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Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

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Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that progressively affects language, memory, comprehension, attention, judgement, and reasoning. It is the most common form of dementia among older adults over the age of 65.

Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease and Their Symptoms

Some organisations stage Alzheimer’s disease as mild/early, moderate/middle, and severe/late.

Stage

Symptoms

Pre-clinical Alzheimer’s disease (lasts for several years or more)

  • Early pathological changes occurring in the parts of the brain.
  • No obvious functional impairment or clinical signs.

Mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease (the stage between normal ageing and early-stage dementia)

  • Memory-related issues become noticeable due to a slight decline in brain function compared to peers of the same age.
  • Changes are not significant enough affect daily routine.

Mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease

  • Loss of concentration and/or memory, disorientation of time and place, and mood changes.
  • Forgetting new information (recent events, names, places).
  • Having difficulty with finding the right words to express thoughts.
  • Misplacing objects more than usual.
  • Having difficulty with organising or making plans.
  • Having difficulty with problem-solving.
  • Taking longer to complete routine tasks.

Moderate dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease (the longest stage and can last for years)



  • Difficulty recognising family and friends.
  • Worsening confusion with time and space.
  • Poor short-term memory.
  • Forgetting own mobile number.
  • Tendency to repeat stories.
  • Difficulty with simple math.
  • Personality changes (increased agitation, depressed, anxious, withdrawn).
  • Sleep disturbance.

Note: Individuals with moderate dementia tend to require care and assistance, especially with grooming and using the bathroom.

Severe dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease

  • Almost total memory loss.
  • Unable to recognise family members.
  • Loss of awareness of surroundings.
  • Needing help with basic daily activities.
  • Difficulty with eating, drinking, and swallowing.
  • Urinary or faecal incontinence.
  • Loss of ability to communicate.
  • Susceptibility to infections.
  • Bedbound / wheelchair bound

Note: Individuals in this stage require extensive care.

Risk Factors of Developing Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease occurs due to the abnormal accumulation of proteins in the brain, causing brain cells to die.

Suspected risk factors of developing Alzheimer’s disease include older age, being a woman, family history, co-morbidities (cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity), lifestyle factors (sedentary lifestyle, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption), head injury, and having depression / anxiety.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Alzheimer’s Disease

Your physician will conduct a thorough physical and neurological examination, mental status examination, blood and urine tests, and brain imaging scans such as computerised tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to support the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and rule out other possible conditions.

There is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Medications such as cholinesterase and NMDA inhibitors are prescribed to delay the progression of dementia and help with behavioural symptoms.

Managing an Alzheimer’s Patient

Managing behavioural symptoms is important for Alzheimer’s patients.

  • Maintain a familiar and neat environment for them.
  • Avoid confrontation and redirect their attention if they are feeling agitated.
  • Use clearly written instructions or reminders for daily tasks can be put in the living space to help patients remind themselves of what they need to do.
  • Help them to stay physically active for both physical and mental benefits.
  • Join a support group to share experiences, ideas, and provide emotional support for one another.

Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease

Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease can develop at 45 years old on average in certain individuals with family history (genetic factor).

Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease over 65 years old typically pass away four to eight years after diagnosis. Some may live up to 20 years after showing early signs of Alzheimer’s disease and they usually pass away due to infections (especially lung infections), malnutrition, and dehydration.

Practicing a healthy lifestyle is the key to guard the brain from cognitive decline. Stay physically, mentally, and socially active, eat healthy, quit smoking, and limit alcohol consumption.

Make an Appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals

If you have questions about Alzheimer’s disease, get in touch with us to book an appointment today for a consultation, or visit our Geriatric Care Department at your nearest Gleneagles Hospital.

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