Alzheimers Flashcards
Neurodegeneration
‘Progressive damage or death of neurons leading to a gradual deterioration of the bodily functions controlled by the affected part of the nervous system.’
Acute neurodegeneration
Stroke
Chronic neurodegeneration
Alzheimers, parkinsons etc.
Natural degeneration
ageing
Dementia
An ‘umbrella’ term for a particular group of symptoms
Characteristic symptoms of dementia = memory, language, problem-solving, other cognitive abilities
Dementia has many causes
Alzheimer’s disease = most common cause of dementia
Prevalence
- 50 million worldwide
- 1 million UK
- 1 in 14 people aged over 65
- At current rate – over 1.5 million people in the UK by 2040
Non-modifiable risk factors
- Age
- Most important risk factor
- Ageing DOES NOT = Alzheimer’s disease
- 65-74 yrs – 3%; 75-84 yrs – 17%; over 85 – 32% of population
Biological sex
* x2 as many women over 65 with AD versus men
* Why? Women live longer than men? Links with loss of the hormone oestrogen post-menopause?
Genetics
Family history
Modifiable risk factors
- Cardiovascular disease risk factors – smoking, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol
Relationship between cardiovascular system and brain function
* Brain – consumes 20% of the blood’s oxygen and energy supplies
* Brain function – reliant on healthy heart and blood vessels
* Impaired blood flow = increases risk of dementia/AD
* Fatty plaques – cholesterol, salt, age, lack of exercise
Preventative factors/recommendations?
- Physical activity
- Healthy diet
- Social and cognitive engagement
○ Data support a relationship
Biological explanation?
Early stages symptoms
Changes in brain function aren’t sufficient to = symptoms
Compensatory mechanisms activated?
Some changes in brain function (e.g. beta-amyloid levels) may occur up to 20 years before symptoms
Early signs
- Normal ageing?
- ‘Blunting of emotional responses’
- Social withdrawal
- Memory Impairment
- Progressive memory loss (initially episodic and declarative)
- Impairment in function
- Memory, insight, judgement, language
- Changes in personality
Apathy, indifference, depression
Early Stage AD
Temporary memory lapses
Forgetting words/names
Difficulty performing complex tasks (e.g. at work)
Misplacing valuable objects
Difficulties with planning/organising
Middle-Stage AD
Forgetful of events/personal history
Confuse words
Unable to recall personal information
Frustration/anger
Confusion – surroundings/time
Sleep disturbances
Bladder/bowel problems
Personality/behavioural changes – delusions, paranoia, repetitive (stereotyped) behaviours.
Late Stage AD
Lose awareness – surroundings, time
Difficulties in communicating
Changes in physical abilities – walking, swallowing
Vulnerable to infections (especially pneumonia)
Presentation of symptoms dependent on;
- Stage of disease
- Age of individual
- Sex of individual
- Other underlying conditions/medication
- Patient vs carer reporting
- Access (real or perceived) to diagnosis