What happens when one piece of a puzzle goes missing? It disrupts the entire picture, right. Similarly, with Alzheimer’s, the brain begins to lose its “puzzle pieces,” especially those related to memory, making it harder for the person to function as they once did. This leads to gaps in cognitive function, memory, and thinking, making it difficult for the brain to function normally. In this article, we will discuss how Alzheimer’s affects your loved brain, the issues it leads to, and the science behind it.
This article will help you understand the problem at its root, allowing you to better manage and arrange the necessary care.
Table of Contents
ToggleWhat part of the brain does Alzheimer’s affect first?
Before we move on, let’s have a look at which part of the brain is first affected by Alzheimer’s;
1. Hippocampus: This area is crucial for forming new memories and learning. Alzheimer’s often begins here, which is why early symptoms include memory loss and difficulty forming new memories.
2. Entorhinal cortex: It plays a crucial role in memory, navigation, and perception of time. Damage here leads to early symptoms like memory loss and disorientation, making it difficult to remember new information or navigate familiar environments.
3. Cerebral Cortex: As Alzheimer’s progresses, it spreads to the cerebral cortex, which is responsible for language, reasoning, and social behaviors. Damage here leads to difficulty in thinking, problem-solving, and communication.
How does Alzheimer’s disease affect the brain?
Alzheimer’s doesn’t affect the entire brain at once (the main difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia). Instead, it spreads across different regions over time. The solid reasons are still unidentified, through research, scientists have hypothesized it is mainly due to the buildup of two abnormal proteins: amyloid plaques and tau tangles.
1. Amyloid Plaques:
These are clumps of protein called amyloid-beta that gather between brain cells. While some amyloid-beta is normal, in Alzheimer’s, too much builds up. This clogs communication between brain cells and can lead to inflammation, damaging the brain. As these plaques increase, they start to interfere with memory and thinking.
2. Tau Tangles:
Inside brain cells, tau proteins usually help maintain the cell’s structure. In Alzheimer’s, these proteins become twisted and tangled. This blocks the flow of nutrients within the cell, causing it to die.
How does Alzheimer’s Affect You Mentally & Physically?
As Alzheimer’s disease spreads through different parts of the brain, it leads to a range of problems with thinking and physical movement.
1. Cognitive Decline:
Alzheimer’s affects a person’s ability to think, learn, and remember. Some of the common symptoms include:
- Memory Loss: Patients may forget recent events or personal details, and over time, these memory gaps become more serious.
- Confusion: People may struggle to understand their surroundings, lose track of time, or fail to recognize familiar faces and places.
- Difficulty with Problem-Solving: Even simple tasks, like managing money or following steps in a recipe, can become hard to handle.
- Language Problems: Patients often find it difficult to find the right words, follow conversations, or express themselves clearly.
- Disorientation: Patients may get lost or feel confused about where they are, even in places they know well.
2. Physical Decline
In the later stages of Alzheimer’s, it also affects the body, leading to:
- Coordination and Movement Issues: Walking, balance, and overall coordination become difficult, making everyday tasks challenging.
- Incontinence: Many people lose control of their bladder and bowel function as the disease advances.
- Impaired Swallowing: Muscles weaken, which can make swallowing difficult and increase the risk of choking or other complications.
- Loss of Mobility: As the disease progresses, patients may have trouble walking or need help to move around.
Read More: Best Mobility Exercises for Seniors: Enhancing Flexibility and Independence
How does Alzheimer’s Affect Behavior?
Alzheimer’s disease not only impacts memory and thinking but also leads to noticeable changes in behavior. These behavioral changes occur as different parts of the brain ( frontal lobe and limbic system) deteriorate, areas responsible for mood, judgment, and emotions.
1. Personality Changes:
As Alzheimer’s affects the brain’s frontal lobes, which control personality and behavior, seniors may exhibit shifts in how they interact with others. Someone who was once calm may become irritable or aggressive. Others may become withdrawn, lose interest in hobbies, or show signs of depression.
