Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, characterized by the gradual decline of cognitive function. It profoundly affects the lives of individuals and their loved ones, requiring significant attention and support.

 

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that leads to the progressive loss of memory and other essential cognitive functions. It is caused by the accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, which leads to the death of neurons and disruption of communication between them. The disease typically begins with mild memory impairment but gradually progresses to severe cognitive dysfunction that interferes with a person’s ability to perform daily activities.

The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease manifest in various cognitive and functional domains.
Cognitive symptoms include memory loss, especially related to recent events, difficulty retaining new information, and trouble remembering important dates and events. Patients may also struggle with concentration, planning, and solving multi-step problems.
Language impairments manifest as difficulty finding the right words, constructing sentences, and understanding speech.
In addition, the disease can cause disorientation in time and space, where the person forgets where they are or what day it is.

Emotional and behavioral symptoms include depression, anxiety, irritability, and mood swings.
The individual may become indifferent and lose interest in previously important activities and social interactions. Over time, the disease leads to changes in personality and behavior, which may include suspiciousness and aggression.

Despite significant loss of memory and skills, people with Alzheimer’s disease may retain certain abilities, even in the later stages of the illness.
These preserved abilities may include reading or listening to books, telling stories, singing, listening to music, dancing, drawing, or crafting. These skills may be preserved longer because they are controlled by parts of the brain that are affected later in the disease process.

The main causes of Alzheimer’s disease are genetic and environmental factors. Age is the primary risk factor - the likelihood of developing the disease increases significantly after age 65.
Genetics also play a role, especially if close relatives have had the disease. Other risk factors include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, smoking, low levels of physical activity, and head trauma.

Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60–80% of all dementia cases, making it the most common form of dementia.
According to statistics, over 50 million people worldwide are living with dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause.

 

Impact on Life

In the early stages, cognitive impairments may be subtle but still affect daily functioning.
As the disease progresses, the worsening of memory and other cognitive functions leads to a need for constant care and support from loved ones.

Alzheimer’s disease can cause significant distress to the individual, who may find their symptoms confusing and experience feelings of helplessness. Mood swings may become exhausting and overwhelming.

This condition imposes a significant emotional, physical, and financial burden on families and caregivers.
Changes in the patient’s behavior and mood can lead to stress and conflict within the family, requiring patience and understanding from loved ones and caregivers.

It is important for families to have access to informational resources, support groups, and professional help to cope with these challenges effectively.

 

Treatment

Alzheimer’s disease is currently considered incurable. However, several treatment approaches have been developed to slow the progression of symptoms and improve the quality of life for the individual and their loved ones.

The primary treatment strategies include medication aimed at temporarily improving cognitive function and managing behavioral symptoms.

In addition, a range of person-centered activities can enhance well-being—hobbies, social interaction, reading, listening to music, and more.
People with mild to moderate dementia may benefit from cognitive stimulation therapy, reminiscence therapy, and cognitive rehabilitation or occupational therapy to support functional abilities.

Also essential are strategies focused on preserving the mental and physical health of caregivers.
It is crucial to seek out information about the disease, acquire skills to communicate effectively with the person in care, engage in enjoyable joint activities, and take care of one’s own psychological and physical well-being.

The prognosis of Alzheimer’s disease depends on the age of onset, the rate of symptom progression, and the individual’s overall health.
Early diagnosis and a comprehensive, integrated approach to treatment can slow the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life for both the person with Alzheimer’s and their loved ones.