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An Introduction to Alzheimer’s Disease: What You Should Know

By February 6, 2023January 16th, 2024No Comments
What causes Alzheimer's Disease | Active Home Health & Hospice

Did you know that in 2020, an estimated 5.8 million Americans over 65 were living with Alzheimer’s disease? Unfortunately, the number of Americans diagnosed with this disease is estimated to increase yearly. In fact, experts predict the number of diagnoses to triple to 14 million Americans affected by the disease by the year 2060. 

With the staggering number of Americans living with the disease, there’s a chance you already know or will know someone with Alzheimer’s. If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with the disease, you probably have plenty of questions. This article will discuss everything you need to know about the condition, including some commonly asked questions.

Alzheimer’s Disease | Dementia Awareness | Active Home Health and HospiceWhat is Alzheimer’s disease?

As the most common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys the patient’s cognitive function. Eventually, the person loses the ability to perform daily tasks, including the ability to take care of themselves. 

Alzheimer’s disease progresses throughout the years, and patients will experience many changes in their bodies. Many of the changes occur in the brain, where the disease destroys neurons and their connections. At first, this happens explicitly in the parts of the brain involved in memory functions, such as the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus. As the disease progresses, it damages the cerebral cortex, the area responsible for social behavior, language, and reasoning. In the last stage of the illness, hospice care is often required for patients because of the severity of the disease. 

Alzheimer’s disease is the focus of an intense worldwide effort to find effective treatment and management methods. Current therapies include medication to remove the protein that damages the brain and other medicines to manage symptoms associated with the disease. Despite these available therapies, there is still no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. 

What are the causes of alzheimers | Active Home Health & HospiceWhat causes Alzheimer’s disease?

There are no known common risk factors for dementia and Alzheimer’s. In fact, the exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is unknown. However, many scientists agree that the cause could be a combination of age-related factors in addition to lifestyle, genetic, and environmental factors. In some cases, the disease can be caused by specific genetic changes that almost ensure that a person will develop Alzheimer’s. However, this is a rare occurrence; for most people who develop Alzheimer’s, the specific cause is unknown. 

 

Does Alzheimer’s cause dementia?

Dementia is a term that describes a group of symptoms that are associated with memory decline, thinking skills, or reasoning abilities. Alzheimer’s is the term for a specific disease, while dementia describes a group of symptoms related to memory decline. In other words, Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia, while not all dementia is Alzheimer’s. In some cases, a patient may receive a diagnosis of dementia that will eventually be diagnosed as Alzheimer’s.  

Alzheimer's Disease Causes and Treatment | Active Home Health & HospiceDoes Alzheimer’s run in families?

Many people commonly ask, “Is Alzheimer’s genetic?” According to current research, the condition is not entirely hereditary. While anyone can develop Alzheimer’s, having an immediate family member, such as a sibling or parent, diagnosed with the disease increases your risk. And as you can imagine, having more than one immediate family member with the condition further increases that risk. However, those with no family history of Alzheimer’s can still be diagnosed with the disease. 

 

Does Alzheimer’s skip generations?

Understanding the role that genes play in the development of Alzheimer’s can be complex. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, two types of genes determine if you develop the disease: risk genes and deterministic genes. Inheriting a risk gene merely increases the chance of developing Alzheimer’s, while those who inherit a deterministic gene will ultimately develop the disease. Deterministic genes are rare and only account for 1% or less of Alzheimer’s cases worldwide. In other words, those with a risk gene still have the possibility of developing the disease, whether it was their parent or grandparent who was diagnosed. In the rare case that your parent has a deterministic gene, you’ll have a one-in-two chance of getting Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimers Questions Answered | Active Home Health & HospiceWhat are the early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease?

While the specific symptoms of Alzheimer’s can vary based on the person, many physicians agree that the following signs often mean your loved one could be developing Alzheimer’s: 

  • Personality and mood changes

  • Increased aggression and anxiety

  • Memory loss that can disrupt daily life

  • Misplacing items

  • Repetitively asking questions

  • Forgetting names of places and objects

  • Exhibiting poor judgment 

  • Challenges in solving problems

  • Trouble paying bills and handling money

  • Becoming hesitant to try new things

  • Forgetting important dates or current location

These subtle changes occur over time and are eventually often noticed by a loved one. Alzheimer’s is frequently diagnosed at this early stage.

What are the symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease | Active Home Health & HospiceDoes Alzheimer’s cause weight loss?

There is a link between those who have developed the disease and weight loss. In fact, it’s estimated that up to 40% of those who have received an Alzheimer’s diagnosis are at risk for experiencing significant weight loss. Because the disease causes so many changes in the brain, the regulation of hunger and satiety can be affected by the progression of the disease. In addition, other symptoms of dementia can lead to weight loss, such as constipation, depression, dry mouth, gastrointestinal disorders, inability to recognize foods, and more. Weight loss is more commonly associated with the intermediate and advanced stages of the disease.

 

Does Alzheimer’s cause hallucinations?

Hallucinations are false perceptions of events or objects that involve the body’s senses. Simply put, it’s an experience involving something that isn’t there. Hallucinations are frequently caused by certain chemical reactions or brain abnormalities. Those who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s can experience hallucinations, and they commonly occur in the later stages of the disease’s progression. Patients with Alzheimer’s most frequently experience visual hallucinations. They can range from seeing simple elements such as flashing lights to experiencing complex hallucinations that involve other people, humans, or situations. These hallucinations can be frightening, while others may include details from their past. 

