Alzheimer's disease – what is it? Definition, symptoms and treatment

Definition of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disorder which leads to the gradual loss of memory, of cognitive abilities and of the ability to function in everyday life. It is the most common cause of dementia in older people, accounting for as much as 60–70% of all cases of dementia. The name comes from the German neurologist Alois Alzheimer, who in 1906 described for the first time the changes in the brain of a patient suffering from this disorder.

Causes of Alzheimer's disease

The exact causes of Alzheimer's disease are not fully understood, but researchers point to several main mechanisms:

• The deposition of amyloid plaques – deposits of beta-amyloid protein accumulate in the brain, disrupting communication between neurons.
• The formation of neurofibrillary tangles – abnormal tau protein leads to damage inside the nerve cells.
• Genetic factors – mutations of genes, e.g. APOE4, increase the risk of falling ill.
• Environmental and lifestyle factors – a lack of physical activity, an unhealthy diet, cigarette smoking or diseases of the circulatory system may intensify the development of the disease.

Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease

The disease develops gradually and may progress at various rates. The most common symptoms include:

• problems with short-term memory (e.g. forgetting recent events),
• disorientation as to time and place,
• difficulties in carrying out everyday activities,
• problems with speech and comprehension,
• changes of mood and behaviour (apathy, irritability, depression),
• sleep disorders,
• in the later stages – the loss of the ability to function independently and complete dependence on carers.

Stages of Alzheimer's disease

The course of Alzheimer's disease is usually divided into three stages:

• Early stage – mild memory disorders, problems with concentration, the first symptoms of disorientation.
• Moderate stage – intensified problems with memory, difficulties in communication, changes of personality, disorders of orientation.
• Advanced stage – the complete loss of cognitive abilities, no possibility of living independently, the need for round-the-clock care.

Risk factors

The most important risk factors for the development of Alzheimer's disease include:

• age (the risk increases considerably after the age of 65),
• genetic predisposition,
• diabetes and arterial hypertension,
• obesity and a lack of physical activity,
• a low level of education and a lack of mental activity,
• head injuries in the past.

Diagnosis of the disease

Recognising Alzheimer's disease requires a comprehensive assessment. Doctors use, among other things:

• a medical history and neurological examinations,
• tests of memory and of cognitive function,
• brain imaging examinations (magnetic resonance imaging, tomography),
• biomarkers in the cerebrospinal fluid,
• genetic testing (in selected cases).

Treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease currently has no effective cure that would completely halt its development. Therapy focuses on:

• pharmacological treatment – medicines such as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine) and memantine relieve the symptoms and slow the progress of the disease,
• non-pharmacological therapy – memory exercises, movement classes, music therapy or art therapy,
• support for carers – educating families and access to long-term care are crucial in the later stages of the disease.

Prevention and lifestyle

Although Alzheimer's disease cannot be entirely prevented, there are measures that may reduce the risk:

• a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruit and omega-3 acids (e.g. the Mediterranean diet),
• regular physical activity,
• intellectual exercise (reading, solving crosswords, learning languages),
• avoiding tobacco smoking and excessive alcohol consumption,
• monitoring blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol levels.

Alzheimer's disease, the family and care

Alzheimer's is a disease that affects not only the patient, but also those close to them. Carers have to cope with the growing difficulties in the everyday life of the person who is ill. Psychological support, support groups and professional medical care are essential for the quality of life of both the patient and their family.

Summary

Alzheimer's disease is one of the most serious health challenges of the modern world. It is characterised by the gradual loss of memory, of cognitive abilities and of independence. Although there is no medicine that would completely halt its development, appropriate treatment, rehabilitation and prevention can improve the quality of life of patients and of those close to them. Regular physical activity, a diet rich in antioxidants and care for the health of the circulatory system may delay the appearance of symptoms and support prevention.

My name is Dorota Wątróbska-Świetlikowska, I am a pharmacist and a scientist holding a habilitated doctorate in pharmaceutical sciences. I decided to combine my scientific knowledge and my experience in order to create dietary supplements of the highest quality.

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