 |
| source : pbs.org |
A few years ago, someone close to me started forgetting little things, where they put their keys, what day it was, names they’d never forget. At first, we all chalked it up to normal aging. But over time, it became clearer: this wasn’t just forgetfulness. It was something deeper.
That’s how Alzheimer’s entered my world, not as a medical definition, but as a human experience filled with questions, fear, and eventually… a lot of research.
So, here’s what I’ve learned, from doctors, experts, articles, and most importantly, watching it unfold in real life.
First, What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
At its core, Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, making up 60–80% of cases in the U.S. It’s a progressive condition, which means it worsens over time, slowly chipping away at memory, reasoning, language, and even personality.
It usually starts after age 65, but it can begin earlier (in your 40s or 50s), a version called early-onset Alzheimer’s, and yes, that exists even though it’s rare.
What causes it?
It’s not fully understood, but scientists believe a mix of genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors plays a role. Inside the brain, Alzheimer’s is marked by:
-
Plaques (sticky clumps of beta-amyloid protein between brain cells)
-
Tangles (twisted strands of tau protein inside cells)
These disrupt the way neurons communicate, causing cells to die, and that’s when the symptoms appear.
How Is It Different from “Dementia”?
Good question. Dementia is the umbrella term, a general label for conditions involving memory loss and cognitive decline.
Alzheimer’s is just one type. Others include:
-
Parkinson’s-related dementia
-
Lewy body dementia
-
Frontotemporal dementia
-
Huntington’s disease
You can even have more than one type at once, a condition called mixed dementia.
The 3 Stages of Alzheimer’s (and What They Look Like)
I wish someone had explained these stages to me early on. Here’s a simple breakdown:
1. Mild (Early Stage)
This is where confusion begins, things like:
-
Losing track of time or misplacing objects
-
Struggling with money or following a recipe
-
Personality changes: more anxious, frustrated, or withdrawn
2. Moderate (Middle Stage)
This is often the longest and most challenging stage:
-
Forgetting family members’ names
-
Needing help getting dressed
-
Getting lost, even at home
-
Paranoia, hallucinations, or aggressive behavior
3. Severe (Late Stage)
At this point, damage is widespread:
-
Unable to speak or move independently
-
Fully dependent on caregivers
-
Eventually, even basic functions like swallowing are affected
So, What Are the Signs to Look Out For?
Some red flags I learned to take seriously:
-
Repeating the same questions
-
Difficulty managing finances
-
Trouble recognizing familiar people or objects
-
Struggling with language, finding the right words or following conversations
-
Major mood swings or behavior shifts
Important note: If symptoms show up suddenly (within hours or days), it could be something else like a stroke, seek medical attention immediately.
Can You Prevent Alzheimer’s?
You can’t change your age or genes (those are non-modifiable risk factors), but lifestyle does matter. Some things that increase risk include:
-
Smoking
-
Obesity
-
High blood pressure
-
Poor heart health
-
Head trauma
-
Untreated depression
Protective habits?
-
Exercise (especially aerobic)
-
Mental activity (reading, learning music, puzzles)
-
Healthy diet (think Mediterranean style)
-
Social connection (regularly engaging with people)
How Is It Diagnosed?
Unfortunately, there’s no single test. Diagnosis usually involves:
-
Cognitive assessments (memory, thinking)
-
Brain imaging (MRI or CT scans)
-
Neurological tests (reflexes, balance)
-
Blood tests (to rule out other causes)
-
In some cases, genetic testing (especially for early-onset cases)
Doctors often talk with family too, because sometimes the person affected isn’t fully aware of what’s going on.
Treatments: What Helps (and What Doesn’t)
There’s no cure yet. But here’s what’s available right now:
Symptom-Relieving Medications
-
Donepezil (Aricept) all stages
-
Galantamine (Razadyne) and Rivastigmine (Exelon) mild to moderate
-
Memantine (Namenda) moderate to severe
These can slightly slow down the progression or help with memory and focus, but they don’t stop the disease.
Disease-Modifying Drugs
These are the newer (and more debated) treatments:
-
Lecanemab (Leqembi) – shown to slow decline by 25%
-
Donanemab (Kisunla) – 32% slower decline in studies
-
Aducanemab (Aduhelm) – mixed results so far
They come with potential risks and aren’t a silver bullet. Always discuss options thoroughly with your doctor.
Supportive Strategies That Do Help
-
Keep routines consistent (it lowers confusion)
-
Use labels and reminders
-
Encourage daylight exposure (supports better sleep)
-
Gentle exercise (as much as the person can tolerate)
-
Safety-proofing the home (remove trip hazards, install locks)
When It Hits Early: What to Know About Early-Onset Alzheimer’s
This was the hardest for me to wrap my head around: yes, people in their 40s or 50s can get Alzheimer’s.
It’s rarer, and often genetic. If multiple family members had it young, doctors may suggest genetic testing. But even without family history, early onset still happens, and it can be especially hard to diagnose because it’s so unexpected.
Final Thoughts: What I’d Tell You If You’re Worried
Whether you’re caring for someone or wondering about your own memory, you’re not alone. Alzheimer’s is incredibly complex, but understanding it is a form of power.
Early diagnosis helps. Lifestyle changes matter. Support systems (for both patients and caregivers) are crucial.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start simple:
-
Learn a little each day
-
Take care of your own health
-
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
I wish I had started asking questions sooner. But once I did, I felt a little less helpless, and a lot more hopeful.