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Alzheimer’s Disease

Overview

Alzheimer’s disease accounts for one of the most prevalent causes of dementia (a condition marked by memory loss and decline in thinking ability). It usually affects people aged ≥65 years and is more common in women than in men. Familial cases are observed at a younger age. The initial stage of dementia is manifested as mild cognitive impairment, and gradually leads to difficulties in daily activities, speech, and behaviour.

  • Sporadic Alzheimer’s disease: The most common type, usually occurring in older adults without a clear inherited cause.
  • Familial Alzheimer’s disease: A rare inherited form that appears at a younger age and is linked to changes (mutations) in specific genes like APP, presenilin 1, presenilin 2, and apolipoprotein E4.

Alzheimer’s disease develops gradually, with early, middle, and late-stage symptoms:

  • Memory impairment involving recent memory and daily events
  • Learning difficulties (challenges in acquiring and remembering new information)
  • Visuospatial impairment (such as getting lost while driving)
  • Apraxia (difficulty in performing learned motor activities like wearing clothes)
  • Difficulty in finding words
  • Repetitiveness (asking the same thing repeatedly)
  • Forgetfulness of past events in advanced stages
  • Behavioural changes in the form of decreased social interaction, aggressiveness, and occasionally hallucinations

The main cause of Alzheimer’s disease is the deposition of abnormal amyloid proteins in the brain. Certain factors increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s:

  • Family history
  • Age
  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Head injuries
  • Loneliness and depression
  • Down’s syndrome

Doctors use a combination of tests to confirm Alzheimer’s disease and rule out other causes of dementia:

  • Clinical scores like detailed neurocognitive assessment, mini-mental state examination (MMSE), and Montreal cognitive assessment (MOCA)
  • MRI brain: to evaluate loss of hippocampal volume and temporal lobe atrophy, which are related to memory.
  • FDG PET scan: to check reduced brain activity (hypometabolism) in these areas

There is no cure yet, but treatment can slow progression and improve quality of life:

  • Cognitive rehabilitation: Structured therapy to help maintain memory and daily function.
  • Medical management:
    • Acetylcholine receptor inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine): improve communication between brain cells.
    • N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists (memantine): regulate abnormal brain activity.
  • Supportive care: Managing behavioural and psychiatric complications such as anxiety, aggression, or depression.

See a doctor if you or a loved one experiences:

  • Frequent forgetfulness that disrupts daily life.
  • Difficulty finding words or performing familiar tasks.
  • Disorientation or getting lost in known places.

While Alzheimer’s cannot always be prevented, certain lifestyle measures may reduce risk:

  • Staying mentally active (puzzles, reading, learning new skills).
  • Regular physical activity.
  • Controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.
  • Social engagement to prevent isolation.

Patients with suspected Alzheimer’s disease should consult a Neurologist (specialist in brain and nerve disorders).

Disclaimer:

The information in this Health Library is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional with any questions about a medical condition or before starting any treatment. Use of this site and its content does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. In case of a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or visit the nearest emergency facility immediately.