Alzheimer's Disease FAQs

1. What is Alzheimer's disease?
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys memory and thinking skills. It is the most common form of dementia.

2. How does Alzheimer's affect the brain?
Alzheimer's disease causes abnormal clumps (amyloid plaques) and tangled fibers (neurofibrillary tangles) to build up in the brain. These disrupt the communication between nerve cells, leading to the decline of cognitive function.

3. What are the early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's?
Early signs of Alzheimer's often include:

• Memory loss, especially of recent events
• Difficulty with familiar tasks
• Challenges with language
• Disorientation to time and place
• Changes in mood or behavior
• Problems with judgment

4. How is Alzheimer's diagnosed?
There's no single test to diagnose Alzheimer's. Doctors typically conduct a thorough medical and cognitive evaluation, including:

• Medical history and physical exam
• Cognitive tests
• Blood tests
• Imaging tests (like MRI or PET scans)

5. What are the different stages of Alzheimer's disease?
Alzheimer's progresses gradually through several stages:

• Early-stage: Mild memory loss, difficulty with tasks.
• Middle stage: Increased memory loss, confusion, mood swings, challenges with daily activities.
• Late-stage: Severe memory loss, loss of ability to communicate, dependence on others for basic care.

6. What causes Alzheimer's disease?
The exact cause of Alzheimer's is unknown, but researchers believe a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors play a role.

7. Is Alzheimer's disease hereditary?
While not everyone with a family history of Alzheimer's will develop it, genetics can increase the risk. Some genes are directly linked to the disease, while others may contribute to a higher risk.

8. Are there lifestyle factors that can decrease the risk of Alzheimer's?
Several lifestyle factors are linked to a reduced risk of Alzheimer's, including:

• Regular physical exercise
• Healthy diet
• Cognitive stimulation (learning new things, puzzles)
• Social interaction
• Adequate sleep

9. Can Alzheimer's disease be prevented?
While there's no guaranteed way to prevent Alzheimer's, adopting a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk. Early detection and treatment of other health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease are also important.

10. What is the difference between Alzheimer's disease and dementia?
Alzheimer's is one type of dementia. Dementia is a general term for a decline in cognitive function that interferes with daily activities. Other types of dementia include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.