Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's Disease
What is Alzheimer's Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a brain disorder that slowly impairs memory and thinking skills. AD is the most common cause of dementia, which leads to a decline in thinking that interferes with one’s everyday functions. An estimated 7 million Americans over the age of 65 have AD, and it is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S.
What are the causes of Alzheimer’s disease?
In most cases, the cause of AD is unknown. In AD, the brain contains abnormal protein deposits called plaques (made up of amyloid protein) and tangles (composed of tau protein). These deposits begin 10-20 years before a person develops symptoms of the disease. In rare cases, AD is caused by a genetic mutation that leads to excess amyloid protein in the brain. Scientists have learned a great deal about what factors may increase a person’s risk of developing AD.
The single most important risk factor for developing AD is age. The likelihood of developing AD doubles every 5 years after age 65.
Additional factors that appear to increase the risk of developing AD include:
- Family history of AD
- Other health conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure
- Lack of physical activity
- Obesity and/or a poor diet
- Smoking
Appointment Information
For more information or to make an appointment, call 734-764-6831.
What are the symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease?
AD is often described in stages. Different symptoms mark the different stages of AD, though this varies from person to person. Progression from stage to stage is gradual.
AD begins gradually and may, at first, be difficult to recognize. Commonly described difficulties include trouble with the following tasks:
- Remembering recent events
- Keeping track of time
- Naming familiar people or things
- Solving problems
- Planning
- Learning new things
Memory loss progresses and people find it more difficult to:
- Read
- Write
- Speak
- Perform household tasks
- Choose clothing
- Bathe without reminders
A person with advanced AD is often unable to:
- Communicate
- Recognize people, places, or objects
- Walk
They may sleep most of the time and often need full-time care.
Other symptoms that can occur at any stage include changes in:
- Mood, such as irritability, anxiety, or depression
- Personality, such as becoming withdrawn or impulsive
- Behavior, including agitation
- Thought processes, such as believing things are happening that are not true, or seeing/hearing things that are not there
How is Alzheimer's Disease diagnosed?
No single test leads to a diagnosis of AD. Rather a diagnosis is made after a complete evaluation that includes:
- A detailed history and physical exam, including information from family or others who know the person well
- Tests to evaluate memory and thinking
- Blood tests, brain scans, and in some cases genetic tests or spinal fluid testing
There are now blood tests and brain scans that can detect the changes of Alzheimer’s disease, but it is important for doctors to also look for other conditions that could impair memory and have a different treatment.
How is Alzheimer's Disease treated?
There is no known cure for AD. The duration of the disease can vary from a few years to more than 20, though most people live 8-10 years after being diagnosed. There are several prescription drugs used to slow the symptoms and progression of AD:
Medications (pills or skin patches) that treat the chemical changes that occur in the brain:
- Donepezil (Aricept®)
- Galantamine (Razadyne®)
- Benzgalantamine (Zunveyl®)
- Rivastigmine (Exelon®)
- Memantine (Namenda®)
- A drug containing both donepezil and memantine, called Namzaric®
Medications (intravenous—given through a vein) that remove the amyloid plaque build-up that occurs in the brain:
- Lecanemab (Leqembi®)
- Donanemab (Kisunla®)
Patient Resources
More information about AD can be found at:
- The Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org or by calling (800) 272-3900
- The National Institute on Aging www.nia.nih.gov or by calling (800) 438-4380
Locations
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Geriatric Neurology Clinic | East Ann Arbor Health & Geriatrics Center 4260 Plymouth Rd
Level 1
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2700Get Directions
Doctors
Sami J Barmada, MD, PhD
Associate Professor
Neurology
Judith Lynn Heidebrink, MD
Clinical Professor
Neurology
Steven Gregory MacDonald, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor
Neurology
Henry Lauris Paulson, MD
Professor
Neurology
Tanav Anand Popli, MD
Clinical Instructor
Neurology
Navid Seraji-Bozorgzad, MD
Clinical Associate Professor
Neurology, Internal Medicine
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