Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia syndrome that causes progressive degeneration of brain neurons and impaired cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, language, orientation, perception, reasoning and thinking. To understand what the symptoms are, look at the warning signs for Alzheimer's disease.
There are some hypotheses that try to demonstrate what causes this disease, and that explain many of the symptoms that arise during its development, but it is known that Alzheimer's is related to the combination of several causes that include genetics and other risk factors such as aging. , physical inactivity, head trauma and smoking, for example.
So the main possible causes for Alzheimer's disease are:
1. Genetics
Changes have been demonstrated in some genes, which influence the functioning of the brain, such as the APP, apoE, PSEN1 and PSEN2 genes, for example, which seem to be related to lesions in neurons that lead to Alzheimer's disease, but it is not yet known exactly which determines the changes.
Despite this, less than half of the cases of this disease are of hereditary cause, that is, it is passed on by the person's parents or grandparents, which is the family Alzheimer's, which happens in younger people, aged 40 to 50, having a much worse fast. People affected by this variation of Alzheimer's have a 50% chance of transmitting the disease to their children.
The most common type, however, is sporadic Alzheimer's, which is unrelated to the family and occurs in people over 60, but there are still difficulties in finding the cause of this condition.
2. Protein build-up in the brain
It has been observed that people with Alzheimer's disease have an abnormal accumulation of proteins, called Beta-amyloid protein and Tau protein, which cause inflammation, disorganization and destruction of neuronal cells, especially in regions of the brain called the hippocampus and cortex.
It is known that these changes are influenced by the genes that have been cited, however, it has not yet been discovered what exactly causes this accumulation, nor what to do to prevent it, and, therefore, the cure for Alzheimer's has not yet been found. .
3. Decrease in the neurotransmitter acetylcholine
Acetylcholine is an important neurotransmitter released by neurons, with a very important role in transmitting nerve impulses in the brain and allowing it to function properly.
It is known that, in Alzheimer's disease, acetylcholine is decreased and the neurons that produce it degenerate, but the cause is not yet known. Despite this, the current treatment that exists for this disease is the use of anticholinesterase remedies, such as Donepezila, Galantamina and Rivastigmina, which work to increase the quantity of this substance, which, despite not curing, delays the progression of dementia and improves symptoms.
4. Environmental risks
Even though there are risks due to genetics, sporadic Alzheimer's also manifests itself due to conditions that are influenced by our habits, and that cause inflammation in the brain, such as:
- Excess of free radicals, which accumulate in our body due to inadequate nutrition, rich in sugars, fats and processed foods, in addition to habits such as smoking, not practicing physical activity and living under stress;
- High cholesterol increases the chances of having Alzheimer's, so it is important to control this disease with cholesterol medication, such as simvastatin and atorvastatin, in addition to being another reason to take care of food and practice physical activity regularly;
- Atherosclerosis, which is the accumulation of fat in the vessels caused by conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and smoking, can decrease blood circulation to the brain and facilitate the development of the disease;
- Age over 60 years is a great risk for the development of this disease, because with aging, the body is unable to repair the changes that may arise in the cells, which increases the risk of diseases;
- Brain injury, which occurs after head trauma, in accidents or sports, for example, or by a stroke, increases the chances of neuron destruction and the development of Alzheimer's.
- Exposure to heavy metals, such as mercury and aluminum, as they are toxic substances that can accumulate and cause damage to various organs in the body, including the brain.
For these reasons, an important way to avoid Alzheimer's disease is to have healthy lifestyle habits, preferring a diet rich in vegetables, with few industrialized products, in addition to the practice of physical activity. See what are the attitudes you should have to live a long and healthy life.
5. Herpes virus
Recent studies have indicated that another possible cause of Alzheimer's is the virus responsible for cold sores, HSV-1, which can enter the body during childhood and remain asleep in the nervous system, being reactivated only during periods of stress and weakening of the system immunological.
Scientists indicate that people with the APOE4 gene and the HSV-1 virus are more likely to have Alzheimer's. In addition, with advancing age, there is a weakening of the immune system, which can favor the arrival of the virus in the brain, being activated during periods of stress or a decrease in the immune system, and resulting in the accumulation of abnormal beta-amyloid proteins and tau, which are characteristic of Alzheimer's. It is worth noting that not everyone who has the HSV-1 virus will necessarily develop Alzheimer's.
Due to the discovery of the possible relationship between the herpes virus and the development of Alzheimer's, researchers have been looking for treatment options that can help delay Alzheimer's symptoms or even cure the disease through the use of antiviral drugs, such as Acyclovir, for example.
How to diagnose
Alzheimer's is suspected when there are symptoms that show alteration in memory, especially the most recent memory, associated with other changes in reasoning and behavior, which worsen with time, such as:
- Mental confusion;
- Difficulty memorizing to learn new information;
- Repetitive speech;
- Decreased vocabulary;
- Irritability;
- Aggressiveness;
- Difficulty sleeping;
- Loss of motor coordination;
- Apathy;
- Urinary and fecal incontinence;
- Do not recognize people you know or family;
- Dependence for daily activities, such as going to the bathroom, showering, using the phone or shopping.
For the diagnosis of Alzheimer's it is necessary to perform tests of reasoning such as the Mini examination of the mental state, Clock design, Test of verbal influence and other Neuropsychological tests, made by the neurologist or geriatrician.
