Alzheimer's disease is a progressive illness that causes memory loss and behavioral changes, most commonly in people over the age of 65. Alzheimer's is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 50 to 80 percent of cases. Although treatments are available to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's and to slow the progression of the disease, no cure exists. Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.
Symptoms
Early Alzheimer's disease is marked by memory loss and changes in cognitive abilities. A person who is in the early stages of Alzheimer's might get lost, repeat questions, and exhibit small changes in mood and personality. As the disease progresses, memory loss worsens, causing patients to have trouble recognizing relatives and caregivers. Patients with moderate Alzheimer's disease might experience hallucinations and exhibit impulsive behavior. Those suffering from severe Alzheimer's are no longer able to communicate and are completely dependent on caregivers.
Protein Plaques
Alzheimer's disease is associated with physical changes in the brain, including shrinkage and loss of overall brain mass. This occurs as synapses, or connections between neurons, deteriorate. Additionally, the brains of Alzheimer's patients contain abnormal protein deposits that surround brain cells and are known as extracellular plaques. They are sometimes referred to as beta-amyloid plaques after their main protein constituent. When the neurons of Alzheimer's patients are examined microscopically, they show intracellular accumulations of another protein, known as tau protein. These abnormal protein accumulations are called neurofibrillary tangles.
Treatment
Several drug treatments are available to treat patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Some of these drugs aim to help reduce memory loss and confusion, while others might be used to help patients sleep at appropriate times. Drugs used to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's include Aricept, Exelon and Namenda. Some physicians might combine these drugs with other medications such as antidepressants or atypical antipsychotics.
Support
Caring for a relative or other loved one with Alzheimer's disease can be very trying, both emotionally and financially. It is important for caregivers to know what to expect as the disease progresses and to develop skills to cope with the emotional challenges they will face. Many organizations sponsor or offer referrals to support groups that specialize in meeting the needs of Alzheimer's patient caregivers.
References
- Alzheimer's Association: What is Alzheimer's?
- National Institute on Aging: Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet
- "Molecular Neuropharmacology: A Foundation for Clinical Neuroscience (second edition)"; Eric Nestler et al; 2009
