What is Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer's refers to a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive impairment of ability that makes it hard to remember things, think clearly, learn new things, and keep things in order. It worsens with time and makes one fail to do simple, daily tasks. Most dementia cases are due to Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's can worsen with time. It is hypothesized to begin a decade or more prior to the appearance of symptoms. The disease predominantly affects those fifty and older.

Who does Alzheimer's disease affect?

The vast majority of people with Alzheimer's are over age 65. Your risk of developing Alzheimer's increases with your age after age 65.

However, some people develop early-onset Alzheimer's disease. This is when people begin to develop Alzheimer's disease symptoms in their 40s or 50s. Early-onset Alzheimer's disease is unusual. Less than 10% of Alzheimer's Disease cases are early-onset.

What are the symptoms and signs of Alzheimer's disease?

The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are different in every person. Generally, it wipes out or weakens your:

1. Memory 

Where a person has trouble remembering things and taking in new knowledge. This can cause:

• Repeating questions or conversations
• Misplacing objects
• Forgetting about appointments or events
• Getting lost or wandering

2. Cognitive impairments

 A person might lose their judgment, reason less, and be unable to accomplish heavy tasks. This could mean:

• Less knowledge of dangers or safety
• Problems with money or the ability to pay bills
• Problems with decision-making
• Problems completing tasks that require multi-step actions, such as dressing

3. Issues with recognition

Even when a person can see, they may be unable to identify faces or objects well or use simple tools.

4. Difficulty with spatial awareness:

The person may have difficulty maintaining balance and may have frequent falls or spills. He or she may even have difficulty dressing by putting clothes on the wrong way.

5. Problems with speaking, reading, or writing

A person might struggle to recall common words, or they may commit more errors in speaking, spelling, or writing.

6. Changes in mood or personality:

A person may feel and behave differently, such as:

• Getting angry, upset, or worried more often than usual
• Losing interest in or drive to do things they once found enjoyable
• Having less feeling for others
• Compulsive, obsessive, or other socially unacceptable behavior

What causes Alzheimer's disease?

Alzheimer's disease happens when certain proteins build up in the brain. These proteins, called amyloid and tau, cause brain cells to die as they accumulate.

The brain contains over 100 billion nerve cells and other types of cells. Nerve cells work together to help us think, learn, remember, and plan.

Researchers believe that in Alzheimer's disease, amyloid protein builds up in brain cells and forms plaques, which are large clumps. Another protein, called tau, forms twisted filaments. These plaques and tangles get in the way of nerve cells communicating, so they can't do their jobs properly.

The symptoms of Alzheimer's disease happen because nerve cells die slowly over time. This usually starts in one area of the brain and then spreads to others. It often begins in the hippocampus, which helps with memory.

Scientists still do not know exactly why these proteins build up, even after years of research. They think early-onset Alzheimer's is often caused by genetic mutations. Late-onset Alzheimer's likely results from a mix of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that develop over many years.

How do you know if somebody has Alzheimer's disease?

No single test determines whether the person has Alzheimer's or not. The doctor asks about the person's symptoms, experiences, and past health if they suspect the person has this condition.

Friends or family members are sometimes asked to provide their opinion because they notice signs of dementia sooner than the individual does.

In addition to those, the doctor may carry out or request the following tests:

• Cognitive and memory tests for assessing the person's ability to think and remember
• Blood or urine tests
• Neurological function tests to test their balance, senses, and reflexes
• Genetic testing
• MRI or CT scan of the brain

In some instances, genetic testing may be required because the signs of dementia can be associated with a genetic disease, such as Huntington's disease. There are also genes, such as the APOE gene, that are associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Early testing for relevant genes could show how likely it is that someone has or will get the problem.

What is the treatment for Alzheimer's disease?

There is no recognized treatment that can cure Alzheimer's. There is no known cure that can reverse the death of brain cells.

However, treatments are available that could relieve the symptoms and enhance quality of life. Emerging treatments might even slow the progression of disease.

They include:

Medicines to alleviate symptoms

Medicines called cholinesterase inhibitors can help with memory loss, confusion, and other thinking problems in Alzheimer's disease. They help brain cells communicate and may slow down these changes.

These are the FDA-approved drugs for Alzheimer's disease in the category of cholinesterase inhibitors:

• Galantamine (Razadyne) for mild to moderate stages
• Rivastigmine (Exelon) in mild to moderate stages
• Donepezil (Aricept) is given for all stages.

Another drug, memantine (Namenda), is approved by the FDA for the treatment of moderate and severe Alzheimer's disease. Memantine and donepezil are also available as a single combination called Namzaric.

Doctors may prescribe antidepressants or antipsychotics when mood or mental health conditions seem to change.

Medicines that alter diseases

There are now drugs that can delay the progression of Alzheimer's. These include:

• Lecanemab (Leqembi), which in a phase 3 clinical trial slowed further growth by 25%
• Kisunla, a drug called donanemab, slowed cognitive decline by 32% in a review of earlier studies.
• Aducanemab (Aduhelm), which hasn't had much of an impact on brain function and is still being tested

All the medicines given for Alzheimer's disease have associated risks. People can discuss these with their doctor in more detail.

Other therapies

These are some other treatments to help alleviate symptoms:

• Making a safe, familiar living space
• removing things that could cause pain or harm
• keeping routine
• Getting exposure to sunlight and going to bed at a regular bedtime to improve sleep.
• Doing daily physical exercises may slow the progression of Alzheimer's and worsen.

How can I reduce my risk of getting Alzheimer's disease?

There is no known way to prevent Alzheimer's disease. Most experts say the best way to protect your brain's health is to lead a healthy, active life.

What can I expect if a loved one has Alzheimer's disease?

It's crucial to note that Alzheimer's disease affects every individual differently. It is not easy to know what will happen to your loved one. The best way to prepare is to talk to doctors and nurses who study and treat Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

As the disease worsens, your loved one may require a team of people to take care of their needs.

How long do Alzheimer's disease patients live?

The future for patients with Alzheimer's disease is usually not too good. The disease manifests in different ways among different people. On the contrary, most individuals above 65 years old who are diagnosed with AD die within four to eight years. Some people can still be living up to 20 years after the first symptoms appear.

Among the various causes of death, some are as follows:

• Coughing up
• Not having enough food and water.
• Some other infections.

When should I go to the doctor or nurse?

If you or someone you care about is having trouble remembering things or thinking straight, you should see a doctor. They can determine whether the problems are caused by Alzheimer’s disease or something else.

See your medical team often if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease to make sure your care plan is working for you and to see how the disease is getting worse.

What should I talk to the doctor about?

Those of you whose loved one has Alzheimer's disease may find it helpful to ask their medical team the following:

• In what ways does Alzheimer's disease usually get worse?
• What symptoms and signs should I look out for?
• What kinds of treatments are there for Alzheimer's disease?
• Which do you think is best?
• Are there any scientific trials?
• Where can I find the best care for my family member?
• What do I need to do to make sure their home is safe and nice?
• What kinds of programs and support groups are in my area?
• Do I have a chance of getting Alzheimer's disease?
• Does it run in your family?

Why Choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Alzheimer's Disease Treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers advanced Alzheimer's Disease treatment in Lucknow, India, at an affordable cost. We have a team of experienced neurologists and geriatric care specialists who provide accurate diagnosis and both non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment options including cognitive assessment, memory rehabilitation therapy, and comprehensive dementia care procedures. Our Neurology and Geriatric Care team has decades of experience in successfully treating Alzheimer's Disease in Lucknow, India.

To seek an Expert Consultation for Alzheimer's Disease Treatment in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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