Matters of the mind
November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness month, highlighting an ailment growing across the world.
Most common symptoms reported
In Alzheimer’s patients, the neurons damaged first are those in parts of the brain responsible for memory, language and thinking, so those functions are where early symptoms tend to appear. The brain changes that cause them are thought to begin 20 years or more before symptoms start.
You can learn a lot more at the Alzheimer’s Association here.
Alzheimer’s disease or dementia?
Many people wonder what the difference is between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Dementia is an overall term for a particular group of symptoms. The characteristic symptoms of dementia are difficulties with memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking skills. Dementia has several causes, reflecting changes in the brain.
Alzheimer’s disease is one cause of dementia. The brain changes of Alzheimer’s disease include the accumulation of the abnormal proteins beta-amyloid and phosphorylated tau, as well as the degeneration of neurons. The brain changes of Alzheimer’s disease are the most common contributor to dementia.
Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for an estimated 60% to 80% of cases.
Are there any causes?
In 2020, evidence emerged supporting the importance of potentially modifiable risk factors for dementia. The 2020 update to the Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention and care highlighted the evidence for 12 modifiable risk factors for dementia: low education, hypertension, hearing impairment, smoking, midlife obesity, depression, physical inactivity, diabetes, social isolation, excessive alcohol consumption, head injury and air pollution.
