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Alzheimer's dementia - causes, symptoms and holistic therapies for progressive memory loss
Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia. Find out all about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and holistic treatment approaches to improve the quality of life with Alzheimer's dementia.
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Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia. Find out all about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and holistic treatment approaches to improve the quality of life with Alzheimer's dementia.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia.strong data-end=""207"" data-start=""197"">dementia and accounts for around 60-70% of all dementias. It is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disease that changes the structure and function of the brain. Alzheimer's dementia primarily affects memory, language, thinking and everyday skills. The first symptoms usually appear from the age of 65, but there are also rare early forms (early-onset Alzheimer's disease).
Causes and changes in the brain
The cause of the disease is a deposition of misfolded proteins in the brain, in particular:
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Amyloid-β plaques between the nerve cells
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Tau protein aggregates (neurofibrils) inside the nerve cells
These pathological processes lead to a progressive loss of nerve cells and synapses, particularly in the areas of the brain relevant for memory, such as the hippocampus.
Risk factors are:
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Age (main risk factor)
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Genetic disposition (e.g. APOE4 allele)
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Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, lack of exercise
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Chronic stress, lack of sleep and environmental factors
Symptoms
The progression is gradual and can be divided into three stages:
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Early stage: Forgetfulness, difficulty finding words, orientation problems
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Middle stage: Significant impairment in everyday life, personality changes, confusion
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Late stage: Need for care, loss of speech and motor functions
Companying symptoms may include depression, restlessness, sleep disorders and delusions.
Diagnosis
For diagnosis are used:
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Anamnesis and neuropsychological tests (e.g. MMST, clock test)
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Imaging (MRI, PET) for the visualisation of brain atrophies
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Cerebrospinal fluid analysis (e.g. amyloid and tau protein)
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Blood tests (increasingly important in the future, e.g. for neurofilament light chains)
Treatment options
The disease is currently not curable, but its progression can be delayed and the quality of life improved:
Medication:
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Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine)
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Memantine (NMDA antagonist) for moderate to severe Alzheimer's
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New approaches: monoclonal antibodies against β-amyloid (e.g. lecanemab - in studies)
Holistic approaches:
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Ergotherapy, music therapy, memory training
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Physical activity & social participation
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Micronutrients: B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, curcumin
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Strengthen the gut-brain axis: Link between gut flora and brain function is being intensively researched
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Mediterranean diet and anti-inflammatory lifestyle are considered to be preventively effective
Importance for society and relatives
Alzheimer's is an enormous health, emotional and economic burden - both for those affected and their relatives. Early diagnosis, psychoeducational measures, care counselling and support services are essential for dignified support during the course of the illness.
Literature references:-
Alzheimer's Association (2023). "2023 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures.""
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German Alzheimer's Society (2023). "Information sheet: Alzheimer's disease.""
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Jack, C. R. et al. (2018). ""NIA-AA Research Framework: Toward a biological definition of Alzheimer's disease." Alzheimer's & Dementia.
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