Early warning signs of Alzheimer's disease: You may be closer than you think

What is Alzheimer's disease?

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder and the most common form of dementia among the elderly. It manifests primarily as memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral abnormalities, ultimately impacting patients' ability to function in daily life. This is not simply a case of "natural aging," but rather a pathological brain degeneration for which there is currently no cure.

1. Causes and Risk Factors

The precise cause of Alzheimer's disease is not yet fully understood, but research suggests it involves the accumulation of abnormal proteins in the brain, including beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles. These abnormalities lead to neuronal damage and death, which in turn impairs brain function. Genetics play a significant role. For example, carrying the APOE ε4 allele increases the risk of developing the disease, but not all carriers will develop the disease.

Additionally, multiple risk factors are associated with Alzheimer's disease, including age (risk increases significantly in those over 65 years of age), family history, cardiovascular disease (such as hypertension and diabetes), head trauma, lack of educational and cognitive stimulation, and lifestyle factors (such as smoking, lack of exercise, and an unhealthy diet). Recent research also highlights the importance of modifiable risk factors, such as controlling blood pressure, staying physically active, and engaging in cognitive training, which may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.（ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350447 ）

2. Symptoms and Progression

Alzheimer's disease symptoms typically develop slowly and worsen over time. Early symptoms include memory loss, particularly in the short term, such as forgetting recent events or repeating questions. Patients may experience language impairment, impaired judgment, and mood changes, such as irritability or depression.

Symptoms in the middle and late stages are more severe and include disorientation, inability to recognize familiar people or objects, behavioral problems (such as wandering or aggression), and loss of daily activities such as dressing and eating. Ultimately, patients may become completely dependent on care and face complications such as difficulty swallowing and infections, resulting in an average lifespan of four to eight years. The severity of symptoms varies from person to person, but brain atrophy is a common feature.（ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9164-alzheimers-disease ）

3. Diagnostic Methods

Many people delay seeking medical treatment due to the misconception that "aging is the natural process of forgetfulness." In reality, Alzheimer's disease can be assessed through medical evaluation. The diagnostic process typically includes:

• A detailed medical history: To understand when symptoms first appeared and how quickly they progress.

• Neuropsychological testing: Such as the MMSE and MoCA scales, which assess cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and language.

• Blood and imaging tests: To rule out reversible dementias such as thyroid disease, vitamin deficiencies, and brain tumors.

• Cerebrospinal fluid analysis or PET scan: To detect abnormalities in Aβ or Tau proteins, aiding in early diagnosis.

The significance of early diagnosis lies not only in knowing what is happening but also in buying time for intervention and slowing the progression of the disease.

4. Preventive Measures

While Alzheimer's disease cannot be completely prevented, multiple studies have shown that a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk. Key preventive strategies include:

• Cardiovascular health: Controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar reduces the risk of stroke.

• Physical activity: At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as walking or swimming.

• Cognitive stimulation: Lifelong learning, reading, or playing educational games.

• Diet: A Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, and nuts. • Social interaction: Maintain social connections and avoid isolation.

• Risk avoidance: Quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and protect against head injuries.

5.Conclusion

Alzheimer's disease is a complex disease, but through continued research and increased public awareness, we are moving closer to better management and prevention. Families should seek professional support, such as joining support groups or consulting a doctor. In the future, with the emergence of new treatments, the burden of this disease is expected to decrease. Focusing on a healthy lifestyle early on is a positive step everyone can take.