Carol Brauer

Alzheimer’s Disease and Infection

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Infection and Alzheimer’s Disease: Possible Relation

The Relationship and Result Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Infection

 

For years, Alzheimer’s disease has been explained as combined “protein plaques”(made up of amyloid beta) that settle in the brain, and have do not have a specific functional role. As a result, they attack a person’s mind and memory.

Later studies have suggested that these “protein plaques” are meant to be useful in defense against infections. Alzheimer’s is just a sad alternative result in some people who have lower levels of amyloid beta. Instead of fighting off microbes, they combine together and form an attachment to the person’s microbes. It happens fast, and are very determined and strong in attaching themselves and not letting go.

This new study from “Science Translational Medicine” journal has been a game changer in how people think about Alzheimer’s disease, but applied solutions is still in the works and it will be some time before solutions/medications come into fruition. While any straightforward answers are a long ways off, researchers and doctors are excited about the new possibilities that are to come about. As time goes on and research becomes more in-depth and more answers appear, doctors believe that medications that are made specifically to attack this particular part of a person’s immune system will be well worth it, while not completely clearing the disease out completely, but rather fighting off the threatening plaques.

What Is Alzheimer’s? Five Frequently Asked Questions (Part 2)

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5 Common Questions for Seniors Regarding Alzheimer’s

Questions about Alzheimer’s for Your Senior Love One? Read on for Answers! 

Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 47 million people worldwide, and that number continues to grow. Experts estimate 76 million people will suffer from the degenerative cognitive disease by 2030[1]. Recognizing the ever-pressing need for research, the Alzheimer’s Association has organized Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month this November to bring attention to this fatal illness.

To bolster their efforts, we’ve answered five frequently asked questions about Alzheimer’s below. Read on to learn vital information to help a loved one dealing with Alzheimer’s. To learn even more, be sure to follow our blog and Facebook page in November as we’ll be sharing real life stories of families with Alzheimer’s and dementia as well as ideas to help care for a loved one with these diseases.

What causes Alzheimer’s?

More research is necessary to thoroughly understand the causes of Alzheimer’s. However, it’s generally accepted that the late-onset form of the disease (by far the most prevalent) develops slowly over decades based on a variety of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Having a close relative with the disease increases a person’s risk, but is by no means a guarantee.[2] As for environmental and lifestyle variables, increasing age is the most significant risk factor, but high blood pressure and diabetes can also play a role.[3]

What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s is most commonly characterized by mental confusion and forgetfulness, but these symptoms also accompany normal aging. What’s the difference? The Alzheimer’s Association lists ten typical signs of Alzheimer’s, including memory loss that disrupts daily life, challenges in planning or solving problems, and difficulty completing familiar tasks.[4] They also differentiate these symptoms from the milder signs of normal cognitive decline. For instance, while a normal older adult might occasionally struggle to balance their checkbook or forget an important name or date and then remember it later, these difficulties are more persistent for an Alzheimer’s sufferer.[5]

What’s the typical Alzheimer’s prognosis?

For people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, the exact timeline, symptoms, and severity of their disease can vary.[6] However, the trajectory of the disease tends to flow through seven distinct phases, originally outlined by Dr. Barry Reisberg of New York University.[7] The arc generally begins with symptoms similar to those of normal aging,[8] proceeds through gradually worsening stages that can include difficulty with simple arithmetic and forgetting personal details,[9] and ends with severe decline typified by the inability to swallow.

Is there a cure for Alzheimer’s?

There’s no known cure for Alzheimer’s, only treatments that can ease symptoms.[10] The FDA has approved two types of medications (cholinesterase inhibitors, such as Aricept, Exelon, and Razadyne, and memantine, found in Namenda) that diminish mental confusion, memory loss, and other cognitive symptoms, but these do not reverse the underlying causes.[11] Likewise, many tout alternative supplements—gingko biloba and coenzyme Q10 among them—but no clinical trials have been done to confirm these. Thus, the need for more rigorous research is ever-pressing.

How can I prevent Alzheimer’s?

As with many degenerative illnesses, a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, balanced diet, and sound sleep habits, may help prevent Alzheimer’s. Perhaps most notable is the correlation between high blood pressure and high cholesterol and the incidence of the disease. Doctors recommend getting these numbers under control, not only for Alzheimer’s prevention, but for general good health.[12]

Help spread awareness of Alzheimer’s disease in November! Share this blog post and visit the Alzheimer’s Association online for more ideas.

[1] http://alz.org/abam/?_ga=1.84317712.865058079.1393898811#getTheFacts

[2] https://www.alzinfo.org/articles/testing-alzheimers-disease-guidelines/ 7th graf

[3] http://nihseniorhealth.gov/alzheimersdisease/faq/faq8.html 2nd graf

[4] http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_10_signs_of_alzheimers.asp#typical numbers 1, 2, 3 on list

[5] http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_10_signs_of_alzheimers.asp#typical numbers 1 and 2 on list

[6] http://www.alzheimers.net/stages-of-alzheimers-disease/ graf 1

[7] http://www.alzheimers.net/stages-of-alzheimers-disease/ graf 2

[8] http://www.alzheimers.net/stages-of-alzheimers-disease/ stage 2

[9] http://www.alzheimers.net/stages-of-alzheimers-disease/ stages 4

[10] http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_treatments.asp

[11] http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_standard_prescriptions.asp grafs 1 and 2

[12] http://www.helpguide.org/articles/alzheimers-dementia/alzheimers-and-dementia-prevention.htm