Alzheimer’s IN THIS SECTION Neuraxpharm Psychiatric & Neurological Disorders Alzheimer’s Alzheimer’s disease (or Alzheimer’s) is a condition that affects the brain. Neuraxpharm provides medication alternatives for Alzheimer’s disease and once your doctor has determined your specific needs, they can prescribe the product that best adapts to your needs and condition. Learn more about the symptoms, what causes the condition, how it is diagnosed, and the treatments available. What is Alzheimer’s disease? Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition associated with a decline in the cognitive function of the brain. It affects people in different ways, but the symptoms may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving and language. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia. What are the main types of Alzheimer’s disease? There are two main types of Alzheimer’s disease: Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease occurs in people under the age of 65 years. Sometimes referred to as young-onset Alzheimer’s disease, it is an uncommon form of dementia. The first signs of early-onset Alzheimer’s tend to appear between the ages of 40 and 60. Late-onset Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of Alzheimer’s, occurring in people aged 65 years and over. It is progressive, which means that over time, more parts of the brain become damaged. This leads to more symptoms developing and the condition worsening. How many people have Alzheimer’s disease? Worldwide, nearly 50 million people have Alzheimer’s or related dementia. There are nearly 10 million new cases every year (1). Alzheimer’s disease contributes to 60–70% of dementia cases and according to the World Health Organization, the total number of people with dementia globally is projected to reach 82 million in 2030 and 152 million in 2050. Symptoms The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease progress slowly over several years. The rate at which they progress differs from individual to individual. What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease? Research suggests that changes in the brain may occur 10 or more years before someone starts to show symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. The symptoms are generally mild to begin with and gradually worsen over time. They are sometimes confused with other conditions or initially put down to old age. Alzheimer’s disease symptoms may include: Problems with memory such as difficulty remembering recent events or conversations Poor concentration Increasing difficulty recognising people or objects Problems with planning, organising, problem-solving and decision-making Confusion Losing track of the days Difficulties with speech and repeating words or phrases Spatial and temporal disorientation (feelings of confusion about time and space) Personality and behavioural changes such as low mood, anxiety, or lack of confidence Problems performing spatial tasks such as judging distances, going up or down stairs or parking the car Regularly misplacing items or putting them in strange places What are the stages of Alzheimer’s disease? Alzheimer’s disease is generally divided into four main stages: prodromal stage, early-stage, middle-stage, and late-stage Alzheimer’s: 1. Prodromal stage Alzheimer’s disease The prodromal stage of Alzheimer’s disease is the early form of Alzheimer’s. At this stage, people will have some mild cognitive impairment, such as a worsening memory. They may have difficulty remembering names or following conversations, but they can still perform their usual routine activities. 2. Early-stage Alzheimer’s disease In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, people can lead an independent life. They may still be performing normal daily activities such as driving, working, or taking part in social activities. The main symptom during early-stage Alzheimer’s disease is memory lapses. This may involve forgetting about recent conversations or events, having trouble thinking of the right word, forgetting the names of people and places, asking repetitive questions, or misplacing belongings. There may also be some behavioural and personality changes such as mood swings, increasing agitation or anxiety, feeling confused, finding it harder to make decisions, or showing poor judgment. During the early stage of the disease, these symptoms may not be widely apparent, but family and close friends may notice them. 3. Middle-stage Alzheimer’s disease Middle-stage Alzheimer’s is typically the longest stage of the disease. As it progresses, memory problems will get worse. Someone with middle-stage Alzheimer’s disease may find it even more difficult to recall simple things such as the names of people they know, and they may struggle to recognise loved ones. They may require a greater level of care. Other middle-stage symptoms that may develop include: Increasing confusion – for example, losing track of what day it is Feelings of disorientation and a tendency to wander and get lost in familiar surroundings Obsessive, repetitive, or impulsive behaviour Increasing changes in mood including depression, anxiety, and frustration Changes in sleeping patterns, such as restlessness at night and sleeping during the day Growing problems with speech and language (sometimes referred to as aphasia) More difficulties performing spatial activities, such as judging distances and reaching for items Development of delusions and suspicions or paranoia about family members, friends, and carers A need for help with performing simple everyday tasks such as choosing appropriate clothing and getting dressed Hallucinations During the middle stage of Alzheimer’s, it is still possible for people to participate in daily activities, but they will increasingly need extra help and assistance. 