Alzheimer's Disease & What You Can Do To Improve Brain Health!

Today's question comes from Eliza:

Dear Dr. Deena,

I am really enjoying your blog. Thanks for all your advice!

Is it true there is no cure for Alzheimer's Disease? How do I know if my mother has this? Can I prevent memory loss?

Eliza

Alzheimer's Disease holds a very special place in my heart since my grandfather died from this many years ago. I always remember how difficult it was for my father to watch his parent deteriorate into a newborn once again, requiring constant attention and care. 

There are currently 5.4 million people in the US living with Alzheimer’s Disease ("AD"). AD is on the rise and experts say the number of people diagnosed is reported to triple by the year 2050. This increase holds great implications not just to those patients affected, but also to their caregivers and society.

Alzheimer’s is a disease which affects brain cells, ultimately leading to changes in memory, behavior, language and attention. It is the most common cause of dementia (which is loss of brain function).  The cause of Alzheimer’s Disease is uncertain, and is likely related to a build-up of abnormal proteins in the brain – mainly in the sections which are related to memory, decision making, planning, and other mental abilities. AD only effects the brain, and its effects are irreversible.

Early changes related to Alzheimer’s can be very subtle, and may include difficulty with memory and learning/processing new information. As the disease advances the patient will develop drastic changes in mood and complete memory loss to the extent that they no longer know how to maintain daily life functions (i.e. grooming, bathing, toileting), becoming completely dependent on their care taker. 

Memory loss is common as one gets older, and it is sometimes difficult to differentiate between "normal" memory loss and memory loss due to dementia. Typical signs of dementia include extreme forgetfulness, not just forgetting the keys here and there or names of individuals you met last week. Dementia becomes concerning when individuals begin to forget what is common for them. Examples of "common" circumstances that should raise your suspicion of dementia include getting lost frequently while driving home despite following the same route for years, forgetting how to cook foods that you have always known how to cook, forgetting where you are or how you got there, inability to recognize common faces or names of family members or caregivers, or drastic changes in mood (anger, frustration, sadness, etc. with no known trigger). If your loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is worthwhile to take them to a physician for evaluation - especially if they are elderly.

 As an Internist I always recommend that any patient Age>65, be in the care of a Geriatrician (a physician who specializes in the medical needs of the elderly). Geriatricians  are well equipped in testing for dementia  and other brain impairments. They can perform testing which may detect small changes in brain function and will monitor these changes over time. 

Currently there is no cure for Alzheimer’s Disease; however, there is a great deal of research being done to treat it. What we do have; however, are medications that can slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s  if detected early enough. This is why it is so important to have your brain health evaluated by a Geriatrician after age 65.  The most common medications prescribed for AD include Aricept and Namenda.

Many research studies have been done showing some benefits in improving brain health, which may also minimize risks for dementia. Though the research in this area is not 100% conclusive, it is one step in the right direction.

Here’s how you can keep your brain healthy:

1.       Exercise & stay healthy!

According to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine involving 19,458 adults, there was found to be a large association between fitness during midlife and  decreased rates of dementia (of any type).  Many research studies have also shown a link between diabetes and heart disease to the development and progression of Alzheimer’s Disease, which is why it is even more important to prevent these diseases through exercise and diet.  

2.       Stay social

 One study published at Rush University found that staying socially active (i.e. traveling, meeting with friends, and/or dinner parties) was associated with "decreased disability in activities of daily living and mobility among community-dwelling older adults.”

3.       Exercise your brain

 Though data is lacking in this area, some studies have shown benefits in engaging in mentally stimulating activities  such as word puzzles, memory games, and/or jigsaw puzzles.

        4.    Eat right

Research in the area of diet and its prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease focuses on antioxidants. Antioxidants are molecules that prevent the formation of free radicals, which if produced in excess may cause cell injury and cell death. The belief is that these free radicals are what causes brain cell damage and death leading to dementia. Antioxidants are found in foods that are rich in Vitamin C, A and E. Some foods high in Vitamin E include: sunflower seeds, almonds, pine nuts, paprika, dried apricots, and dried herbs. Examples of foods high in Vitamin C include: oranges, strawberries, kiwis, broccoli, brussel sprouts,and kale. Examples of foods packed with Vitamin A include: carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, and lettuce.

In addition to antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids have also been studied in the prevention of AD mainly due to its production of a protein, known as LR11, which prevents plaque development in brain cells which are found in patients with AD. Foods high in omega 3 fatty acids includes salmon, sardines, walnuts, soybeans, and flax seeds.

Lastly, some advice for the family and caregivers of AD patients - the ones who are most affected by this disease. Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can prove to be a huge emotional and financial burden, which is why it is important to know that there are support services out there for you. Please visit the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiving Center at  http://www.alz.org/care/overview.asp to find all the support you need.

I hope this blog provides you with some basic information on Alzheimer’s Disease and what small steps we can take to bolster brain health. Have a great weekend everyone!

As always, please feel free to contact me with questions at DoctorDeenaMD@gmail.com.


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