What is Alzheimer’s Disease? Causes & Symptoms

Now everyone wonders: “What is Alzheimer’s disease?”. We can tell you that it is the name of a form of progressive dementia. The development of the disease leads to a gradual loss of cognitive function in patients in the older age group (60-65 years). The pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease remains controversial in the medical community. Long-term studies have not allowed us to identify a correlation between:

• the external environment;
• the likelihood of developing senile dementia.

The pathology develops against the background of the formation of accumulations of beta-amyloid. They have a name – senile plaques. An increase in the amount of beta-amyloid leads to the death of neurons. Based on this fact, doctors have developed three main hypotheses about the causes of Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals suffering experience the early signs of Alzheimer’s:

• memory loss;
• decreased attention span;
• loss of speech;
• spatial orientation;
• basic thinking skills.

The first hypothesis relies on the acetylcholine deficiency in the patient’s body. The second hypothesis is usually based on the assumption that people with dementia have a congenital defect.  It is in the 21st chromosome. It is responsible for coding the protein from which beta-amyloid takes its form. Proponents of the third theory proceed because tau-protein accumulations occur in neurons. This substance prevents the exchange of impulses between neurons and provokes their extinction. 

Read the article written by our professionals below. So you can learn what is Alzheimer’s disease.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s is a chronic degenerative brain disease. It manifests a dramatic decline in intellectual ability. It goes to the point of total breakdown of intelligence and mental functioning. The disease got its name after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, who first described the condition in 1906.

Memory is a complex process that can be actually divided into two components:

• the process of memorization:
• the process of reproduction. 

In Alzheimer’s disease, we can observe an impaired process of memorization. 

The disease causes neuronal damage and the death of cortical cells responsible for memory and the formation of emotions.

Early signs of Alzheimer’s lead to decreased mental abilities, thinking speed, reaction time, and ability to cope with daily activities. It becomes hard to navigate space and evaluate one’s actions critically. There is a significant impairment in domestic, professional, and social independence and everyday adaptation.

Causes and Risk Factors

The disease is heterogeneous in its origin: in some cases, it is hereditary. In others, it is sporadic. In early onset (before 65), the leading etiologic factor is genetic aggravation. Hereditary forms account for 10% of the total number of patients with AD. Familial forms with early onset are usually characterized by autosomal dominant transmission. Mutations found in the genes encoding the proteins:

• presenilin-1 (chromosome 14);
• presenilin-2 (chromosome 1);
• amyloid precursor protein (APP) (chromosome 21.

On early-stage Alzheimer’s symptoms, APP mutations cause conformational changes in:

• beta-amyloid (Aβ) protein;
• amyloid-associated neuroinflammation;
• synaptic dysfunction. 

Carriage of these genes translates into an almost 100% risk of developing AD.

Non-modifiable risk factors include:

• a family history of AD, especially with early onset (before age 65);
• carriage of genetic polymorphisms;
• presence of the APOE4 allele;
• female gender, and a history of brain injury.

Modifiable factors that cause early signs of Alzheimer’s include low education, intellectual activity, and hypomania. Also, it can be smoking, uncontrolled arterial hypertension in middle and old age, and hyperlipidemia. People also can face it due to hyperhomocysteinemia, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and depression.

The key link in the pathogenesis of AD is a disorder in the metabolism of amyloid precursor protein. Normally, this protein is cleaved into polypeptides, which are not pathogenic. In AD, this process becomes disturbed. Insoluble fragments of this protein aggregate into pathologic protein β-amyloid (Aβ). It has neurotoxic properties and is usually deposited in:

• the brain parenchyma;
• the walls of blood vessels (with the formation of “senile plaques”).

So,  it leads to damage and death of neurons.

Different brain parts become affected unevenly in early-stage Alzheimer’s symptoms. In typical cases, physicians find the highest concentrations of the following substances:

• senile plaques;
• neurofibrillary plexuses;
• neuronal death.

This occurs in the mediobasal sections of the frontal and temporal lobes and the hippocampus.  At the next stage of the disease, the posterior temporal and parietal lobes get involved in the pathologic process. In the last turn, the frontal and occipital lobes of the brain become affected.

Early Signs of Alzheimer

The onset of pathology can last about eight years. The first signs of Alzheimer’s disease are not vividly expressed. They can be usually noted with constant close personal contact with the patient when close relatives notice:

• scattered attention;
• short-term memory impairment;
• speech problems;
• apathy;
• difficulty in planning any activity. 