4. Late-stage Alzheimer’s disease In the late stages of Alzheimer’s disease, the symptoms are increasingly severe. It can be distressing for the person with the disease, as well as for their family and friends. In the late stages, an individual may lose their ability to understand what is going on around them. Any hallucinations and delusions may become worse and they may feel angry and act aggressively. Other late-stage symptoms that may be experienced include: Loss of speech Mobility issues Difficulties sitting and changing position Problems eating and swallowing (sometimes referred to as dysphagia) Urinary and bowel incontinence Increased vulnerability to infections such as pneumonia Severe weight loss Significant memory loss During the late stages of Alzheimer’s, full-time care, and round-the-clock assistance with washing, getting dressed, using the toilet, eating, drinking and moving may be required. What are the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease? One of the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s is memory loss. Individuals may become more forgetful than usual. Examples include forgetting important dates, events, or recent conversations. Someone with the early symptoms of Alzheimer’s might ask for the same information several times and rely on memory aids like sticky notes and reminders on mobile phones. Causes, risk factors and life expectancy Although it is still unknown what triggers Alzheimer’s disease, there are several factors that are known to increase the risk of developing the condition. What causes Alzheimer’s disease? Alzheimer’s disease is thought to be caused by a build-up of proteins in the brain which form abnormal structures called ‘plaques’ and ‘tangles’. Scientists do not know exactly what causes the process to begin, but it starts many years before the symptoms appear. As the disease progresses, nerve cells in the brain (neurons) are lost. As the neurons become affected, there is a reduction in chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) that are responsible for sending signals between brain cells. These progressive changes in the brain affect a person’s ability to remember, think, communicate and solve problems. Is Alzheimer’s disease hereditary? Many people worry about getting Alzheimer’s disease, particularly if a family member has suffered from the condition. However, a family history of Alzheimer’s disease does not necessarily mean other family members will get it. While genetics may contribute to the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, the actual increase in risk is considered small. Scientists have found versions of over 20 different genes that are associated with an altered risk of Alzheimer’s. However, research has concluded that having one of these versions may only have a small effect on the chances of developing Alzheimer’s. Who gets Alzheimer’s disease? Although it is still not really understood what triggers the build-up of proteins in the brain which leads to the development of Alzheimer’s disease, there are several factors that increase the risk of developing the condition. These risk factors include: Age – this is the single most significant risk factor. Alzheimer’s disease mainly affects people aged over 65. In fact, it is the most common cause of senile dementia throughout the world for individuals between the ages of 65 and 85 (2). After the 65, the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s doubles every five years (3). Gender – more women are affected by dementia than men. In fact, worldwide women with dementia outnumber men two to one. Scientists do not know the exact reasons why women are more likely to get Alzheimer’s. Two possible explanations are that women tend to live longer than men on average and that there may be a link between Alzheimer’s and the loss of the hormone oestrogen after menopause. However, research into the link between Alzheimer’s and gender is still ongoing and several environmental and biological factors are under investigation. Family history – there is still a lot to be understood about genes and their importance. While genetics may play a part in the development of Alzheimer’s disease, it is thought to have a small effect on risk. However, in an extremely limited number of families, Alzheimer’s disease is a dominant genetic disorder. In these families, the disease tends to develop at a younger age, usually between 35 and 60 years (this is referred to as early-onset Alzheimer’s disease). Down’s syndrome – children born with Down’s syndrome have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease if they reach middle age. This is because the genetic anomaly in chromosome 21 that people with Down’s syndrome have can cause plaques in the brain to build up, which can lead to Alzheimer’s. Head injuries – there is growing awareness that people who have sustained a severe head injury may be at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. However, more research is needed in this area. Lifestyle – according to research, lifestyle plays a part in the increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. People who live a healthy lifestyle are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s. This includes taking regular physical exercise, eating a healthy balanced diet, not smoking, and drinking alcohol only within the recommended limits. Health conditions – several health conditions can increase a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. These include diabetes, stroke, heart problems, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity. The latest research suggests that other factors may also be related to the risk of developing Alzheimer’s, such as depression, social isolation, and hearing loss (3). How long can you live with Alzheimer’s disease? Life expectancy varies considerably depending on how old a person is when they develop Alzheimer’s disease. On average, a person with Alzheimer’s disease lives between three and 11 years after diagnosis, but some may survive 20 years or more. The length of time that someone with Alzheimer’s can expect to live depends on whether they were diagnosed early in the progression of the disease or later. The