Alzheimer’s disease can be devastating to families

Alzheimer’s disease — the most common cause of dementia — is a group of brain disorders that cause a loss of intellectual and social skills. “Dementia” is an umbrella term describing multiple diseases and conditions that develop when nerve cells (neurons) in the brain die or are unable to function normally.

Alzheimer’s disease can be utterly devastating to families, by robbing the very spirit of a loved one.

When evaluating the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease, one common finding is brain shrinkage. Under the microscope, we can see that the brain cells (neurons) have abnormal deposits of proteins, called “plaques and tangles.” Scientists believe these greatly impair the ability for brain cells to transmit information, nutrients and to function properly. Sometimes these abnormal proteins can cause brain cell (neuron) death.

The death or malfunction of brain neurons causes memory, behavior and thinking irregularities. In Alzheimer’s disease, these changes will ultimately affect an individual’s ability to carry out basic bodily functions such as walking and swallowing.

These changes are progressive, incurable, and often severe enough to interfere with day-to-day life. Alzheimer’s disease destroys memory and other important cognitive (mental) functions. The results can be devastating for both patients and their families.

Alzheimer’s disease is ultimately fatal. The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease is anywhere from five to 18 percent in persons 65 or older. It affects women more often than men, and Alzheimer’s disease affects African Americans twice as often as most other groups.

What causes Alzheimer’s disease?

The cause or causes of Alzheimer’s disease are still not precisely known. Most experts do agree that Alzheimer’s is a result of multiple factors rather than a single cause.

These factors include a variety of brain changes that begin as many as 20 years before clinical symptoms appear. Included among the brain changes believed to contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s is the abnormal accumulation of the proteins inside and outside the neurons in the brain. The connections between brain cells themselves degenerate and the brain cells die, causing a steady decline in memory and mental function.

Most cases occur after the age of 65, but there is an inherited form that can occur many years earlier.

How is Alzheimer’s disease diagnosed?

Alzheimer’s disease is most commonly diagnosed by an individual’s primary care physician. In addition to routine medical history and cognitive testing, neurological tests, and brain-imaging studies, ideally, a family member or other individual close to the patient is available to provide input.

Warning signs of Alzheimer’s include:

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life.

• Challenges in planning or solving problems.

• Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure.

• Confusion with time or place.

• Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships.

• New problems with words in speaking or writing.

• Misplacing things in unusual places and losing the ability to retrace steps.

• Decreased or poor judgment.

• Withdrawal from work or social activities.

• Changes in mood and personality.

For more information about the warning signs of Alzheimer’s, visit www.alz.org/10signs.

Can Alzheimer’s disease be prevented?

No, but there are ways to minimize risk factors. Heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol and being overweight are all seen at higher rates in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

It is important to have regular medical examinations and make sure these risk factors are under good control. One doctor says, “A healthy heart is good for a healthy brain.”

Plus, studies have shown that patients who remain active, physically and mentally, throughout life will do much better. There is a new website, www.Lumosity.com, which has some really fantastic and fun brain/cognitive games that can be used by everyone.

How is Alzheimer’s disease treated?

No treatment is available to slow or stop Alzheimer’s disease. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved several drugs that can temporarily improve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. The effectiveness of these medications varies. Sometimes these medications and management strategies may temporarily improve symptoms, which can help people with Alzheimer’s disease maximize function and maintain independence. As mentioned, in other cases the medications may slow the progression of the disease.

Unfortunately, no treatments available today can alter the course of this fatal disease. Fortunately, researchers are working on new and potentially beneficial treatments for the future.

Action steps

Maintain regular yearly examinations with your doctor and use brain-stimulating games like those at www.Lumosity.com. For patients with Alzheimer’s disease, the goal is to significantly improve the quality of life, including:

• Appropriate use of available treatment options.

• Effective management of coexisting conditions.

• Coordination of care among physicians, other healthcare professionals, and lay caregivers.

• Participation in activities and adult day care programs.

• Taking part in support groups and supportive services such as counseling.

But because there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, it’s important to seek supportive services and tap into your support network as early as possible.

Charles E. Crutchfield III, MD is a board certified dermatologist and Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School. He also has a private practice in Eagan, MN. He has been selected as one of the top 10 dermatologists in the U.S. by Black Enterprise magazine and one of the top 21 African American physicians in the U.S. by the Atlanta Post. Dr. Crutchfield is an active member of the Minnesota Association of Black Physicians, MABP.org.