2. Mood Swings:
Damage to the brain’s ability to regulate emotions often results in unpredictable mood swings. Seniors may become easily upset, anxious, or frustrated, especially in unfamiliar situations or when they can’t remember something. Small things that wouldn’t have bothered them before can trigger strong emotional responses.
3. Increased Agitation and Restlessness:
As the brain’s ability to process information declines, seniors may feel confused or overwhelmed, which leads to agitation or restlessness. They may move restlessly, or repeat the same actions over and over. This behavior, called “sundowning,” often worsens later in the day, as fatigue and confusion set in.
4. Suspicion and Paranoia:
Changes in memory and perception can make seniors with Alzheimer’s suspicious of others. They may falsely believe that someone is stealing from them or that people are out to harm them. This paranoia stems from their inability to make sense of what is happening around them due to cognitive decline.
5. Loss of Inhibitions:
Alzheimer’s affects the part of the brain that controls social norms and decision-making, leading some seniors to act in ways that seem out of character. This might include inappropriate comments, impulsive actions, or even unintentional rudeness. They may also fail to recognize dangerous situations, putting themselves at risk.
6. Wandering:
Due to disorientation and confusion, seniors may begin to wander or leave their home without a clear purpose. This happens because they forget where they are or think they need to go somewhere familiar, like work or school. Wandering can be dangerous, as they may become lost or injured.
7. Repetitive Behavior:
Repetitive behaviors, like asking the same question multiple times or performing the same task repeatedly, are common. This is because the brain struggles to form new memories or recognize that a task has already been completed.
How does Alzheimer’s Contribute to Death?
Alzheimer’s disease itself doesn’t directly cause death, but it leads to severe complications that can be life-threatening. As the brain continues to decay or shrink, essential functions such as swallowing, breathing, and movement are impaired.
1. Aspiration Pneumonia: Difficulty swallowing can cause food or liquid to enter the lungs, leading to infections like pneumonia, which is a common cause of death in Alzheimer’s patients.
2. Infections: As the immune system weakens and mobility decreases, infections such as urinary tract infections or bedsores can occur and become severe.
3. Malnutrition and Dehydration: Difficulty eating or drinking can lead to malnutrition or dehydration, weakening the body further.
4. Immobility: In the later stages, patients may become bedridden, which increases the risk of blood clots, respiratory issues, and infections, all of which can be fatal.
To Learn More:
Are you searching for professional in-home health assistance for your elders? You are in the right place. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Takeaway:
Alzheimer’s disease causes serious changes in the brain, affecting memory, thinking, and physical abilities. These changes cannot be reversed, but understanding how the disease impacts the brain can help with better management and support for those affected. Early diagnosis and treatment can slow its progression, which can make a big difference in the lives of both patients and their caregivers.
FAQ’s
1. What organs does Alzheimer’s affect?
Alzheimer’s primarily affects the brain, causing neuron loss. As the disease progresses, it can indirectly impact other organs through complications like swallowing issues leading to lung infections.
2. Is Alzheimer’s genetic?
Yes, Alzheimer’s has a genetic component. Some genes, like APOE-e4, increase risk, but lifestyle and environment also influence whether someone develops the disease.
3. Is Alzheimer’s a mental illness?
No, Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease, not a mental illness. It affects the brain’s physical structure, leading to memory and behavior changes.
4. Can Alzheimer’s be cured?
Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s. Treatments focus on managing symptoms and slowing disease progression.
5. What are five behaviors that are a result of Alzheimer’s disease?
- Memory loss
- Confusion and disorientation
- Agitation and aggression
- Wandering
- Paranoia and delusions
Fakiha is an experienced writer at ConsidraCare with an optimistic interest in life. She has a proactive approach to improving health and wellness for seniors. She offers well-researched and thoughtful information to help individuals make informed healthcare decisions for themselves and their loved ones.