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How Does Alzheimer’s Disease Affect the Brain? What You Should Know

How does Alzheimer's disease affect the brain?

September 23, 2024

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.

 

What 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 disease affect the brain?

 

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

 

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. 

 

How does Alzheimer's disease affect the brain?

 

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​

 

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