Alzheimer’s Disease

 

This month, Long Term Solutions will be participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. This will be the third year that we’re participating, and it’s a cause that we are very passionate about. Alzheimer’s disease is the most commonly diagnosed form of dementia. In 2006, there were 26.6 million people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. This number is expected to be 1 in 85 by 2050.

Alzheimer’s disease can only be definitively diagnosed post-mortem. There are two characteristic markers that signal Alzheimer’s disease: plaques and tangles. Plaque is a build-up of beta-amyloid protein fragments, and these accumulate in the brain between nerve cells. The tangles are created when another protein, tau, twists together and creates these clumps or tangles. With Alzheimer’s disease, these develop in the parts of the brain that are crucial for memory. Eventually, the nerve cells in the brain die off and then cause the typical symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

What are some of the first symptoms of Alzheimer’s? Here are ten early signs, from the Alzheimer’s Association:

- Is the individual experiencing memory loss that impacts their day to day life?

- Are they having issues solving problems? Are they having difficulty solving problems?

- Does it seem like the individual is experiencing difficulty with routine tasks that they used to be able to do?

- One key symptom is being unable to conceptualize the date and the time.

- Does it seem like they are having issues with visual images and spatial relationships?

- Are they having problems with new words? Are they having trouble reading or writing?

- Do they frequently lose things? Are they unable to retrace their steps?

- Does it seem like they have been making poor decisions? Does their judgment seem sound?

- Have they been avoiding social activities?

- Lastly, have you noticed changes in mood and personality?

All of these can signal cognitive changes in older adults. If you recognize these symptoms in an individual, you should contact their primary physician immediately.

You can visit the Long Term Solutions team page by clicking here.