Scientists are still uncertain about the direct causes of Alzheimer’s. There are however, certain external and internal factors that make certain people more susceptible to the disease.
Genetics – although the results are not conclusive, there appears to be a clear case for genetic inheritance in cases where the disease is contracted early in life. Often GP’s will advise you to seek genetic counselling and testing if two or more close relatives developed the disease before the age of 60.
Age – Alzheimer’s disease primarily affects the elderly, typically people over the age of 65. It is estimated that in the UK, one in 20 over the age of 65 has the disease, while people over the age of 80 have a one in five chance of developing the disease. However, Alzheimer’s disease is not a result of ageing, though the elderly are likely to have mild symptoms of dementia.
Down’s syndrome – People who suffer from Down’s syndrome are more likely to develop dementia as they get older, though not all develop the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Reasons for their higher susceptibility to the disease point towards their extra copy of chromosome 21 which is linked to the amyloid protein found in the plaques and tangles present in the brains of dementia sufferers.
Should I be worried?
In observing yourself and other people you should take note of any unusual changes. The early stages of dementia can be a sign of a number of possible problems, one of which may be Alzheimer’s disease.
Typical indicators of dementia include problems with short term memory, for instance frequently forgetting things, difficulties with basic tasks and feelings of confusion.
While you shouldn’t be alarmed, the best course of action is to seek help from your GP, at least to allay any anxieties. Your GP may refer you on to someone that is able to give you with a proper diagnosis and they will help you rule out other causers for your symptoms, and hopefully diagnose treatable conditions.
Treatment
At present there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are drug treatments which are capable of slowing down the progression of the disease and, in some cases, alleviating certain symptoms.
Research has shown that people with Alzheimer’s have a shortage of acetylcholine in their brains. In response to this, people in the early stages of the disease are recommended the drugs Aricept, Exelon and Reminyl as a means to maintain existing supplies of the chemical acetylcholine.