disease tends to develop slowly, and the symptoms gradually worsen over several years. The rate of progression varies widely from person to person. Diagnosis If you have concerns about memory loss or issues with planning and organising, you should make an appointment to see a doctor. Getting an accurate and prompt diagnosis is the best way to come to terms with Alzheimer’s disease and to make plans. It also ensures timely access to suitable treatment and support that may help. How is Alzheimer’s disease diagnosed? There is no single test for Alzheimer’s disease. Instead, the diagnosis is based on a combination of physical and mental assessments and tests. In most cases, a local doctor is the first port of call. They will listen to you or your family member’s concerns and carry out some simple health checks and some thinking and memory tests to assess how different parts of your brain are working. A common test used by local doctors in many countries is the General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition (GPCOG). Although it cannot make a diagnosis, the GPCOG may identify memory issues that require further investigation. Blood tests may also be ordered to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms and a referral for a specialist assessment will be made if it is needed. It is important to note that any simple tests your GP performs are only preliminary. If they suspect Alzheimer’s disease, they will refer you or your family member to a specialist at a hospital or memory clinic. Tests to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease Currently, there is no single, reliable test to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease accurately. However, if you are referred to a specialist trained in brain and mental health conditions at a hospital or memory clinic, they will conduct a full neuropsychological assessment using several different questionnaires and tools to obtain an accurate diagnosis. The specialist tests will assess your mental and cognitive capabilities such as memory, concentration, attention span, problem solving, and language skills. In addition to a series of clinical assessments, the specialist may also want to have a closer look at what is happening inside your brain and may recommend a CT scan or an MRI scan. These scans take detailed images of the inside of your brain and will help the specialist assess whether there is any damage to the brain and, if so, where it is. This is important because an accurate diagnosis will determine the best course of treatment and support required. It may also help predict any future issues that may develop. Treatment and medication There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Medication may help temporarily reduce the symptoms, but it cannot eradicate it completely or prevent the disease occurring in the first place. How is Alzheimer’s disease treated? Medication There are several medications that may be prescribed for Alzheimer’s disease to relieve some of the symptoms. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors The main treatments are called acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors. These medications increase levels of acetylcholine, a substance present in the brain that helps nerve cells communicate with each other. They can be prescribed by specialists such as neurologists or psychiatrists, or by a doctor if advised by a specialist. AChE inhibitors can be prescribed for people in early-to mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease and these can be continued as a maintenance treatment for as long as there is a therapeutic benefit. As with all medications, there may be some side effects, including nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. If you have any concerns about side effects, it is important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist for advice. There are three different AChE inhibitors available. Some people respond better and experience fewer side effects with one type over another. The doctors will select the most appropriate treatment to suit each individual needs. NMDA receptor antagonists NMDA receptor antagonists are a class of medications that work by blocking an excessive amount of a chemical called glutamate in the brain. They can be used for people with moderate or severe Alzheimer’s disease and can also be prescribed for people with severe Alzheimer’s disease who are already taking an AChE inhibitor. Some side effects such as headaches, dizziness and constipation may be experienced, so it is advised to speak to a doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns. Other medication In the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease, people often develop serious behavioural and psychological symptoms. They may experience depression at first, and this may be followed by anxiety, increased agitation, aggression, and hallucinations. In these cases, medication may be prescribed. Therapy Medication is not the only treatment option for people with Alzheimer’s disease. Therapy has an important part to play in dementia care. Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) is a popular, effective way to keep people’s minds as active as possible. It involves taking part in group activities and exercises aimed at improving memory and problem-solving skills. CST often involves themed activity sessions over several weeks. Cognitive rehabilitation Another therapy option is cognitive rehabilitation. This involves working with a trained professional such as an occupational therapist (OT) and perhaps a family member or close friend to carry out everyday tasks. It allows individuals to retain certain skills, remain as independent as possible and cope better on a day-to-day basis. Life story and reminiscence work Many people with Alzheimer’s benefit from life story and reminiscence work. This form of therapy usually involves looking at old photographs, holding favourite belongings or listening to music. These kinds of