Experiencing memory loss and impaired executive function? They could be symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer's disease generally presents with short-term memory impairment due to selective vulnerability of medial temporal lobes in the brain. Episodic memory loss is the hallmark of Alzheimer's disease and subsequently, the disease spreads to other association cortices or networks in the brain which results in executive dysfunction resulting in problem-solving and planning difficulties and further resulting in navigation and language disturbances.

Ideally, people subside memory loss as an indicator of ageing, but it is also a sign of Alzheimer’s, and millions of people are affected by it around the world. In patients suffering from Alzheimer's, their abilities deteriorate which leads to cognitive difficulties severe enough to interfere with day-to-day activities.

Early Signs and Symptoms

Early stages often consist of symptoms that are mistaken for ageing. However, it is important to recognize these early signs for timely intervention:

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Memory Loss
The most common sign of Alzheimer's is memory loss, especially forgetting something that you recently learned. Other symptoms consist of forgetting important dates, asking for the same information repeatedly, etc. It is the most common type of dementia.

Impaired Executive Function
The executive function consists of a variety of cognitive processes that include planning, decision-making, problem-solving, and self-control.

Other Symptoms
Other than memory loss and impaired executive function there are other symptoms to look for:

Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks
People suffering from Alzheimer's face difficulty in once-easy tasks. This can include cooking, driving to a known location, or managing finances.

Confusion with Time or Place
Losing track of dates, time, and season in common. People with Alzheimer’s tend to forget where they are or how they got there.

Trouble Understanding Visual and Spatial Relationships
Problem in vision is one of the signs of Alzheimer's. This includes difficulty in reading, judging distance, and determining colour. It can be a problem in driving.

New Problems with Words in Speaking or Writing
People with Alzheimer's struggle to join a conversation, they tend to stop in the middle of a conversation and then have no idea how to continue. They also struggle with vocabulary or have trouble naming familiar objects

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of Alzheimer's is still not fully understood, but it is a combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors.

Genetic Factors
Certain genes increase the risk of development of Alzheimer's. For example, presence of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene is associated with an increase in risk of Alzheimer's.

Lifestyle and Heart Health
There is growing evidence that factors related to heart increasethe risk of Alzheimer's. It includes a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, high blood pressure, smoking, cholesterol and poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.

Age
The greatest known risk for Alzheimer's is increasing age. Most cases are among people above age of 65. After age of 65, risk of Alzheimer's doubles after every 5 years and after 85, risk reaches nearly one-third.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Early diagnosis plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life of an individual and family. If your loved one is facing any of the symptoms immediately consult a medical professional. Diagnosis involves:
• Medical History review
• Neuropsychological tests
• Neurological examination

Treatment Options

While there is no cure, but still there are several treatments available to manage the symptoms. Medications like cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine are advised to improve the symptoms for a specific period. Non-drug treatments like memory training, cognitive training and structured environment are also beneficial.

Individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s, and their care takers must adapt new ways of living. Setting up routines and creating a supportive environment are important. One of the early signs of Alzheimer’s is memory loss and compromised executive function. Seeking advice from healthcare professional is crucial.

(Authored by Dr Kadam Nagpal, Head And Consultant - Neuroimmunology & Movement Disorders And Neurology, Manipal Hospitals)