Alzheimer's disease is caused by the destruction of nerve cells (neurons) in the brain. The destruction of neurons also reduces neurotransmitters, substances made by neurons responsible for message transmission in the brain. Because Alzheimer's causes both structural and chemical deficits, the disease interferes with the way parts of the brain work together. As a result, a person with Alzheimer's has a steady loss of memory and other cognitive abilities. For more information about Alzheimer's disease or to schedule an appointment, call (206) 341-0420.
The exact cause of Alzheimer's is not known but it may involve both genetic and environmental factors. Early onset disease, which is defined as appearing before age 65, can run in families and involves inherited gene mutations that can lead to the disease. Early onset Alzheimer's is much less common than late onset; however, early onset tends to progress rapidly.
Late onset Alzheimer's is the most common form of the disease, developing in people 65 and older. While late onset Alzheimer's may run in families, the role of genetics is less definitive. One possibility is that certain genes may increase the likelihood that tissues in the brain will degenerate, leading to the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
Other risk factors for Alzheimer's disease include:
Depending on how quickly the disease progresses, Alzheimer's usually starts with slight memory loss and confusion, eventually leading to serious cognitive impairment that affects a person's ability to remember, reason, learn and exercise judgment.
Signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease include:
As Alzheimer's disease progresses, symptoms become more pronounced and interfere with managing daily life, including:
In the most advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease, people no longer recognize family members, understand language or are able to perform the most basic life tasks. The final phase of the disease may last from a few months to several years.
While Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, diagnosing it requires ruling out other potential causes. Careful medical evaluation helps exclude other conditions linked to dementia such as thyroid and vascular disorders, medications, untreated depression and hearing loss. The diagnostic process for Alzheimer's usually includes:
Currently there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease. The goals of treatment are to slow the progression of the disease while supporting family and caregivers. Some medications are used to improve or stabilize symptoms. Other drugs can be used to help with behavioral symptoms, such as sleeplessness and agitation.
Because medications can have side effects and may not offer noticeable improvement, patients and caregivers should discuss the appropriateness and timing of using medications with the patient's health care provider.
Types of drugs used to treat Alzheimer's disease:
It also may be necessary to stop taking medications suspected of making confusion worse. These drugs can include painkillers, antihistamines, sleeping pills and others. However a patient should never change or stop taking any medicines without first talking to their health care provider.
Vitamins such as folate (vitamin B9), vitamin B12, and vitamin E are known to support the nervous system and possibly affect the rate of cell damage. However, there is no clear evidence that taking these vitamins prevents Alzheimer's or slows the disease once it occurs.
The herb ginkgo biloba has been used by those who believe it prevents or slows the development of dementia. However, studies to date have failed to show that the herb lowers the chance of developing dementia, or improves the cognitive abilities of those who already have Alzheimer's. DO NOT use ginkgo if you take blood-thinning medications like warfarin (Coumadin) or a class of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
It is important to talk to a health care provider before taking any supplements. These products are available over the counter and are NOT regulated by the FDA.