activities may help improve mood and feelings of wellbeing and enhance mental abilities. It is an enjoyable way for individuals to share their life experiences and treasured memories and encourages them to think about their past and talk about it, remembering important events and loved ones. Intervention Intervention for Alzheimer’s disease includes therapies and activities such as memory training, mental and social stimulation, orientation exercises and physical exercise programmes. Other non-drug interventions may include art therapy, music therapy and contact with animals. There is not much research on the effectiveness of non-drug interventions, but experts believe they may improve cognitive performance, delay the loss of mental abilities, help people maintain their independence for as long as possible and help increase wellbeing and quality of life. The most appropriate interventions will depend on several factors such as: Symptoms and their severity Progression of the disease The causes of certain behaviours Life history and circumstances Personality Diet A healthy, balanced diet is essential for everyone but for people with Alzheimer’s disease, poor nutrition may increase behavioural symptoms and cause weight loss. Generally, there is no need for a special diet for those with Alzheimer’s and the following healthy eating recommendations apply: Eat a balanced diet with a variety of foods including vegetables, fruits, wholegrains, low-fat dairy products, and lean proteins. Limit foods containing high saturated fats (e.g., butter, lard, cakes and biscuits, processed meats, etc.) Try to cut down on refined sugars (although during the later stages of Alzheimer’s when loss of appetite is an issue, adding some sugar may encourage eating) Limit foods containing high levels of salt As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, loss of appetite and too much weight loss can become significant issues. There are several reasons why someone with Alzheimer’s disease may not want to eat: They may not recognise the food in front of them They may be uncertain about how to begin eating New medications or a change in medication dosage may suppress appetite Lack of physical exercise may decrease appetite A reduced sense of smell and taste may mean that food is not enjoyed any more If someone is not eating enough and is losing weight, doctors may suggest supplements to be taken between meals to add extra calories. In the mid to late stages of Alzheimer’s disease, people may have difficulties swallowing and be at increased risk of choking while eating, so it is important for families and carers to be vigilant. Exercise Regular exercise is highly beneficial for people with Alzheimer’s disease, helping to improve fitness levels, boost mood, decrease anxiety, lower blood pressure, improve blood sugar levels and maintain weight. It is important to choose an exercise that is safe and suitable for the individual and their capabilities. Light exercise could be a short daily walk, a spot of gardening, yoga, or tai chi, or even dancing. More research is needed into the degree to which adding physical activity improves memory or slows the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Prevention Since the exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is still unknown, there is no definitive way to prevent the condition entirely. However, maintaining as healthy a lifestyle as possible can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease developing. Cardiovascular disease has been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s, so steps to improve cardiovascular health may be beneficial. These include: Stopping smoking Reducing alcohol intake Eating a healthy, balanced diet, including five portions of fruit and vegetables every day Taking regular exercise Monitoring blood pressure There is also some evidence to suggest that rates of dementia are lower in people who try to remain mentally and socially active. This could be achieved by volunteering in the local community, taking part in group activities, reading, socialising with friends, and trying new hobbies. Scientific studies There is still much that needs to be understood about the risk factors, diagnosis and effective treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Research is helping scientists, doctors, and the global healthcare community to build a more detailed picture of what happens in the brain when Alzheimer’s disease develops. There is a significant number of ongoing research projects into Alzheimer’s disease throughout the world. In 2020, there were 121 unique therapies in clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease, as registered on the global database clinicaltrials.gov. The largest category of drugs in these clinical trials is disease‐modifying agents that target the onset or progression of Alzheimer’s disease. There is also a growing number of drugs known as repurposed agents which have been developed for other diseases that may also treat Alzheimer’s effectively (4). Researchers are keen to find a way to stop or delay disease progression. More work needs to be done in this area, but there is increasing understanding of how Alzheimer’s disease disrupts the brain. This has led to potential treatment options that ‘short-circuit’ the disease process (1). Future Alzheimer’s treatment developments may include a combination of different drugs. This is a similar approach to the treatment of certain cancers and HIV and AIDS which involve the administration of several medications. Treatment strategies currently being investigated include: Medications to target the build-up of the protein beta-amyloid (plaques) that are a characteristic sign of Alzheimer’s disease. Some drugs known as monoclonal antibodies may prevent clusters of plaques forming or remove them completely (5) Drugs that prevent Fyn, a protein in the brain that interacts with beta-amyloid triggering a loss of connections between nerve cells (synapses) (6) Experimental medications