Alzheimer’s Awareness
Posted on October 31, 2016 by bob in In Every Life
November is designated as World Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of several types of cognitive decline or dementia (de=without, mentia=mind). The 2016 estimate (using data from the 2010 U. S. Census) is that 5.4 billion Americans of all ages have AD: 5.2 million age 65 and older and about 200,000 under age 65 who have younger onset AD. A rich source of information is available in the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2016 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, which includes a special report about the Personal Financial Impact of Alzheimer’s on 
Families (see ‘resources’).
Alzheimer’s is under-diagnosed and underreported. Symptoms include changes in mood, difficulty with memory, word recall, reasoning, judgment, problem-solving, and balance (or transient loss of consciousness) that are components of everyday activities. Sometimes, these symptoms are experienced due to depression, delirium, side effects of medications or use of alcohol, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems, or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) that may progress to AD. Early recognition of symptoms promotes earlier diagnosis and treatment, especially of potentially reversible conditions (‘resources’).
Although the cause is unknown, recent research has identified strong links between specific clusters of genes to the development of amyloid-beta protein fragments, which collect to develop plaques outside brain neurons. The protein “tau” is also involved as it twists into tangles inside the neurons. These changes lead to destruction of neurons, so that the brain has areas of missing tissue that can be seen on diagnostic imaging. Although each person’s experience with AD is unique, early-onset AD usually progresses more quickly because the disease pathology is more aggressive, thought to be due to a greater production of amyloid-beta proteins.
Although there are some medications approved by the Federal Drug Administration for AD, these medications do not cure it or stop the progression. Often, other diseases are experienced by those who are hospitalized with AD, such as congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes, or cancer. Prevention or management of these diseases may also help AD symptoms. Additionally, recent research findings have indicated that a multi-pronged approach is beneficial.
One promising study involved carefully personalized metabolic enhancements based on an individualized assessment to reduce inflammation and glucose levels, and replace specific vitamins (‘resources’).
Other studies include: benefits of exercise to maintain function and circulation, mental stimulation such as word games or learning another language or music, managing stress and healthy diet.
Family caregivers are an important consideration. Care for caregivers is imperative to prevent decline in both the caregiver and care recipient. In Sept. 2016, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine published a report from the Committee on Family Caregiving for Older Adults (‘resources’). It provides data that should be considered and discussed among families. Additionally, information is available from the Alabama Agency on Aging (‘resources’).
RESOURCES
Alzheimer’s Assn. Facts — http://bit.ly/1VBMD7l
Early Signs/Symptoms — http://bit.ly/28Y2Aks
New Study — http://bit.ly/2dMMu1d
Caregiver Report — http://bit.ly/2cpg9vd
AL Agency on Aging — http://www.alabamaageline.gov/
Arlene H. Morris, EdD, RN, CNE is Professor of Nursing, Auburn Montgomery School of Nursing. Reach her at amorris@aum.edu.
Correction: The author regrets an error in the October 2016 In Every Life column that stated, “IPF is a subtype of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia, in the pattern of unusual interstitial pneumonia.” It should have stated “usual” interstitial pneumonia.
