Alzheimer's

The Brain

Scientists and researchers do not fully understand what causes Alzheimer’s disease or how the disease process begins, but it seems likely that the damage to the brain starts a decade or more before problems become evident. The death of brain cells in Alzheimer’s disease has been linked to two proteins called beta- amyloid and tau. Beta- amyloid forms the plaques and tau forms the tangles; which causes once healthy neurons to work less efficiently and eventually die (Dilworth, Pierre., & Hilliard, 2012). Recent studies at Stanford University School of Medicine however suggests that Alzheimer’s disease starts to manifest long before plaque formation becomes evident, and thus may help explain the failures in recent years of attempting to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s by pharmacologically ridding the brain of amyloid plaques. It is likely however that the causes include a mix of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors (2013). Many studies have linked the Apo lipoprotein gene to late onset Alzheimer’s disease, and most experts believe additional genes may influence the development of a late onset of the disease.

A nutritious diet, a lot of exercise, social engagement, and mentally stimulating pursuits can all help people stay healthy. New research suggests that such healthy lifestyle choices also might help reduce the risk of cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists are investigating associations between cognitive decline and heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity, as well as lifestyle practices (Kantrowitz, & Springen, 2007).

Warning Signs

Alzheimers is a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. Sometimes it can be difficult to differentiate between normal changes that occur with aging and something more serious like Alzheimer’s disease. The Alzheimer’s Association has a list of ten warning signs of the disease and each warning sign includes a description with...