Category: Disease

Sep 05

Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological condition that profoundly impacts cognitive functions such as memory, reasoning, and language. In the United States, over 6 million individuals aged 65 and above are affected by this disease. It’s important to distinguish between Alzheimer’s disease and the term “dementia.” While dementia is a broad term encompassing cognitive decline, including memory, thinking, and reasoning issues, Alzheimer’s specifically refers to a distinct disease. In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, individuals may encounter difficulties with memory, word retrieval, and occasional lapses in judgment. The disease typically progresses from mild (early-stage) to moderate and eventually severe (late-stage) Alzheimer’s. Symptoms The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease primarily involve disruptions in cognitive functions. When diagnosing Alzheimer’s, healthcare professionals consider the following major categories of symptoms:4 In addition to these major symptom categories, individuals with Alzheimer’s may also experience the following: Early Warning Signs As you age, it’s normal to experience some memory changes. However, if you or those around you notice the following issues occurring more frequently, it’s important to consider speaking to a healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation:6 Mild (Early-Stage) Alzheimer’s Disease Symptoms During the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease, individuals often receive a diagnosis as symptoms become noticeable. In this mild stage, cognitive, behavioral, and personality changes begin to affect daily life on a frequent basis Cognition: Other cognitive issues may include difficulties with: Behavior: Individuals with mild Alzheimer’s may display the following behaviors: Personality: In the early stage of Alzheimer’s, individuals may experience new or intensified manifestations of: Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease Symptoms In moderate Alzheimer’s disease, the areas of the brain responsible for language, reasoning, thought processes, and sensory perception are further affected. Individuals at this stage require increased assistance and supervision. As the symptoms that were present in the early stage progress, new concerns arise. Cognitive, behavioral, and psychological changes become more pronounced, including difficulties in: Additionally, individuals may experience physical symptoms, including: Severe (Late-Stage) Alzheimer’s Disease Symptoms In the late stage of Alzheimer’s disease, significant changes occur in the brain, resulting in physical shrinkage of brain tissue. Individuals with severe Alzheimer’s are typically unable to communicate effectively and require full assistance with their daily care. They experience a wide range of physical concerns and rely entirely on their caregivers. They are often bedridden or spend most of their time in bed. At this stage, individuals with late-stage Alzheimer’s may struggle or be unable to perform the following tasks: In addition to the cognitive and functional challenges, individuals in the late stage of Alzheimer’s may also experience various physical issues, including: When to See a Healthcare Provider If you are experiencing memory or cognitive issues that are interfering with your daily life, it is important to seek guidance from a healthcare provider. Additionally, if people around you have noticed changes in your mood, personality, or ability to complete tasks, it is worth considering a conversation with a healthcare professional. To begin, you can schedule an appointment with a primary care doctor who can assess your condition and provide initial guidance. Depending on their evaluation, they may refer you to a neurologist, who specializes in brain and spinal cord conditions, or a geriatrician, who specializes in aging and care for older adults. A neuropsychologist can conduct memory and cognitive assessments, while a geriatric psychiatrist can evaluate any emotional difficulties you may be experiencing. Seeking medical attention as soon as you or others observe changes in your cognitive abilities can lead to earlier and more effective Alzheimer’s treatment. It is also possible that the symptoms may be caused by another treatable or curable condition, such as vitamin D deficiency or medication side effects. Remember, consulting with a healthcare provider will help provide a proper evaluation, diagnosis, and appropriate care for your specific situation. Rapid recap While occasional memory or cognitive issues are common with aging, Alzheimer’s disease leads to dementia and significant cognitive loss that interferes with daily life. Initially, Alzheimer’s affects cognition, personality, and behavior, eventually progressing to difficulties with basic tasks and a loss of communication and self-care abilities. If you or those around you notice changes in thinking, personality, or mood, it is important to seek advice from a healthcare provider. This can include a primary care doctor, neurologist, or geriatrician, who can help rule out other potential causes and initiate early Alzheimer’s treatment and planning as necessary. Taking action and seeking professional guidance can lead to appropriate support and care.

Sep 05

How Is Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosed?