aimed at blocking the activity of certain enzymes involved in the production of beta-amyloid (7) Ways to prevent the protein tau twisting to form tangles – microscopic fibres that are another common characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. Clinical trials are underway on tau inhibitors and vaccines (8) Researchers are looking specifically at the inflammation in the brain Alzheimer’s causes. A medication that may stimulate the immune system into protecting the brain from harmful proteins is being investigated (9) Scientists are studying the effects of insulin on the brain and its function and how levels of insulin may affect Alzheimer’s disease (10) A number of studies are exploring the connection between the development of Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular health (11) More work also needs to be done on the effects of taking hormones to prevent Alzheimer’s. Initial research into taking oestrogen-based therapy for at least a year during perimenopause or early menopause suggests it protects thinking and memory processes in women who are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (12) The development of new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease is a slow process requiring painstaking detailed research and analysis (13). While the pace can be frustrating for people with the disease and their families, who are waiting for new treatment options, there is optimism that progress is being made into improving the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Alzheimer’s. Referenced sources Dementia. World Health Organization website. Published September 21, 2020. Accessed December 2020. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia Kawas CH, Corrada MM. Alzheimer’s and dementia in the oldest-old: a century of challenges. Curr Alzheimer Res. 2006;3(5):411-419. doi:10.2174/156720506779025233 What causes Alzheimer’s disease? National Institute on Aging website. Updated December 24, 2019. Accessed February 2021. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-causes-alzheimers-disease Livingston G, Sommerlad A, Orgeta V et al. Dementia prevention, intervention and care. Lancet. 2017;390(10113):2673-2734. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(17)31363-6 Cummings J, Lee G, Ritter A, Sabbagh M, Zhong K. Alzheimer’s disease drug development pipeline: 2020. Alzheimers Dement (NY). 2020;6(1):e12050. doi:10.1002/trc2.12050 Murphy MP, LeVine H III. Alzheimer’s disease and the β-amyloid peptide. J Alzheimers Dis. 2010;19(1):311-323. doi:10.3233/JAD-2010-1221 Nygaard HB, van Dyck CH, Strittmatter SM. Fyn kinase inhibition as a novel therapy for Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimers Res Ther. 2014;6(1):8. doi:10.1186/alzrt238 Huang LK, Chao SP, Hu CJ. Clinical trials of new drugs for Alzheimer disease. J Biomed Sci. 2020;27(1):18. doi: 10.1186/s12929-019-0609-7 Al Mamun A, Uddin MS, Mathew B, Ghulam MA. Toxic tau: structural origins of tau aggregation in Alzheimer’s disease. Neural Regen Res. 2020;15(8)1417-1420. doi:10.4103/1673-5374.274329 Kinney JW, Bemiller SM, Murtishaw AS, Leisgang AM, Salazar AM, Lamb BT. Inflammation as a central mechanism in Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimers Dement (NY). 2018;4:575-590. doi:10.1016/j.trci.2018.06.014 Kellar D, Craft S. Brain insulin resistance in Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders: mechanisms and therapeutic approaches. Lancet. 2020;19(9):758-766. doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(20)30231-3 Tublin JM, Adelstein JM, Del Monte F, Combs CK, Wold LE. Getting to the heart of Alzheimer disease. Circ Res. 2019;124(1):142-149. doi:10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.118.313563 Savolainen-Peltonen H, Rahkola-Soisalo P, Hoti F et al. Use of postmenopausal hormone therapy and risk of Alzheimer’s disease in Finland: nationwide case-control study. BMJ. 2019;364:l665. doi:10.1136/bmj.l665 Cavedo E, Lista S, Khachaturian Z et al. The road ahead to cure Alzheimer’s disease: development of biological markers and neuroimaging methods for prevention trials across all stages and target populations. J Prev Alzheimers Dis. 2014;1(3):181-202. doi:10.14283/jpad.2014.32 Related articles Alzheimer's, Dementia The difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia Alzheimer's The importance of early detection of Alzheimer’s disease Mental health Why mental health is important You might be interested in… Go to Knowledge Hub ALZHEIMER'S The difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia The process of human aging is complex and yet not well understood. Our body changes with age and our brain too. There are some cognitive modifications experienced by all persons, mainly slowness of the speed of processing information, less attention span, difficulties in multi-tasking and naming. Read more ALZHEIMER'S The importance of early detection of Alzheimer’s disease CEAFA (Spanish Alzheimer’s Confederation) estimates that around 1,200,000 people could suffer from Alzheimer’s in Spain. The figure is obtained from the prevalence of the disease in all age ranges. As for the Spanish Neurology Society (SEN), it warns of an alarming underdiagnosis in our country, stating that up to 30% of cases could be undiagnosed. Read more ALZHEIMER'S Alzheimer’s disease: caring for the carers Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive and irreversible brain disorder that is the most common cause of dementia. It compromises memory and cognitive ability, causing distress and suffering to people, often overwhelming their families and carers. More than 50 million people worldwide are living with dementia with the number is forecast to rise to 152 million by 2050. Read more CNS Portfolio Neuraxpharm About us Our commitment Executive committee Neuraxpharm Blog Support Contact us Ethics and Compliance Channel Neuraxpharm @ 2021 Cookies policy Privacy policy Legal disclaimer Join our mailing list Get the latest updates from the Neuraxpharm.