Many people struggle with memory issues every now and then. Alzheimer’s is more than occasional memory loss. It’s a disease that slowly takes away a person’s ability to remember things, think and reason.
Hurmina Muqtadar, MD, a vascular neurologist with clinical interest in Alzheimer’s, dementia and memory disorders, among other conditions, who sees patients at Endeavor Health Neurosciences Institute, recently shared five things to know about Alzheimer’s disease.
- What is it?
Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that affects memory, cognition and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Alzheimer’s disease was first identified in 1906 by German physician Dr. Alois Alzheimer. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2023, Alzheimer’s affected roughly 6.7 Americans. That number is expected to nearly triple to 14 million by 2060. It is the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States, according to the National Institute on Aging.
- What are the signs?
Physically, Alzheimer’s disease starts with memory problems, like forgetting information or repeating questions, difficulty thinking, getting lost in a familiar place, trouble with paying bills, handling money or difficulty completing any tasks, Dr. Muqtadar said. “In addition to that, some patients may also have changes in their mood, personality or behavior,” she said.
As the disease advances, memory loss and confusion grow worse, and people begin to have problems recognizing family and friends. They may be unable to learn new things, carry out multistep tasks such as getting dressed, or cope with new situations.
- What causes the disease?
In recent years, scientists have made significant progress through research into what causes Alzheimer’s. But still, scientists don’t yet fully understand what causes the disease in most people. Experts believe the causes probably include a combination of age-related changes in the brain, along with genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors.
Studies have shown that excess abnormal buildups of proteins that form amyloid plaques and “tau” tangles. Previously healthy neurons stopped functioning, lose connections with other neurons, and die. Scientists are conducting studies to learn more about plaques, tangles and other biological features of Alzheimer’s.
- How is the disease diagnosed?
If someone notices memory problems and becomes concerned, it’s good to see a neurologist for an evaluation. “We typically will start with cognitive screening here in our office and, based on that part of the workup, most will require brain imaging, bloodwork and getting a neuropsychology evaluation,” Dr. Muqtadar said.
“There are other specialized tests done in selected cases, like Brain PET scans to support the diagnosis and CSF analysis to measure the levels of proteins associated with Alzheimer’s and related dementias.”
- What is the treatment?
It is possible to slow the progression of the disease, Dr. Muqtadar said, with medications like donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine and memantine. Treating the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease early can help people maintain their independence for a longer period and assist their caregivers.
Getting diagnosed early and starting medication in addition to having a healthy lifestyle — eating a Mediterranean diet, exercising, controlling your risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes — can all help to prevent the disease from progressing, Dr. Muqtadar said.
“The FDA just approved last year a new immunotherapy agent called lecanemab for patients with early Alzheimer’s, she said. “That’s very promising.”
Tips for families and caregivers
Families and caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients have a difficult road ahead of them. The Alzheimer’s Association recommends patients with an early diagnosis make decisions about the future with their caregivers, from legal and financial to long-term planning.
The CDC reports that “family caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias are at greater risk for anxiety, depression and poorer quality of life than caregivers of people with other conditions.” The Alzheimer’s Association advises that caregivers should empower themselves with information about everything from support groups to clinical trials.
Alzheimer’s disease resources
NIA Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center
(800) 438-4380
adear [at] nia.nih.gov
www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers
Alzheimers.gov
www.alzheimers.gov
Alzheimer's Association
(800) 272-3900
(866) 403-3073 (TTY)
info [at] alz.org (info[at]alz[dot]org)
www.alz.org
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
(866) 232-8484
info [at] alzfdn.org (info[at]alzfdn[dot]org)
www.alzfdn.org
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