Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Program Recap

Alzheimer’s Disease is one form of dementia, an umbrella term for diseases of the brain that cause progressive deterioration that leads to memory loss, cognitive impairment, and even loss of bodily functions.

Currently, more than 6 million Americans are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, but there are many more that remain undiagnosed. Through education, research, and funding, the Alzheimer’s Association is committed to providing all of those effected by Alzheimer’s with the resources and support they need as they push for a cure.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia and is a progressive brain disease. Alzheimer’s affects the brain by killing off neurons, nerve cells responsible for sending signals throughout the brain. In particular, a protein called beta-amyloid begins to build up and causes disruptions between neurons. This leads to brain shrinkage and loss of communication between the cells, resulting in changes in memory, thinking, and behavior. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the disease.

Risk Factors

There are multiple risk factors that affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease:

• Age – Age is the greatest factor. While Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging, as we get older, we have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s or other dementia related diseases. For example, 32% of people aged 85 or older have Alzheimer’s to some degree. After age 65, your risk for developing Alzheimer’s doubles every 5 years.
• Family History – Your risk for Alzheimer’s increases if someone in your family has it and that risk further increases if more than 1 family member has it.
• Genes – There are certain genes that can either increase your risk (risk genes) or guarantee that you will develop Alzheimer’s (deterministic genes), but the latter are rare.
• Ethnicity – Hispanics are 1.5 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than Caucasians and African Americans are 2 times more likely.
• Gender – Almost 2/3s of the Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer’s are female.

Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

There are 3 stages of someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, but it is important to remember that each person will experience symptoms and progression differently.

Early Stage

• Problems with concentration
• Minor memory lapses, but can function independently
• Challenges performing tasks
• Trouble remembering new information
• Oftentimes, these changes are noticed by family, friends, or a medical professional

Middle Stage

• Often the longest stage
• Damage to brain cells can make it difficult to express feelings and perform routine tasks
• Confusion with words, such as calling a watch a wrist clock
• Personality and behavioral changes, such as increased frustration and anger directed at loved ones
  • accusing people of stealing items that are misplaced or they forgot where they put it
• Forgetfulness of events or personal history, such as birthdays or anniversaries
• Changes in sleep patterns

Late Stage

• Usually requires around-the-clock assistance
• Unable to respond to their environment (trouble feeling hot or cold) or hold a conversation
  • Jumping to unrelated topics and unable to recall what was just said
• Changes in physical ability, such as unable to hold items or swallow
• Unaware of recent experiences

Treatments

While there are no treatments to cure or prevent Alzheimer’s Disease, there are FDA-approved treatments to help manage the symptoms.

• Cholinesterase Inhibitors – work to prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger in the brain responsible for learning and memory. Brands include Aricept, Exelon, and Razadyne.
• Glutamate Modulators – work to prevent the breakdown of glutamate, another chemical messenger in the brain responsible for learning and memory. Brands include Namenda.
• Combination of Cholinesterase Inhibitors and Glutamate Modulators – Brands include Namzaric.
• Aducanumab – monoclonal antibodies to target amyloid plaques. Brands include Aduhelm.

Advancing Alzheimer’s Research

Research is the key to beating Alzheimer’s Disease and there are many improvements and opportunities aimed at that goal. Early intervention research is identifying biological changes in those affected that manifest years before any symptoms, which will allow people the opportunity to work to delay the onset of those symptoms. Lifestyle factors are also becoming more prevalent in research, especially the benefits of diet and exercise on reducing your risk and keeping a healthy brain.

Clinical studies are happening all of the time and can provide patients with more frequent and regimented care, leading to more positive attitudes and a greater sense of worth and dignity. These also allow people suffering from the disease an opportunity to seek additional medical help and try out new medications and treatments.

TrialMatch is a service provided by the Alzheimer’s Association that allows anyone, even those without any sign of Alzheimer’s, the opportunity to get involved by matching their medical profile with a wide-variety of trials related to Alzheimer’s research. These trials can be medication focused or related to psychological approaches to managing and treating symptoms. The more people that are involved, the better understanding there will be on how Alzheimer’s Disease and treatments affect people of all ages and races.

Resources

To learn about Alzheimer’s Disease, find help for you or a loved one, or to get involved, please visit the Alzheimer’s Association or call their 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org/contact-us.

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