Fatigue & insomnia

Alzheimer’s disease — or just a little forgetful?

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disorder that causes nerve cells in the brain and brain matter to become damaged. This damage is, in part, related to a loss of neurotransmitters — our brain’s chemical messengers-and results in impaired memory, communication, thinking and behavior.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, but not the only one. Dementia, unlike Alzheimer’s, is not a disease, but a group of symptoms (including impairment in thinking, memory and reasoning) severe enough to disrupt everyday function. Aside from Alzheimer’s, it can be caused by strokes, toxicity from drugs or alcohol, nutritional deficiencies, head injuries, or infections of the brain or spinal cord.

Researchers have found beta–amyloid plaques deposited between neurons in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients as well as twisted tau protein (also known as “tangles”) in neurons. These changes may cause the body to react with an immune response and result in inflammation. It is as if the brain were on fire. Scientists are still researching the role of inflammation in Alzheimer’s disease as well as other facets of the disease, and are even testing a possible vaccine.

Though we’ve made progress in the field, the cause of Alzheimer’s is still unclear. There are most likely several causes — one of which may be genetic. Researchers have discovered a link between a specific gene (apolipoprotein E-4 or apoE4 ) and Alzheimer’s disease. A family history of the disease, especially if a parent or sibling has it, also increases your chances of developing the disease. Other risk factors include head injuries and conditions that damage the heart or blood vessels. Research shows that exercising both your brain and your body can lower your risk for Alzheimer’s.

Though your confusion or lapses in memory may be bothersome, your chances of getting Alzheimer’s before the age of 60 are very slim (only 1%). Most people are diagnosed after the age of 65. The risk increases significantly (to over 30%) by age 85. Age is, in fact, the greatest risk factor for dementia of Alzheimer’s type: the longer we live, the more likely we are to develop it.

The common symptoms of Alzheimer’s are:

• Impaired memory and thinking
• Confusion and/or disorientation about time or place
• Difficulty with familiar tasks, such as balancing a checkbook or preparing a meal
• Misplacing items
• Inability to follow directions
• Problems with language, both writing and speaking
• Impaired visual or spatial skills
• Loss of motivation and initiative
• A change in normal sleep patterns
• Changes in behavior or personality
• Poor judgment

If you have a strong family history of Alzheimer’s or any form of dementia, begin taking better care of yourself now by increasing your exercising, making dietary changes, and supplementing your nutrition. You may want to consider having an organic acid profile (by Metametrix) to determine if you are at risk and what you can do to help yourself.

One supplement currently under investigation worldwide is huperzine A (HupA). An extract of a clubmoss (Huperzia serrata) long used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for boosting memory and learning, HupA is believed to protect neuronal cells from early death. According to scientists in Israel and at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, it outperforms all four drugs currently approved to treat Alzheimer’s. Though there are conditions that preclude the use of huperzine (active peptic ulcer disease, arrhythmia, or cardiovascular disease), it has a long record of safety in China and shows promise to become the Alzheimer’s treatment of choice in the future.

Keep in mind that forgetfulness, fuzzy thinking and many of the above symptoms can be caused by a variety of treatable situations, particularly depression. Whether it’s diet, fatigue, stress, hormones or something else, most of the time a lifestyle change can get you thinking clearly again. But if you are seriously concerned about Alzheimer’s disease now, or have it in your family history, it is important to discuss your concerns with your doctor. You may also want to see a neurologist. If nothing else, it will help to set your mind at ease.

See our resources page and our article on fuzzy thinking for additional information on Alzheimer’s disease.

Related to this article:

References & further reading on Alzheimer’s disease

 

Last Modified Date: 04/20/2011
Principal Author: Amy Amoroso