Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common types of dementia: the loss of cognitive function to the point where it can interfere with an individual’s daily life. It’s a progressive disease that worsens over time. Because it affects parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language, it can seriously affect an individual’s ability to perform daily activities. Alzheimer’s disease is relatively common, with as many as 5.8 million Americans struggling with it (2020). There are 3 main stages of Alzheimer’s disease: mild Alzheimer’s disease, moderate Alzheimer’s disease, and severe Alzheimer’s disease.
Causes and Symptoms
While a definite cause of Alzheimer’s disease is still unknown, some believe that it may be caused by old age and by an abnormal build-up of proteins around brain cells. However, scientists do know that the disease progresses before symptoms appear. Symptoms usually first appear after age 60, with an increased risk as an individual ages. Common symptoms include memory loss, financial management issues, difficulty completing daily tasks, decreased judgment, changes in mood/personality/behavior, and many more.
Effects on the Body
During mild Alzheimer’s disease, many experience significant memory loss, cognitive difficulties, wandering and getting lost, financial management issues, and personality changes. During moderate Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss worsens, some may struggle to recognize relatives, some are unable to learn new things or carry out multistep tasks, and others may struggle to detect sounds and smells. Some may also experience hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia. In severe Alzheimer’s disease, plaques and tangles spread throughout the brain, shrinking brain tissue significantly. Those struggling with this level of severity are unable to communicate and are dependent on others for their care. Individuals may have to stay in bed as the body continues to shut down.
Treatments
While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there are treatments that can slow disease progression and treat symptoms. For mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, galantamine, rivastigmine, and donepezil are prescribed. All are cholinesterase inhibitors and while scientists do not fully understand how they work to treat Alzheimer’s, research indicates that they prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine (important for memory and thinking). Aducanumab is the only medication that is currently approved to treat Alzheimer’s. It’s a human antibody targeting beta-amyloid to reduce amyloid plaques. Memantine is prescribed for moderate to severe Alzheimer's. This drug works by regulating glutamine. An excess of glutamine can lead to brain cell death. Donepezil, rivastigmine patches, and a combination of memantine and donepezil are all FDA-approved for moderate to severe Alzheimer’s.
Specialists
A geriatrician specializes in the care of the elderly and dementia. Neurologists are also ideal for Alzheimer’s patients as they focus on the brain and central nervous system.
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