other symptoms.

• Lifestyle Changes: Alzheimer’s can be managed in a better way by making lifestyle changes such as eating a diet rich in fruits, whole grains, and vegetables and exercising regularly, which improves overall brain health. Additionally, engaging individuals in activities such as reading, puzzles, and staying socially active can improve cognitive and emotional well-being.

• Support and Care: Create a safe and supportive environment for the people suffering from this life-changing disease. Getting emotional and physical support from family, friends, and healthcare professionals improves their quality of life. Strengthen their daily routines and make their lives simpler by cutting down on tasks that require memory. Get professional assistance for daily tasks, if needed.

Many clinical trials and research are ongoing, with new treatments like Monoclonal Antibodies and Anti-amyloid Therapies showing promising potential in slowing the progression of the disease.
 

Conclusion

Alzheimer’s disease is a challenging yet emotionally taxing condition, both for those diagnosed and for their families. While there is no cure, early detection and proper management are essential for living a normal, quality life. Ongoing research offers hope that future treatments will further improve outcomes and may one day lead to a cure. If you or a loved one is experiencing memory loss or other symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical advice early from a professional at Manipal Hospitals, Kolkata, for proper diagnosis and treatment.