Many of us can relate to memory lapses and errors in judgment, likely due to the fatigue and distraction present in everyday life. We’ve all walked into a room and forgotten exactly why we went there, failed to recall where we put our car keys, and put laundry detergent in the fridge overnight (just us? let’s move on).
More often than not, these are one-offs, and nothing more than a funny anecdote we’ll probably enjoy retelling to our friends.
However, if this has been happening frequently to us or one of our loved ones, it may be time to take a closer look and perhaps even consult a doctor to rule out Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common cause of dementia in the UK.
Dementia itself is actually the name given to a collection of symptoms associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning which may affect the memory, cognition and other mental abilities.
If you’re caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, or you’re concerned about it potentially developing in someone you know, then here’s a brief guide to the disease.
What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, in which the brain neurons stop functioning and may even shrink. Connections are lost, and metabolic processes that are important for survival are disrupted. This results in neuronal death—first in the areas affecting memory, and then later language, reasoning, and social behavior.
Eventually, as the disease progresses, someone living with Alzheimer’s will find it increasingly difficult to live and function independently. In these instances, dedicated nursing and home caregivers are a crucial partner in keeping loved one’s living with the disease able to enjoy a relatively normal life.
What Are Common Misconceptions About Alzheimer’s Disease?
Because the understanding of this disease is not yet complete and scientists are working hard to elucidate mechanisms and find treatments, Alzheimer’s disease has been subject to a number of myths over the years.
Myth: Only older people can have Alzheimer’s.
Truth: Alzheimer’s can affect people as early as in their 30’s (referred to as early onset Alzheimer’s disease), although it is more common in individuals more than 60 years old.
Myth: Memory loss is a normal part of aging.
Truth: While brain processing may be slower with age, significant memory loss and forgetting recently learned and important information without remembering them later is more indicative of a problem.
Myth: If my parents had Alzheimer’s, I will get it too.
Truth: Not necessarily. There is likely a genetic component to this disease, but there are also modifiable environmental factors. If you have a healthy lifestyle (i.e. good diet exercise, no smoking and alcohol), you may well reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
Myth: There are available treatments for Alzheimer’s.
Truth: Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment licensed for Alzheimer’s. There are only drugs and behavioral therapies to temporarily reduce and manage symptoms, and make life as comfortable as possible.
What Are Early Signs And Symptoms Of Alzheimer’s?
It is important to know the early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, so that we can immediately seek a diagnosis and find proper care.
Here are some common warning signs, though they may indicate another health problem. If you see one or more of these signs in yourself or a loved one, please consult your doctor.
1. Memory loss – To be more specific, memory loss in which the person is unable to remember that they were forgetful is problematic. Usually, short-term memory is affected first, and then long-term memory issues develop after.
2. Difficulty planning and solving problems – This usually manifests as trouble with numbers, such as paying bills and working with recipes.
3. Difficulty with completing ordinary tasks – People living with Alzheimer’s may have trouble with simple tasks, such as using household appliances.
4. Difficulty understanding visual images and spatial relationships – This will present as a problem with balance, reading, and driving.
5. Disorientation – Those living with Alzheimer’s may forget time and place, dates, and seasons. They may not remember how to return home or how they find a previously familiar destination.
6. Difficulty with words – This will be obvious through frequent struggles with vocabulary and expressing themselves. Those living with Alzheimer’s may stop mid-sentence and forget their train of thought, as well as repeat themselves.
7. Impaired judgment – Decision-making is more problematic because of a combination of all above factors.
8. Unusual behavior – Significant changes in behavior suggests a change in mental status. This includes, but is not limited to, wandering, acting aggressively, becoming overly suspicious or irritable.
Read: 5 ways to future proof your later life
How Is Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosed?
When Alzheimer’s is suspected and a visit to the doctor is arranged, the patient’s complete medical history will be reviewed, and a physical exam focusing on neurological signs will be conducted. Laboratory tests, and maybe ancillary diagnostic imaging, will be performed to ensure that other conditions that may cause the same symptoms (e.g. tumors, vitamin deficiencies) are ruled out.
Should Alzheimer’s be diagnosed, it’s important that a frank and honest discussion happens with family and loved ones, to ensure that the patient’s care needs are met.
What Support System Should Someone With Alzheimer’s Have?
Depending on the extent of the symptoms, someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s can still live at home independently or may be in an assisted-living facility.
Regardless, it is important that this person’s caregivers are aware of the existing difficulties, and adjustments can be made in the surrounding environment to facilitate independence. For example, pens and notepads should be available to jot down notes and mitigate some elements of forgetfulness, and extra smoke and fire alarms should be fitted for added safety. Online resources such as Caregiverlist provide invaluable information here.
To prevent caregiver burnout and/or when there is no one available to help, home care services may be employed, whether the patient lives at home or in a facility. Home care services may comprise of companion, personal care, and homemaker services, and this may also include, upon request, skilled care as those administered by licensed health professionals like nurses. Having a personalised care plan is useful to ensure that the patient’s needs are met.
Can Alzheimer’s Be Treated?
The question of whether Alzheimer’s disease can be treated is one that weighs heavily on the minds of patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals alike. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, which can make the diagnosis feel daunting and, at times, hopeless. However, it’s important to distinguish between a cure and treatment. While we may not have a cure, there are treatments available that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Symptomatic Treatments
The primary approach to treating Alzheimer’s involves medications that can help manage cognitive symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, and problems with thinking and reasoning. These drugs, known as cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine, work by altering the chemical messengers in the brain involved in memory and judgement.
Although these medications can’t stop the damage Alzheimer’s causes to brain cells, they may help lessen or stabilise symptoms for a limited time by affecting certain chemicals involved in carrying messages among the brain’s nerve cells.
Lifestyle & Home Remedies
In addition to medication, certain lifestyle changes can help manage the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Regular physical exercise, a healthy diet, cognitive training, and social engagement have been suggested to potentially slow the progression of symptoms. Creating a safe and supportive environment can also make daily living easier for someone with Alzheimer’s. This includes establishing routine tasks, reducing clutter for easier navigation at home, and ensuring clear and simple communication.
Supportive Therapies
Supportive therapies such as occupational therapy can be beneficial. An occupational therapist can help identify ways to modify the home environment to better support the individual’s abilities and promote safety. Additionally, music and art therapy can provide emotional and behavioral benefits for people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Palliative Care
As Alzheimer’s progresses, palliative care becomes an important consideration. This type of care is focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of the disease. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family. Palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatments and is tailored to meet the individual needs of the patient.
Clinical Trials
Participation in clinical trials, particularly involving stem cell treatment, is another avenue through which patients can access experimental Alzheimer’s treatments. These trials help researchers to develop new treatments and also offer patients the opportunity to receive cutting-edge care that is not yet available to the public.
Indeed, whilst the potential treatment of Alzheimer’s with stem cells is still under development, it has shown promising results in animal models and early clinical trials. It has the potential to overcome conventional therapy because it addresses the underlying cause of the disease, not just the symptoms. Although stem cell therapy for Alzheimer’s disease is not a cure, it may be able to slow progression of the pathology, improve cognitive function and quality of life.
The Future Of Alzheimer’s Treatment
Research is ongoing, and the scientific community continues to search for more effective treatments and a potential cure. Advances in understanding the genetic, biological, and environmental factors that contribute to Alzheimer’s disease are leading to the development of new therapeutic strategies that may one day alter the course of the disease.
The Bottom Line
Alzheimer’s disease presents a complex journey not only for those diagnosed but also for their loved ones and caregivers. While the current landscape of treatment does not offer a cure, it does provide avenues to manage the disease and maintain quality of life. It’s essential to understand that treatment is multifaceted, involving medication, lifestyle adjustments, supportive therapies, and comprehensive care planning.