Another option for early signs of Alzheimer’s is neurocognitive testing, which identifies specific abnormalities. The main symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are:

• amnesia – memory loss, forgetfulness;
• loss of ability to concentrate;
• apraxia (loss of practical skills such as dressing, tying shoelaces, making coffee, etc.);
• loss of orientation in time and space;
• impairment of cognitive (cognitive) functions;
• agnosia (lack of interpretation of perceived information);
• motor aphasia (speech impairment, slurred speech);
• apathy (lack of interest in life, loss of interest in previous hobbies and favorite activities);
• problems in self-care and communication with others.

These symptoms appear gradually. The patient may not experience serious problems in the initial stages. As the disease progresses, critical judgment and attention become reduced. And memory impairment becomes more pronounced. Read below for more information about early signs of Alzheimer’s.

Recognizing Early Symptoms

Pay attention to subtle changes in memory, cognition, or mood. Difficulty in routine tasks, confusion, or withdrawal may signal early signs. Seeking professional evaluation ensures prompt diagnosis and access to appropriate care. It enhances the potential for managing conditions like Alzheimer’s more effectively.

Importance of Early Detection

Fast diagnosis of early signs of Alzheimer’s allows timely intervention, improved treatment outcomes, and better disease management. In conditions like cancer or Alzheimer’s, early detection significantly enhances the successful treatment. It potentially prevents disease progression and improves overall patient outcomes.

Consulting a Doctor

Consulting a doctor is essential for maintaining good health. Regular check-ups provide an opportunity for preventive care. So you can have early detection of potential health issues. If experiencing symptoms or concerns, seeking professional medical advice is crucial. A doctor’s expertise ensures:

• accurate diagnosis;
• personalized treatment plans;
• guidance on maintaining optimal well-being.

Early Stage Alzheimer’s Symptoms

The following things can be early-stage Alzheimer’s symptoms:

• memory lapses;
• difficulty planning or problem-solving;
• challenges completing familiar tasks;
• confusion with time or place;
• changes in mood or personality. 

Consulting a healthcare professional allows for a thorough evaluation if such symptoms arise. A person gets an early diagnosis and the initiation of appropriate interventions and support.

Alzheimer’s Peanut Butter Test

Researchers at Florida State University have proposed a simple, quick, cheap, and effective test. They use it to detect early signs of Alzheimer’s. It is based on an asymmetrical decline in olfactory cortex function. The test requires only a ruler and a tablespoon of peanut butter.

Researchers have found that when developing Alzheimer’s disease, a person loses the sense of smell in the left nostril faster than in the right. To test this hypothesis, they used peanut butter, which has a distinct and well-detectable odor. The test identified people who suffer from incurable diseases, separating them from healthy peers. 

True, all those who did not pass the smell test have already been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. However, the authors of the technique do not doubt that soon, the smell test will be used to diagnose the early stages of the disease. Modern medicine, unfortunately, does not yet have drugs that can cure early-stage Alzheimer’s symptoms. Still, there are medications and cognitive therapy methods that can delay the development of dementia for some time. It gives patients a little more time for an independent life.

Efficacy and Limitations

The test shows promise in detecting early cognitive decline, leveraging the sense of smell. The simplicity of this approach offers a non-invasive and cost-effective screening method. However, its efficacy may vary and is not a definitive diagnostic tool. There is still discussion on test limitations. They include potential false positives and the need for further validation. It adds a valuable dimension to early detection. A comprehensive diagnosis requires a multifaceted approach. A doctor needs to consider various clinical and laboratory assessments.

Conclusion

At Lone Star Neurology Clinic, we emphasize the importance of understanding early signs of Alzheimer’s. Our commitment to neurological care underscores the significance of early detection, diagnosis, and comprehensive management. With compassionate expertise, we stand dedicated to supporting patients and their families in this tough way with Alzheimer’s.

FAQ

What are the early signs of Alzheimer’s?

It can be memory lapses, difficulty with familiar tasks, confusion, mood changes, and challenges in planning or problem-solving are early signs.

How does the Alzheimer’s peanut butter test work?

The test uses the sense of smell to detect early cognitive decline. Individuals with Alzheimer’s may have difficulty smelling peanut butter through one nostril.

What is Alzheimer’s disease caused by?

Alzheimer’s is primarily caused by the accumulation of abnormal protein deposits in the brain, leading to nerve cell damage and disruption of communication between cells. 

How can I prevent Alzheimer’s disease?

The main method of preventing Alzheimer’s disease is to keep mentally active. Try reading books, and doing crossword puzzles.