Main Street News

During the month of June, healthcare organizations are working to promote brain health and raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease. 

Mayo Clinic defines Alzheimer’s disease as a biological process that begins with the appearance of a buildup of proteins in the form of amyloid plaques (abnormal clusters of misfolded proteins that build up in the spaces between nerve cells in the brain) and neurofibrillary tangles (abnormal, thread-like aggregates of a protein called tau) that build up inside nerve cells (neurons) in the brain. Over time, this causes brain cells to die and the brain to shrink.

Dimentia 

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, a decline in mental ability, including memory, language, reasoning, and problem-solving, severe enough to interfere with daily life. It’s important to note that dementia itself is not a disease; it’s a term used to describe these symptoms, which can also include loss of judgment and other intellectual functions. 

The national numbers

Mayo Clinic cites that about 6.9 million people in the United States, age 65 and older, live with the disease. Among them, more than 70% are over age 75. 

Of the more than 55 million people worldwide with dementia, 60% to 70% are estimated to have Alzheimer’s disease. There’s a common misperception that Alzheimer’s only affects older people, but younger people can develop Alzheimer’s, too.

In short

Although medicine may improve symptoms or slow the decline in cognitive function, unfortunately, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s. In advanced stages, loss of brain function can cause dehydration, poor nutrition, or infection, which may result in death. Luckily, there are programs and services to help support those with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, who are often family members. 

Signs and symptoms

Everyone has occasional memory lapses such as forgetting where they placed their keys or cell phone, but the memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s persists and declines over time. Beyond causing serious memory loss, the disease impacts a person’s ability to do everyday tasks.

According to Mayo Clinic, increasing forgetfulness or mild confusion may initially be the only recognizable symptoms, but Alzheimer’s gradually deprives people of more and more of their memory, especially recent memories. Those who have the disease may continuously repeat statements and questions; forget conversations, appointments, or events (and not remember them later); or routinely misplace possessions by putting them in illogical locations.

They may also get lost in familiar places; forget the names of family members and everyday objects; and have difficulty finding the words to identify objects, express thoughts, or take part in conversations. Multitasking becomes especially difficult.

Those suffering from the disease may also experience changes in personality and behavior such as depression, social withdrawal, irritability and aggressiveness, distrust in others, and delusions.

A thief

One woman shares her feelings on this disease, which affected her closest friend: “Alzheimer’s disease is like a thief that robs people of their personalities and lifetime memories. Family and friends can no longer reminisce and laugh together about the shared highlights of their lives together. To cover up the signs of their minds slipping, many people become more and more distant from friends or family. It’s very painful to watch.”

Risk factors and diagnosis

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention references several known factors that may elevate the risk of dementia. They include lack of physical activity (especially aerobic), uncontrolled diabetes, and high blood pressure. Excessive alcohol use, depression, obesity, and hearing loss are also linked with the disease.

The CDC cited a study that found that certain racial/ethnic groups, including African American, Hispanic, American Indian, and Alaska Native adults, were more likely to have these risk factors. Those same racial/ethnic groups are also more likely to develop dementia than other groups.

There’s hope. Nearly 45% of all dementia cases may be prevented or delayed. Adopting healthy habits is a good place to start. Stay active; experts recommend that adults get 150 minutes of physical activity weekly – at least 20 minutes per day. Make sure you manage diabetes and blood pressure; high blood pressure can damage blood vessels and limit blood flow to the brain. 

Researchers also believe that hearing loss may make the brain work harder at the expense of thinking and memory. A decline in the ability to hear can also leads people to be withdraw from social engagement, which is important to remaining intellectually stimulated. Finally, drink moderately and quit smoking.

Keep challenging yourself

The Alzheimer’s Association recommends continually challenging the mind, learning new skills, protecting your head by wearing a helmet when biking, and wearing a seatbelt. Older adults should take precautions to minimize the risk of falls. Of course, eating healthy food (more vegetables and leaner meats/protein, along with food that is less processed and lower in fat), maintaining a healthy weight, and getting enough sleep also go a long way towards prevention.

Getting help

If you suspect a loved one is having memory or other cognitive issues, get an evaluation from a geriatrician who can provide the necessary assessment to determine the best course of action.

To diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, healthcare professionals test memory and other thinking skills. They also test functional ability and look for behavior changes. A series of tests can rule out other possible causes of symptoms. 

According to Alzheimer’s Association, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved medications for the disease. They fall into two categories: drugs that change disease progression in people living with Alzheimer’s, and drugs that may temporarily mitigate some symptoms. Treatments may be available in different forms (for example pills or patches).

The Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter serves seven counties in New York, including Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. It has offices in Poughkeepsie as well. In addition to providing education and support, it advocates for the needs and rights of those facing dementia, and advances critical research to develop new treatments and, ultimately, a cure. To find out more, visit alz.org/hudsonvalley.

Alzheimer’s Association also offers support to caregivers. It’s in-person and virtual caregiver support groups are free and open to the public. To register to join one of the groups, call the Alzheimer’s Association at (800) 272-3900 or visit alz.org/hudsonvalley/support/hudson-valley-caregiver-support-groups. •

Main Street’s podcast, Main Street Moxie, recently interviewed CB Wismar. In the interview, CB shares his story of caretaking for his late wife, Kathy, who battled Alzheimer’s. CB gives a very open, honest, and raw account, but he also provides a lot of insight and resources for those battling Alzheimer’s as well as for their caretakers. All of the resource links are available on the website mainstreetmoxie.press. You can listen to the podcast on the website or anywhere you stream podcasts. 

*Disclaimer: All medical claims made in this article are based on the organizations cited and information provided by the cited sources. The information is general in nature and not specifically meant for any particular individual. You should always seek out medical assistance from a medical professional based on your individual needs and circumstances.