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Have you noticed a loved one forgetting names, losing track of time, or showing unusual mood changes? These could be early signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s Disease is an irreversible neurodegenerative disorder marked by a progressive loss of brain cells. It leads to a gradual slowdown of functions like memory and thinking, and eventually causes a decreased ability to carry out daily activities. This condition develops slowly over a long period of time, with brain damage beginning long before symptoms are noticed.
Recognising Alzheimer's disease symptoms early can make a significant difference in treatment and care planning. But before talking about the symptoms, it is important to know what Alzheimer's disease is and what causes it. The Department of Neurology at Manipal Hospitals, Salt Lake, Kolkata, is well-equipped with experienced specialists and facilities alike to diagnose the disease early and provide effective treatment.
Synopsis
What is Alzheimer's Disease?
Alzheimer’s Disease is a gradual degeneration of the brain that can destroy memory and cognitive abilities permanently. The disease is characterised by the abnormal accumulation of amyloid proteins to form ‘plaques’ and ‘tangles’ (neurofibrillary) in the brain, which can disrupt the function of neurons. Alzheimer’s is considered the most common factor contributing to the development of Dementia.
‘Dementia’ is an umbrella term referring to a range of conditions that lead to a decline in cognitive functions like memory, thinking, problem-solving, language skills, and judgement. It can be severe enough to jeopardise an individual’s daily life and regular activities. Apart from this, Dementia includes other variants like Vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and Frontotemporal dementia.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s have been identified as significant challenges in the Indian health scenario by the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI). The LASI-based study indicates a growing dementia epidemic with a prevalence rate of 7.4% among adults aged 60 and over. As per the data provided by LASI, approximately 8.8 million people are living with dementia in India. This number is expected to rise dramatically to 17 million by 2036 and to 152 million by 2050.
Identifying Alzheimer's disease causes
Several potential factors have been associated with the development of this disease. Alzheimer’s disease causes and risk factors can be listed as
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Age: It is more common in people aged 60 years or above.
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Family History and Genes: Having a parent or a sibling with this condition or carrying certain genes like APOE-ε4 can be associated with a higher risk.
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Gender: Owing to longer life expectancy and hormonal factors, women are more likely to develop this disease compared to men.
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Health Conditions: The presence of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol can increase the risk.
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Lifestyle: An imbalanced diet, habit of smoking, lack of physical activity, or social isolation can contribute to the development of this condition.
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Sleep Patterns: Poor sleep quality and conditions like sleep apnoea are also considered as contributing factors.
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Head Injuries: Repeated trauma to the head (brain) can play a role.
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Neuroinflammation & Vascular Issues: Chronic inflammation and blood vessel problems in the brain may be linked to the disease.
What are The Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease?
Alzheimer’s Disease usually begins subtly with small episodes of memory lapse, which might seem like ordinary forgetfulness. In due course, these signs progress towards a degeneration in cognitive function to an extent that the individual loses their ability to continue with daily life independently. Recognising the common Alzheimer’s disease symptoms at the earliest is crucial for timely diagnosis and care. The basic symptoms can be broadly categorised under:
1. Memory Loss: Frequent instances of forgetting important dates, not remembering recently learned information, or asking the same questions repeatedly.
- Ex: Eating a meal but forgetting it soon, thereby insisting on eating again.
2. Confusion with Time and Place: Inability to keep track of dates, seasons, or getting confused in familiar surroundings.
- Ex: Setting out for work at night, considering it to be daytime, or not recognising the familiar neighbourhood and passing by.
3. Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks: Performing routine activities can get challenging and involve a struggle to complete.
- Ex: Managing finances, following a recipe, or driving to a known location.
4. Language Problems: Trouble finding the right words, repeating oneself, or having difficulty following or joining conversations.
- Ex: Difficulty in finding the appropriate word or using incorrect names for familiar things.
5. Mood and Personality Changes: Remaining confused, suspicious, anxious, upset, or experiencing mood swings.
- Ex: Traits of irritability, withdrawal, or suspicion in a cheerful person.
How Alzheimer’s Symptoms Progress Across Stages
The 3 main stages of Alzheimer’s disease are distinct in character. The progression through these stages takes approximately 8-10 years. Early detection and addressal of the symptoms allow individuals and their caregivers to understand the condition, plan care strategies, and potentially slow the progression of the disease with available therapies.
| Stage | Symptoms | Duration |
| Early or Mild Stage | A person can function independently. Symptoms are less apparent. Mild issues like general forgetfulness. | Lasts for 2–4 years |
| Middle or Moderate Stage | A person requires considerable care. Symptoms are more pronounced. Functional disabilities that require more assistance. | The longest stage lasts for around 2–10 years |
| Late or Severe Stage | A person loses the ability to respond to their environment, control movement, or carry on a conversation. Symptoms are severe. Behavioural and personality changes, and lack of awareness. | Lasts for 1–3 or more years |
How is Alzheimer's disease diagnosed and treated?
Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed through a series of tests. After taking a note of the symptoms, medical history, current medication, change in mood, behaviour and personality, and ability to perform regular activities, the doctor may ask for physical and neurological tests that include:
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Blood tests
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Urine tests
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Cognitive tests
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MRI scan
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PET scan
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Psychological health evaluation
Although there is no cure available for the condition yet, Alzheimer’s disease treatment can help to manage the symptoms or delay the progression, especially if started at an early stage. The available Alzheimer's disease treatment modalities are:
Medications and Therapies
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Cholinesterase and Glutamate inhibitors help in treating the symptoms
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Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) involves the non-invasive application of magnetic fields to stimulate certain regions of the brain
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Immunotherapy (Anti-Amyloid therapy) is the latest line of treatment that targets the toxic amyloid beta proteins that form plaques in the brain, thereby reducing the cognitive and functional decline in the early stages of the disease
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Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) improves thinking skills
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Cognitive Rehabilitation to perform daily tasks better
Lifestyle modifications
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The right nutrition, involving the intake of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and polyphenols through a MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diet based on plant-based foods, leafy green vegetables, berries, and fish, can improve brain health
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Avoiding consumption of tobacco, alcohol, processed food, and red meat
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Managing chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes
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Adequate sleep to promote brain function
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Engaging the brain for cognitive stimulation through hobbies and new skills
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Regular exercise for 150 minutes a week
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Stress reduction through yoga, meditation, and other relaxation techniques
Responsibility of a Caregiver
Managing Alzheimer’s is a joint responsibility between the doctors and the caregivers. Besides medication, therapies, and lifestyle changes, proper customised care and assistance for the patient is equally important. Caregivers should consider:
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Communication
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Speak clearly and calmly in short sentences
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Use nonverbal cues like a smile, eye contact, and gestures for better understanding
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Avoid correcting or arguing to prevent agitation
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Be patient and allow them time to respond
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Surroundings
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Set a routine to avoid anxiety and confusion
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Simplify the environment by reducing clutter, noise, and distraction
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Label important and necessary items
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Ensure safety with night lights, locks and alarms, and removal of tripping hazards
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Behaviour
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Identify triggers for sudden changes caused by pain, hunger, fear, etc
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Redirect their agitation with distraction and not confrontation
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Stay calm and composed, even during tension, as this impacts their mood
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Engagement
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Encourage them to participate in simple daily chores
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Use music and art for emotional connection and memory stimulation
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Reminiscing together with old pictures and songs can bring comfort
When to See a Doctor
As said, the earlier Alzheimer’s is detected and the sooner treatment is started, the longer the disease takes to progress. These sudden changes should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible:
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Memory
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Thinking
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Language
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Behaviour
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Personality
Explore More of Our Blogs: Understanding Parkinson’s Disease and How to Manage It with Care
Conclusion
Alzheimer’s disease slowly affects the memory, thinking, and daily life of an individual. Yet, with early support and compassionate care, those living with it can still experience comfort and connection. Early detection and prompt addressal of the condition, along with patience, understanding, and compassion, remain the most powerful tools for the doctors, patients and caregivers in facing the journey together.
If you or a loved one is experiencing signs of Alzheimer’s disease, consult a top neurologist in Kolkata for early evaluation and support at Manipal Hospital Salt Lake.
FAQ's
This refers to the very early phase, often called preclinical Alzheimer's, where changes in the brain have begun, but symptoms are not yet noticeable. Individuals may appear healthy and function normally, but silent damage is already occurring. This may continue for several years.
There’s no guaranteed way to prevent Alzheimer’s, but healthy lifestyle choices may lower the risk. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, staying mentally active, social engagement, managing blood pressure and cholesterol, and avoiding smoking can support brain health and may delay the onset or slow progression.
Yes, although rare, Alzheimer’s can affect people under 65. This is known as younger-onset or early-onset Alzheimer’s. It may be linked to genetics and can start in someone’s 40s or 50s. The symptoms are like late-onset Alzheimer’s, but often go undiagnosed initially because they’re unexpected at a younger age.
Staying physically active, eating a brain-healthy diet (like the Mediterranean or MIND diet), managing blood pressure and cholesterol, staying mentally engaged, and maintaining social connections may help lower risk. While there’s no guaranteed prevention, these habits support overall brain health and may delay the onset or slow the progression of cognitive decline.
Yes, many individuals with Alzheimer’s wander, even in familiar places. It can be triggered by confusion, boredom, restlessness, or searching for someone or something. To reduce risk, keep doors secured, use ID bracelets or GPS trackers, and notify neighbours. Programs like Safe Return or local alert systems can assist in emergencies.
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