What Is Alzheimer’s Disease? Symptoms, Causes & Risk Factors

It’s completely normal to forget things from time to time, but what happens if it becomes more frequent? Knowing what Alzheimer’s disease is and its symptoms can help you or a loved one address this condition in its early stages. Read on to learn more about Alzheimer’s, along with lifestyle modifications to help you live and happy and healthy life.

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that affects thinking, memory and behavior. It’s a progressive neurologic disorder that causes the brain to atrophy (shrink) and brain cells to die. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases. Most people with the condition are typically diagnosed after age 65. However, if it is caught before age 65 it is often referred to as early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

The term “Alzheimer’s” and “dementia” are sometimes used interchangeably; however, the two conditions are not the same. Dementia is a broad term used to identify a wide range of conditions — like Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injury and more — that include symptoms related to memory loss, such as confusion or forgetfulness. Alzheimer’s is a specific condition that affects a person’s ability to think, learn and remember things, which worsens over time.

Alzheimer’s Disease Causes & Risk Factors 

While experts haven’t determined a specific cause of Alzheimer’s disease, they have identified certain risk factors that include:

• Family history. Individuals with an immediate family member who has developed the condition are more likely to get it.
• Specific genes — like Apolipoprotein E (APOE) — have been linked to the disease.
• Most people who develop Alzheimer’s disease are age 65 or over.

Keep in mind, having one or more of these risk factors doesn’t mean that you’ll necessarily develop Alzheimer’s disease, it simply raises your risk level. Talk with your doctor to learn more about your risk of developing the condition if you have concerns.

Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

You may have episodes of forgetfulness now and then, but individuals with Alzheimer’s display specific characteristics and symptoms that worsen over time. These can include:

• Trouble with familiar tasks, such as doing the laundry or using a microwave
• Difficulties with problem-solving
• Mood and personality changes
• Withdrawal from friends, family and community
• Memory loss that affects daily activities
• Becoming disoriented about times or places

Keep in mind that symptoms change according to the stage of the disease, which can be broken down into seven categories:

• Stage 1: There are no symptoms at this stage, but there may be an early diagnosis based on family history.
• Stage 2: Early symptoms begin to appear, such as forgetfulness.
• Stage 3: Mild mental and physical impairments appear, like reduced memory and concentration. These might only be noticeable by family and friends.
• Stage 4: Memory loss and the inability to perform everyday tasks begin. At this stage, Alzheimer’s is often diagnosed.
• Stage 5: Moderate to severe symptoms emerge and may require help from a loved one or caretaker.
• Stage 6: The person may need help with basic tasks, such as putting clothes on and eating.
• Stage 7: This is the most severe stage of the disease which may include loss of speech and facial expression.

Can Alzheimer’s Be Prevented?

While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, several lifestyle changes can be implemented in order to reduce your risk of getting the condition. Changes in exercise, diet and habits may also lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other disorders that cause dementia.

Some lifestyle choices that reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s include:

• Exercising regularly
• Eating a heart-healthy diet
• Managing high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol
• Quitting smoking if you are a regular smoker

Talk with physicians at your nearby Valleywise Community Health Center to learn more about what Alzheimer’s disease is or call 1 (833) VLLYWSE to schedule an appointment.

Sources:

1. https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers
2. https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/apoe/
3. https://www.cdc.gov/aging/aginginfo/alzheimers.htm
4. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet