Alzheimer's disease: the invisible invader of cognition

Alzheimer's disease: the invisible invader of cognition

As the pace of aging society accelerates, the term Alzheimer's disease (AD) has gradually entered the public eye. As the most common type of dementia, Alzheimer's disease not only damages the patient's memory and cognitive function, but also brings a heavy burden to the patient's family and society. This article will take you to understand the basics of Alzheimer's disease, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and prevention strategies.

Ⅰ. Causes of Alzheimer's disease

The exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is still not fully understood, but it is generally believed that it is the result of multiple factors such as genetics, environment, and lifestyle. In the brain, the accumulation of abnormal beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (composed of tau protein) are two hallmark pathological features of Alzheimer's disease.

Ⅱ. Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease

The early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease may be very subtle and can easily be ignored or mistaken for part of normal aging. Here are some symptoms that may be overlooked in the early stages:

  • Memory loss, especially short-term memory loss.
  • Difficulty completing familiar daily tasks.
  • Language problems, such as forgetting simple words or misnaming objects.
  • Disorientation, such as becoming disoriented or confusing dates and times.
  • Decreased judgment and decision-making.
  • Changes in mood and personality, including depression, anxiety, or irritability.
  • Visual and spatial perception disorders: Difficulty judging distances and colors, making it difficult to read, drive, or recognize familiar objects.

Ⅲ. Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease

Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease usually requires a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, neuropsychological testing, and brain imaging (such as MRI or CT scans). In some cases, doctors may also perform cerebrospinal fluid testing or PET scans to rule out other possible causes.

Ⅳ. Prevention of Alzheimer's disease

  1. Healthy diet:

    • Adopt a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and fish.
    • Control the intake of salt, sugar, and saturated fat.

  2. Exercise regularly:

    • At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking, swimming, or biking.
    • A comprehensive exercise program that includes strength training and balance training.

  3. Stay socially active:

    • Maintain positive social connections with family, friends, and the community.
    • Participate in social activities, such as joining a club, volunteering, or taking interest classes.

  4. Challenge your brain:

    • Do regular cognitively stimulating activities, such as reading, writing, playing board games, or learning new skills.
    • Try new hobbies or participate in activities that require thinking.

  5. Manage chronic diseases:

    • Control high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, which are associated with an increased risk of dementia.
    • Get regular physical examinations to diagnose and treat chronic diseases in a timely manner.

  6. Avoid smoking and excessive drinking:

    • Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption, as both smoking and excessive drinking are associated with decreased cognitive function.

  7. Control your weight:

    • Maintain a healthy weight and waist circumference, as obesity is associated with decreased cognitive function and an increased risk of dementia.

  8. Get enough sleep:

    • Get 7-9 hours of high-quality sleep every night.
    • Seek medical attention for sleep disorders, such as insomnia or sleep apnea.

  9. Manage stress and depression:

    • Learn stress management techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
    • Seek professional help for depression or anxiety.

  10. Maintain a positive attitude:

    • Maintain a positive attitude and sense of humor.
    • Focus on things you can control and enjoy.

V. Case Study

Mary is a 70-year-old retired senior whose family noticed that she began to forget familiar routes and repeat the same stories. Realizing that these could be early signs of Alzheimer's disease, her family encouraged her to seek a medical evaluation. After the early diagnosis, Grandma Li adopted a series of positive lifestyle changes, including regular walks, participating in community activities, practicing memory games, and improving her diet. After several years, her cognitive function remained relatively stable and she was able to maintain a high quality of life.

⭐ Conclusion

Alzheimer's disease is a global challenge that requires our collective attention and efforts. By raising public awareness of this disease, we can provide better support and care for patients and their families. At the same time, continued research and innovation will give us hope that more effective prevention and treatment strategies will be found in the future.