You can also order tests such as brain MRI to detect brain changes, as well as clinical and blood tests, which can rule out other diseases that cause memory disorders, such as hypothyroidism, depression, vitamin B12 deficiency, hepatitis or HIV, for example.
In addition, the accumulation of beta-amyloid proteins and Tau protein can be verified by examining the collection of cerebrospinal fluid, but, because it is expensive, it is not always available to be performed.
Take a quick test now by answering the following questions that can help identify your Alzheimer's risk (not as a substitute for a doctor's assessment):
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Rapid Alzheimer's test. Take the test or find out what your risk of having this disease is.
Start the test
Is your memory good?
- I have a good memory, although there are small forgetfulnesses that do not interfere with my daily life.
- Sometimes I forget things like the question they asked me, I forget commitments and where I left the keys.
- I usually forget what I went to do in the kitchen, in the living room, or in the bedroom and also what I was doing.
- I can't remember simple and recent information like the name of someone I just met, even if I try hard.
- It is impossible to remember where I am and who are the people around me.
Do you know what day it is?
- I am usually able to recognize people, places and know what day it is.
- I don't remember very well what day it is today and I have a slight difficulty saving dates.
- I am not sure what month it is, but I am able to recognize familiar places, but I am a little confused in new places and I can get lost.
- I don't remember exactly who my family members are, where I live and I don't remember anything from my past.
- All I know is my name, but sometimes I remember the names of my children, grandchildren or other relatives
Are you still able to make decisions?
- I am fully capable of solving everyday problems and deal well with personal and financial issues.
- I have some difficulty understanding some abstract concepts like why a person can be sad, for example.
- I'm feeling a little insecure and I'm afraid to make decisions and that's why I prefer others to decide for me.
- I don't feel able to solve any problem and the only decision I make is what I want to eat.
- I am not able to make any decisions and I am totally dependent on the help of others.
Do you still have an active life outside the home?
- Yes, I can work normally, I shop, I am involved with the community, the church and other social groups.
- Yes, but I am starting to have some difficulty driving but I still feel safe and I know how to handle emergency or unplanned situations.
- Yes, but I am unable to be alone in important situations and I need someone to accompany me on social commitments to be able to appear as a "normal" person to others.
- No, I don't leave the house alone because I don't have the capacity and I always need help.
- No, I am unable to leave the house alone and I am too sick to do so.
How are your skills at home?
- Great. I still have chores around the house, I have hobbies and personal interests.
- I no longer feel like doing anything at home, but if they insist, I can try to do something.
- I completely abandoned my activities, as well as more complex hobbies and interests.
- All I know is to shower alone, get dressed and watch TV, and I am not able to do any other chores around the house.
- I am not able to do anything on my own and I need help with everything.
How is your personal hygiene?
- I am fully capable of taking care of myself, dressing, washing, showering and using the bathroom.
- I am starting to have some difficulty taking care of my own personal hygiene.
- I need others to remind me that I have to go to the bathroom, but I can handle my needs on my own.
- I need help getting dressed and cleaning myself and sometimes I pee on my clothes.
- I can't do anything on my own and I need someone else to take care of my personal hygiene.
Is your behavior changing?
- I have normal social behavior and there are no changes in my personality.
- I have small changes in my behavior, personality and emotional control.
- My personality is changing little by little, before I was very friendly and now I am a bit grumpy.
- They say that I have changed a lot and I am no longer the same person and I am already avoided by my old friends, neighbors and distant relatives.
- My behavior changed a lot and I became a difficult and unpleasant person.
Can you communicate well?
- I have no difficulty in speaking or writing.
- I'm starting to have a hard time finding the right words and it takes me longer to complete my reasoning.
- It is increasingly difficult to find the right words and I have been having difficulty naming objects and I notice that I have less vocabulary.
- It is very difficult to communicate, I have difficulty with words, to understand what they say to me and I do not know how to read or write.
- I just can't communicate, I say almost nothing, I don't write and I don't really understand what they say to me.
How's your mood?
- Normal, I don't notice any change in my mood, interest or motivation.
- Sometimes I get sad, nervous, anxious or depressed, but without major worries in life.
- I get sad, nervous or anxious every day and this has become more and more frequent.
- Every day I feel sad, nervous, anxious or depressed and I have no interest or motivation to carry out any task.
- Sadness, depression, anxiety and nervousness are my daily companions and I totally lost my interest in things and I am no longer motivated for anything.
Can you concentrate and pay attention?
- I have perfect attention, good concentration and great interaction with everything around me.
- I'm starting to have a hard time paying attention to something and I get drowsy during the day.
- I have some difficulty in attention and little concentration, so I can keep staring at a point or with my eyes closed for some time, even without sleeping.
- I spend a good part of the day sleeping, I don't pay attention to anything and when I talk, I say things that are illogical or that have nothing to do with the topic of conversation.
- I can't pay attention to anything and I am completely unfocused.
Treatment for Alzheimer's
The treatment for Alzheimer's is to reduce the symptoms of the disease, however this disease still has no cure. For the treatment it is suggested the use of medications, such as Donepezila, Galantamina, Rivastigmina or Memantina, in addition to stimuli with the practice of physiotherapy, occupational therapy and psychotherapy.
Find out more about how Alzheimer's disease is treated.
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Bibliography
- GALVIN, JAMES E. The Quick Dementia Rating System (QDRS). Available in: . Accessed on 04 Aug 2020
