Neurodegenerative Disease: Alzheimer’s

Written by: Caroline Kim

August 24, 2024

Today we’ll discuss the infamous neurodegenerative disease that is the 7th leading cause of death in the United States: Alzheimer's disease. This brain disorder affects a person’s memory, thinking, and ability to carry out everyday tasks. Experts estimate that over 6 million Americans are affected by it, and of this statistic more than 70% are aged 75 years or older (Mayo Clinic Staff). 

More specific symptoms regarding memory loss may include repeating statements/questions, misplacing items, getting lost in familiar places, and forgetting names (Mayo Clinic Staff). Poor thinking and judgment symptoms could be in the form of difficulty managing finances, wearing the wrong outfit for the weather, or not knowing how to cook (Mayo Clinic Staff). Behavioral patterns may involve social withdrawal, distrust, aggression, wandering, and delusion (Mayo Clinic Staff). 

Age is the most significant risk factor for Alzheimer’s, but other factors such as family history, and lifestyle can also impact one’s risk. Those who have a biological parent/sibling diagnosed with Alzheimer’s have a 10-30% increased risk for developing the condition. Other risk factors include traumatic head injury, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and obesity (Cleveland Clinic Professional). While there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s, there are treatment options to alleviate the symptoms of the condition. Treatments may target maintaining a healthy brain, behavioral management, and delaying/slowing symptoms. On average, Alzheimer’s patients over the age of 65 generally only live up to 4-8 years after diagnosis, but younger patients may live up to 20 years after diagnosis of the condition (Cleveland Clinic Professional).

Some of the main features of Alzheimer's include amyloid plaques, fiber tangles, and diminished neurons in the brain (National Institute of Health). Damage to the brain begins in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex which control memory; later it progresses to regions such as the cerebral cortex which are responsible for reasoning, behavior, and language (National Institute of Health). “The early loss of synaptic connections is one of the main hallmarks of cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's… there is a reduction in glucose entering the brain and also a decrease in energy production that can affect neurons due to their high energy needs… there is some evidence suggesting decreased neurogenesis in areas of the brain involved in memory and learning.” (National Institute of Health). For more details on how Alzheimer’s affects the biology of the brain, I would highly recommend referencing the link under the homepage of this blog!

Sources:

1. National Institute of Health. “Alzheimer’s Disease Fact Sheet | National Institute on Aging.” Alzheimer’s Disease Fact Sheet, 5 Apr. 2023, www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet. Accessed 24 Aug. 2024. 

2. CDC. “What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 26 Oct. 2020, www.cdc.gov/aging/aginginfo/alzheimers.htm. Accessed 24 Aug. 2024. 

3. Mayo Clinic Staff. “Alzheimer’s Disease.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 10 July 2024, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350447. Accessed 24 Aug. 2024. 

4. Cleveland Clinic Professional. “Alzheimer’s Disease: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Stages.” Cleveland Clinic, 13 June 2024, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9164-alzheimers-disease. Accessed 24 Aug. 2024. 

5. National Institute of Health. “What Happens to the Brain in Alzheimer’s Disease? | National Institute on Aging.” What Happens to the Brain in Alzheimer’s Disease?, 19 Jan. 2024, www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-causes-and-risk-factors/what-happens-brain-alzheimers-disease. Accessed 24 Aug. 2024.