September 21 - World Alzheimer's Day

On September 21, the world celebrates Alzheimer's Awareness Day, a disease that affects not only patients, but also their families and loved ones. It remains one of the most serious challenges facing modern neuroscience, since despite more than a century of research, its causes and mechanisms are not fully understood. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and leads to a gradual deterioration in memory, thinking and the ability to cope independently with everyday life.

In the current article Dr. Tsvetomir Asenov, neurologist in MC Haelan Care - Blvd. Bulgaria (Polyclinic Bulgaria), shares more about the manifestations of the disease, diagnostic methods and treatment challenges, as well as tips for early detection and prevention.

Alzheimer's disease is a neurological disease that still raises more questions than answers. It is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system and is clinically characterized by gradually progressive dementia, causing problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Although described in the distant 1907, all the triggering factors and processes in the course of the disease are not clear to this day.

What is the disease?

Alzheimer's disease is responsible for nearly 55% of dementia cases in the third age. As the average life expectancy increases, especially in developed countries, the number of sick people is constantly growing. Dementia is a syndrome that is characterized by the decline of multiple cognitive functions significant enough to disrupt a person's daily activities.

As a result of an unclear combination of causes, the accumulation of certain proteins in neuronal cells and outside them begins, which leads to a violation of their function. This process causes neuronal loss and damage to brain tissue. Of interest is the question whether this is not a form of protective reaction to certain factors.

What are the typical symptoms of Alzheimer's disease?

Leading is the violation of memory. This is an inability to learn new information and recall previously accumulated knowledge. In the first three years from the onset of the disease, the memory of recent events is primarily affected. Emotional changes such as irritability, anxiety and depression are also possible. Unfortunately, in most cases, patients and their relatives do not pay attention to the symptoms, and this is extremely important for the future course of the disease.

The second stage of the disease proceeds with a memory disorder associated with near and distant events. It lasts about 5-7 years. The fading of distant memories, names of people, face recognition, orientation in time and space begins. The last 3 years of the disease are the third stage in which the sick person cannot take care of himself, can not communicate and even eat on his own.

How is the diagnosis made?

In Alzheimer's disease, one of the most important things when making a diagnosis is the information given by the patient and, above all, his relatives. Joint work between a neurologist, a neuropsychologist and an imaging diagnostician is necessary, as well as the following diagnostic methods:

• Neuropsychological research. These include tests and evaluation by a neuropsychologist.
• Imaging examination. Preference is given to magnetic resonance imaging, F18-FDG PET, Amyloid PET scanner, which show specific changes and disturbance in the metabolism of the brain.
• Lumbar puncture, in which beta-amyloid, total-tau and phosphorylated TAU are examined

Challenges in treatment.

Alzheimer's disease does not yet have a successful and effective treatment, as well as routine screening to identify the disease before symptoms. The medications currently used are aimed at slowing down development, so early diagnosis is important. In some cases, symptomatic treatment is used.

Advice from Dr. Asenov:

• In the presence of memory-related symptoms in you or your loved one, seek your GP or the opinion of a neurologist.
• People who have relatives with Alzheimer's disease should be careful and watch for symptoms.
• Avoid risk factors for dementia such as smoking, obesity, excessive alcohol use.
• Moderate motor activity, a Mediterranean diet, communication with people and brain training are required (learning a new language is a suitable example).

Alzheimer's disease is a challenge that requires timely diagnosis, care and support. The earlier the first symptoms are recognized, the greater the chances of slowing the development of the disease and improving the quality of life. If you or a loved one notice memory problems, confusion or other changes in behavior, do not delay consulting a specialist.