Managing Alzheimer’s Disease: Information and Support

This guide explores Alzheimer’s disease, the most prevalent form of dementia. Learn about its symptoms, causes, progression, and available treatments.

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, who first identified it in 1907. It primarily affects memory, thinking, and behavior due to the progressive degeneration of brain cells.

In Alzheimer’s, abnormal proteins such as beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles accumulate in the brain. These disrupt neural communication, leading to cell death and brain shrinkage over time. Symptoms can start appearing years after the initial brain changes begin.

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Symptoms of Alzheimer’s

The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease vary and tend to worsen over time. They include:

  • Persistent memory loss, especially of recent events

  • Difficulty in planning, problem-solving, and logical thinking

  • Language challenges, such as finding the right words

  • Reduced enthusiasm for previously enjoyed activities

  • Taking longer to complete routine tasks

  • Disorientation in familiar places

  • Inability to process questions and instructions

  • Decline in social skills

  • Emotional unpredictability

  • Behavioral, personality, and mood changes

These symptoms may fluctuate daily and can worsen due to stress, fatigue, or illness.

Who is at Risk?

Alzheimer’s disease can affect anyone but is more common in older adults. The risk increases with age:

  • Ages 70-74: 1 in 30 has dementia

  • Ages 90-94: 1 in 3 has dementia

In rare cases, a genetic mutation can cause familial Alzheimer’s, leading to early onset in the 50s or younger. Other risk factors include lifestyle and health issues such as smoking, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Further details on risk factors and reduction can be found at AIHW.

Causes

While the exact cause of Alzheimer’s is unknown, it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Research continues to uncover more about the chemical changes in the brain that contribute to this disease.

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Diagnosis

Diagnosing Alzheimer’s involves a comprehensive clinical evaluation, including:

  • Detailed medical history

  • Physical and psychiatric assessments

  • Neuropsychological tests

  • Brain scans

Definitive diagnosis is possible only post-mortem through brain tissue examination. New diagnostic methods, such as special brain scans and cerebrospinal fluid analysis, are making early detection possible.

Progression

The progression of Alzheimer’s disease varies, but it invariably leads to complete dependence and eventual death. The average lifespan following diagnosis is 7 to 10 years.

Treatment

Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s. Treatments focus on managing symptoms and include:

  • Medications to temporarily stabilize memory and thinking

  • Drugs for secondary symptoms like agitation, depression, or sleep disturbances

  • Non-drug therapies to stay active and socially connected

Education and support for patients, families, and caregivers are crucial for managing the disease. For more information on medications, visit Dementia Australia.

Further Resources For comprehensive information on Alzheimer’s disease, visit:

By staying informed and supported, those affected by Alzheimer’s disease can better navigate the challenges it presents.


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