What causes Alzheimer's Disease | Active Home Health & HospiceDoes Alzheimer’s make you mean?

Alzheimer’s can cause many personality changes within an individual, including causing confusion and frustration. This agitation and aggression can lead to bouts of anger and sometimes even lashing out at others. In many cases, when a patient becomes angry, there is often a reason behind the emotion. Some triggers of aggression in Alzheimer’s patients include constipation, pain, a feeling of loss, stress, depression, feeling lonely, being overwhelmed, and more. When helping a loved one who is experiencing this change stemming from Alzheimer’s, try to get to the root of the cause of their aggression. A little care can go a long way in preventing frustration for you and your loved one. 

 

Does Alzheimer’s show up on an MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging (known as MRI) is a medical imaging procedure that uses radio waves and magnetic fields to produce detailed images of specific parts of the body. An MRI machine is often used on the brain and spinal cord because of its ability to show clear images and is often used in diagnosing Alzheimer’s.

When a patient has Alzheimer’s, the brain undergoes a change in physical appearance. The brain shrinks, which is noticeable on an MRI scan. While a scan of the brain during the early stages of the disease might be normal, a scan of the brain during the later stages would show a decrease in the size of the brain. While these repeated scans can support a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, they are insufficient to indicate a specific diagnosis.

Does Alzheimer's Disease Cause Death | Active Home Health & HospiceAlzheimer’s Treatment & Prognosis

What are the treatment options for Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s is a complex disease that, in many cases, requires a complex solution. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for the disease. However, several prescription drugs are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to help patients effectively manage their symptoms. While Aduhelm (aducanumab), the latest drug to receive approval from the FDA, has been effective in reducing amyloid deposits in the brain, ongoing trials are still being done to determine if it actually slows the progression of the disease. Other medications, such as galantamine, rivastigmine, and donepezil, are cholinesterase inhibitors that prevent the breakdown of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. It’s thought that acetylcholine is a chemical in the brain that is critical in memory and thinking. While they can’t reverse the disease, cholinesterase inhibitors may help to reduce or even stabilize cognitive symptoms in Alzheimer’s patients for a short period of time. 

There are treatment options for moderate to severe Alzheimer’s, as well. Medications such as memantine may help decrease symptoms, allowing the patient to continue daily functions a little longer than they usually would without the medicine. Other medicines can be used to treat common symptoms of Alzheimer’s, such as sleep aids for insomnia, anti-anxiety drugs for agitation, and antipsychotics for hallucinations. 

 

How long do people with Alzheimer’s live?

The progression of Alzheimer’s for individuals can vary widely. The Alzheimer’s Association states that, on average, those with Alzheimer’s live four to eight years after diagnosis, but some individuals can live up to 20 years after diagnosis. Many factors determine how long those with Alzheimer’s live following a diagnosis, including which stage they are experiencing at the time. There are several stages of Alzheimer’s, all of which we will discuss below. The progression timeline through each stage of the disease is different for every patient. 

 

 

  • Preclinical

Alzheimer’s begins long before any symptoms are noticeable. This period, known as preclinical Alzheimer’s, is when the disease starts in the body years before diagnosis. Even though a patient may not notice any changes within their body, imaging technologies can identify the telltale deposits of the amyloid-beta protein that indicates Alzheimer’s. 

 

  • Early-stage Alzheimer’s

During this phase, the patient can still function independently and can still work, socialize, and drive. Memory lapses will most likely be common, and loved ones have probably noticed some changes in the patient’s behavior, such as losing objects, forgetting names, and more. 

 

  • Middle-stage Alzheimer’s

Middle-stage Alzheimer’s often includes more pronounced symptoms and is often the longest stage of the disease. Some signs of middle-stage include being forgetful of the day, feeling withdrawn, experiencing confusion, and having trouble controlling their bladder. During this stage, a patient can still participate in daily activities with some assistance. 

 

  • Late-stage Alzheimer’s

In this phase, the symptoms of the disease are severe. Communication becomes difficult, and memory and cognitive skills continue to decline. Patients often need intensive care, and significant personality changes are expected. During late-stage Alzheimer’s, patients and their families greatly benefit from hospice care and home health assistance. 

 

Does Alzheimer’s cause death?

Alzheimer’s is a complex and fatal form of dementia. While Alzheimer’s devastates the brain and nervous system, it is often a complication from the disease that ultimately causes a patient to die. For example, the most common cause of death among Alzheimer’s patients is pneumonia. Because the disease affects the ability to swallow, beverages and food can enter the lungs, leading to infection. Other frequent causes of death include malnutrition, dehydration, and different types of infections.  

 

Active Home Health, Hospice & Personal Care Provides Exceptional Alzheimer’s Care

Living with Alzheimer’s disease, whether you are a patient or a family member, can be a complex and challenging process that lasts for years. When you need help, you can take comfort in knowing that there is help available. Our team consists of medical directors, nurses, CNAs, social workers, chaplains, and others committed to providing only the best care. At Active, our caring team is standing by to help with home health care, hospice care, or even personal care services for those who are living with Alzheimer’s disease. 

Drawing on our 35 years of combined experience, we work with family members, doctors, and our attentive team to develop the best care plan. We provide individualized programs that help with eating, pain, agitation, incontinence, and more. We can even assist in end-of-life planning and guide families through grief and bereavement. Because Alzheimer’s usually requires around-the-clock care, we can provide the comfort and quality that many patients need. When you need excellent care, trust Active. Contact us today for more information on our Alzheimer’s care services. 

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