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurological condition that leads to a significant decline in cognitive abilities, including memory, thinking, and judgment. Early detection is crucial for effective symptom management and improved quality of life. AD is most prevalent among individuals aged 65 and older and is distinguishable from normal age-related memory changes. Unlike typical memory changes, AD symptoms disrupt daily life and impair independent functioning. Diagnosing AD involves a comprehensive assessment using multiple tests, as there is no single diagnostic tool available. If you observe changes in your own memory or notice symptoms of AD in a loved one or caregiver, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. During the appointment, the healthcare provider will conduct a thorough medical history review, physical examination, psychiatric evaluation, and may order additional tests such as neurological exams, blood tests, and imaging scans. Undergoing testing for AD can be intimidating, and it is normal to feel apprehensive. If you are experiencing memory changes, having a loved one accompany you to the appointment can provide support. Similarly, if you believe a loved one requires testing, gently encouraging them to bring a trusted companion can be beneficial. Having support during the appointment aids in creating a comfortable environment and facilitates the provider’s understanding of recent changes in cognition and behavior reported by others. Medical History Obtaining a comprehensive medical history is an essential part of the evaluation process conducted by healthcare providers. During your initial appointment, your provider may inquire about the following aspects:45 During the appointment, healthcare providers may also request to interview a loved one to gather their perspective on any cognitive, behavioral, or psychological changes they have noticed before proceeding with additional tests. Cognitive and Neurological Exams Cognitive and neurological exams are essential in detecting changes in memory, thinking, and behavior. These tests provide valuable insights into an individual’s cognitive abilities and are typically conducted by neurologists, psychiatrists, or psychologists. The exams can be comprehensive and may require multiple sessions or several hours to complete. The primary goal is to assess various brain functions using a range of tests. Some of the functions that may be evaluated include: To examine these functions, healthcare providers may employ different types of exams, such as: Spinal Tap A spinal tap, also known as a lumbar puncture, is a procedure used to collect a small sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for analysis. CSF is a fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord and can provide valuable information about various neurological conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). During a spinal tap, a healthcare provider inserts a needle into the lower back to access the spinal canal and collect a sample of CSF. In the case of AD, specific proteins in the CSF, known as biomarkers, can indicate the presence or progression of the disease. Abnormal levels of these biomarkers, such as amyloid-beta and tau proteins, can help support an AD diagnosis. However, it’s important to note that CSF biomarker analysis is not a definitive diagnostic test for AD and is often used in combination with other assessments. Ongoing research in the field aims to explore alternative methods for detecting biomarkers associated with AD. One area of focus is the development of blood-based biomarkers, which would be easier and less invasive to obtain than CSF samples. In May 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new CSF test for AD, indicating ongoing advancements in diagnostic techniques. It’s important to be aware that not all hospitals offer spinal tap exams, and the availability and coverage may vary depending on your healthcare insurance. If you and your healthcare provider believe that a spinal tap may be beneficial in your case, it is advisable to discuss the procedure with your provider and insurance company to determine feasibility and coverage options. Brain Imaging There are additional exams and measures that healthcare providers may utilize, each with its own scoring guidelines and criteria. The results of these exams contribute to determining the subsequent steps and appropriate diagnosis or treatment plan for you or your loved one. Brain imaging tests and lab tests play an important role in the diagnostic process for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by providing additional information and ruling out other conditions. The main types of brain imaging tests include: It is important to note that imaging tests alone cannot diagnose AD, but they can help rule out other conditions and provide insights into the brain’s structure. Therefore, they are often used in combination with cognitive exams. Lab Tests While blood and urine tests cannot directly diagnose AD, they can help identify related conditions that may be causing symptoms. These tests can check for infections, vitamin deficiencies, and other underlying conditions that may contribute to cognitive impairment. Screening for Related Conditions Screening for related conditions is also an important part of the diagnostic process. Symptoms of AD can overlap with other conditions, and healthcare providers will often screen for these conditions to rule them out. Some of the conditions or situations that can cause similar symptoms to AD include: If a provider suspects a different condition may be responsible for the symptoms, they may order additional tests or refer you or your loved one to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment.