Alzheimer's Disease Basics - What causes Alzheimer’s disease?

What causes Alzheimer’s disease?

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The following is a list of questions to ask your doctor What causes Alzheimer’s disease? as well as tips for preparing for these conversations.

1. What causes Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s is a disease of the brain that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. It progresses slowly but eventually results in severe damage to the brain. Although scientists know that Alzheimer’s disease is related to failing brain cells, they do not fully understand why and how it occurs. A leading theory suggests that the brains of people with Alzheimer’s have numerous abnormal structures called plaques and tangles. Plaques are deposits that build up between the brain cells, and tangles are fibers that develop inside brain cells. Many scientists believe that plaques and tangles cause Alzheimer’s by damaging brain cells and impairing their function. Plaques and tangles develop first in the parts of the brain used for memory. This is why memory problems are often the first sign of Alzheimer’s.

2. Am I at risk for Alzheimer’s disease?

The risk of developing Alzheimer’s increases with age (most people who develop Alzheimer’s are over 65). A family history of Alzheimer’s and certain genetic traits also increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Many of the risk factors associated with heart disease (high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes, for example) are also risk factors for Alzheimer’s.

3. What are the early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease?

The most common symptom of early Alzheimer’s disease is memory loss. People with early Alzheimer’s begin to forget many things, such as common words, how to make a telephone call, how to get to the grocery store, or where to put the ice cream. They may also show poor judgment or develop changes in mood, behavior, or personality. Although some of the early symptoms of Alzheimer’s are similar to the forgetfulness people experience as they get older, Alzheimer’s disease is not a part of normal aging. For example, although it is normal to occasionally forget where you left your car keys, it is not normal to put them in the freezer.

4. How will you determine if I have Alzheimer’s disease?

Although there is no single test for diagnosing Alzheimer’s, an experienced doctor can diagnose the disease in about 90% of patients by doing a thorough examination. The doctor will ask about your medical and family history, recent symptoms, ability to do everyday tasks, and current medications (some drugs can cause memory problems). The doctor will evaluate your mood and mental status, and perform various tests and scans to rule out other causes of symptoms.

Diagnosing Alzheimer’s when the disease is in its early, mild stage provides the best opportunity to preserve brain function and slow mental decline.

5. How can you treat Alzheimer’s disease?

There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, and there is no way to slow or stop the damage to the brain cells. But there are several medications that can improve the mental and behavioral symptoms of the disease. There are currently two types of drugs that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of Alzheimer's:

Cholinesterase inhibitors maintain elevated levels of a brain chemical that is important for memory and learning
Memantine regulates the activity and blocks the effects of a chemical that damages brain cells

The ultimate goals of starting treatment in patients with early Alzheimer's disease is to stabilize the symptoms and improve quality of life. If you or someone you know is suffering from Alzheimer's disease, your doctor can provide you with additional information regarding these treatments.

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