Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease that affects more than just a person’s memory. It impacts their judgment, mood and their ability to perform everyday tasks like getting dressed or even using the bathroom on their own.
It’s not only those diagnosed who feel the effects of this debilitating disease, as families are left to helplessly watch their loved ones experience physical and cognitive decline. However, advancements in Alzheimer’s research offer hope. The possibilities of early diagnosis and slowing the disease’s progression are both on the horizon.
What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Before we explore the latest advancements in in Alzheimer’s research, let’s discuss the question on everyone’s mind: What is Alzheimer’s disease (AD)?
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80% of dementia cases. Dementia is an umbrella term for conditions that cause a decline in mental functioning, and Alzheimer’s is a specific disease that falls under this category, characterized by distinct symptoms including:
- Memory loss
- Inability to keep track of dates and current location
- Repeating questions
- Forgetting recently learned information
- Difficulty being in new situations
- Inability to learn new concepts
- Increased anxiety or aggression
Causes of Alzheimer’s Disease
So, what are the causes of Alzheimer’s disease? Scientists have worked tirelessly in recent years to discover the root causes of the condition but still don’t fully understand them. Many experts in the field of aging believe it’s caused by a combination of factors, including:
- Genetics
- Lifestyle factors, like heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure
- Environmental factors, like exposure to smoking and air pollution
When these factors combine, they can lead to significant changes in the brain that contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Someone diagnosed with AD often presents with the following neurological changes:
Amyloid-Beta Plaques
Amyloid-beta proteins normally help protect the brain from oxidative stress and aid in recovery from injuries. However, when these proteins cluster between neurons, they form sticky plaques. These plaques can disrupt normal cell function and trigger an inflammatory response, leading to the death of neurons: key cells responsible for brain function.
Tau Tangles
More than just a tongue twister, Tau tangles refer to another type of protein, called tau, that collects inside neurons. Typically, tau proteins help stabilize microtubules (tiny highway-like tubes that transfer important cell material) within neurons.
In people with Alzheimer’s, however, chemical changes in the brain cause tau to detach from microtubules and clump together, forming tangles inside the neurons. This tangling impairs the transport of nutrients and neurotransmitters between cells, further contributing to neuronal death.
Recent Advancements in Early Diagnosis
Early diagnosis of AD allows physicians more time to plan and implement personalized, effective care for patients before their symptoms worsen. Traditionally, AD diagnosis has relied on cognitive tests and brain imaging scans. However, several emerging diagnostic methods show promise:
- Blood tests
Researchers are developing blood tests to detect biomarkers like amyloid-beta and tau proteins. These tests offer a less invasive alternative to methods like spinal taps and may present a more affordable option than genetic testing and advanced imaging techniques.
- Artificial intelligence
AI technologies, including machine learning, can enhance diagnostic accuracy by analyzing brain scans for patterns commonly seen in Alzheimer’s disease. These algorithms may also detect subtle brain changes that are not easily visible through traditional methods, potentially leading to earlier and more accurate diagnoses.
The Latest Treatment for Alzheimer’s
With more advanced medications available for early diagnosis of AD, it’s now possible to delay symptom progression. This can help individuals maintain a better quality of life than was previously possible.
One of the latest treatment options is lecanemab (Leqembi), a drug that aims to slow cognitive decline in people with mild forms of Alzheimer’s. Approved by the FDA in 2023, the drug works by preventing amyloid-beta proteins from clumping and may also remove existing plaque in the brain.
Tips for Preventing Alzheimer’s
Completing three Sudoku puzzles a day, eating brain-boosting foods, and leading a healthy lifestyle won’t guarantee protection from an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. However, with less than 5% of Alzheimer’s cases being hereditary, there are numerous proactive steps you can take to potentially lower your risk:
- Consider incorporating the Mediterranean diet.
The Mediterranean diet emphasizes eliminating processed foods in favor of a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, olive oil, beans and whole grains. According to a recent study that analyzed brain tissue from participants who donated their brains to dementia research, those who adhered more closely to the Mediterranean diet showed fewer signs of amyloid plaques.
- Add exercise to your weekly routine.
According to the Alzheimer’s Society, older adults who exercise regularly experience improved thinking and memory, along with reduced rates of dementia. Whether you choose to walk for 30 minutes a day or attend a yoga class a few times a week, incorporating exercise into your routine can be a proactive step in maintaining cognitive health.
- Get ample sleep each night.
There’s a reason we spend one-third of our lives sleeping — it improves our ability to learn new information, keeps us more alert, gives our immune system a boost and reduces stress levels. In addition, if you experience extended periods of disturbed sleep or aren’t getting those crucial eight hours a night, you are more likely to have an increase in amyloid-beta proteins, a factor that increases the likelihood of getting AD.
Join Aging Experts in the Search for a Cure for Alzheimer’s Disease
With continued perseverance and medical breakthroughs, experts in aging hope to one day cure the 7 million people currently living with Alzheimer’s. If you’re passionate about joining the medical professionals working to help people with AD, or you’re looking to start a career in the field of aging, the University of Florida offers several online programs tailored to help you advance your career:
You can earn your graduate credential in as little as one year, starting when it’s convenient for you. What’s stopping you from chasing your dreams — and helping make the dreams of others a reality? Fill out an application today.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10561010/
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-symptoms-and-diagnosis/what-are-signs-alzheimers-disease
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15287821/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK605104/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/alzheimers-treatments/art-20047780
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/managing-the-risk-of-dementia/reduce-your-risk-of-dementia/physical-activity
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9168575/