Most people know about the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease: memory loss, inability to perform simple tasks and the deterioration of physical abilities. But what, exactly, is causing these changes? How does Alzheimer’s develop? And what, specifically, does Alzheimer’s do to the brain to cause these symptoms?
“Alzheimer’s disease, like all dementias, is a complex progressive disease, and to date science has not pinned down the reason why some people develop it,” says Wendy Sage-Matsis, Senior Advisor at Bridges® by EPOCH at Nashua, a memory care assisted living community in Nashua, NH. “Bridges® by EPOCH at Nashua is committed to learning as much as we can about this disease and adapting our care and treatment based on best practices and new findings in the research field. We are confident that, eventually, science will find a cure for this disease that affects so many individuals and their families. Until that day, we will continue to overcome the challenges memory loss with success every day by providing comfort, compassion and security to our residents.”
What Is Alzheimer’s Disease (Scientifically Speaking)?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, a group of neurodegenerative diseases. Sixty percent of individuals who have dementia have this form of the disease. The clinical signs of Alzheimer’s are progressive mental decline (cognitive deterioration), losing the ability to handle the daily tasks of living (toileting, bathing, grooming, etc.) and behavioral challenges. Alzheimer’s develops when plaques containing amyloid beta (Aβ) form in the brain. This happens many years before the disease manifests in symptoms. While medications can help reduce symptoms, there is no known cure.
How Does Alzheimer’s Affect the Brain?
In layman’s terms, Alzheimer’s destroys neurons, shrinking the brain. Some brain shrinkage is normal during the aging process, but in dementias like Alzheimer’s, the damage is extensive. In the early stages of the disease, areas like the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex – the parts of the brain that deal with memory – are attacked. As the disease progresses, the neurons that are responsible for reasoning, language and social behavior are also attacked, causing the individual with the disease to gradually lose the ability to function independently. Eventually, Alzheimer’s disease creates damage throughout the entire brain, leading to death.
What Are the Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease?
There are seven clinical stages of Alzheimer’s disease, although generally the disease is classified as either early-stage, mid-stage or late-stage.
Stage 1: No Impairment.
Alzheimer’s is not detectable and there are no symptoms of the disease.
Stage 2: Very Mild Decline.
The senior begins to have minor memory issues or easily loses things around the house, but chalks it up to “senior moments” or age-related memory loss.
Stage 3: Mild Decline.
At this stage, friends and family members begin to notice the senior is having difficulty with organizing and planning, finding the “right word,” remembering people’s names and frequently misplacing personal items.
Stage 4: Moderate Decline.
This is generally the stage when Alzheimer’s is diagnosed. During this stage, the senior has very poor short-term memory, is unable to perform tasks like paying bills, forgets details about their life history and has difficulty with simple arithmetic.
Stage 5: Moderately Severe Decline.
The senior can still function fairly independently at this stage, but experiences significant confusion and is unable to remember simple details like their home address or phone number. They still can recognize family members and recall memories.
Stage 6: Severe Decline.
Individuals in this stage of Alzheimer’s require constant supervision from professional caregivers. The senior begins to require assistance with the tasks of daily living, like toileting, grooming and bathing, and expresses confusion about their surroundings on a regular basis. Sundowning and wandering may occur, and they may be unable to recognize people except for their very close family members.
Stages 7: Very Severe Decline.
This is the final, terminal stage of Alzheimer’s. The senior progresses to the point where they can only speak a little, if at all. They require 24-hour care, are unaware of their surroundings and cannot recognize even close family members and friends. Eventually, the body shuts down, resulting in death.
What Characteristics Are Found in Brains that Develop Alzheimer’s Disease?
There are a variety of cellular and molecular changes that take place in the brain of someone with dementia like Alzheimer’s disease.
The first, and most significant, characteristic of an Alzheimer’s brain is beta-amyloid plaques. The beta-amyloid protein is caused by the breakdown of a larger protein (amyloid precursor protein), a naturally-occurring molecular form. In Alzheimer’s, beta-amyloid proteins group together in abnormally large levels to form plaques, which collect between the brain’s neurons. This disrupts the communication between the neurons and deteriorates cell function. Researchers are currently trying to discover how these plaques influence the progression of the disease.
Another characteristic of Alzheimer’s brain is neurofibrillary tangles. These tangles are formed by a protein called tau that is naturally found inside neurons. In a healthy brain, tau helps stabilize the structures (microtubules) that guide molecules and nutrients to different parts of the brain. In a brain with Alzheimer’s, the tau is affected by abnormal chemical changes that cause it to detach from the microtubule structures and instead clump together into the signature “tangles” inside neurons. The tangles eventually block communication between neurons.
Yet another characteristic of Alzheimer’s brain is chronic inflammation. Research suggests this symptom may be caused by glial cell buildup (cells that normally function to keep the brain free of debris, including beta-amyloid plaques). Alzheimer’s disease causes certain glial cells to halt their normal function, causing toxic proteins and chemicals to build up.
Vascular issues are another hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease – although they aren’t, in and of themselves, changes related to Alzheimer’s. Think of vascular problems (like mini-strokes, arterial hardening, blood vessel issues) as the yin to Alzheimer’s yang. Vascular problems can lead to reduced oxygen and blood flow to the brain, which only serves to aggravate the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and increase the deterioration of brain cells.
Finally, cell death is the most final characteristic of Alzheimer’s. As neurons become injured, connections between the networks break down, causing brain regions to shrink (known as brain atrophy). In the late stages of Alzheimer’s, brain atrophy is widespread and has caused significant brain volume loss. This cell death is what ultimately causes the individual’s death.
If you would like more information about Alzheimer’s disease, its symptoms and progression and the treatments available, contact us at 603.594.0581.
A Fulfilling Lifestyle
Bridges® by EPOCH at Nashua provides assisted living memory care that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia or memory impairment, we’ve created a wellness-focused lifestyle that promotes dignity and individual preferences. Our memory care professionals receive specialized and ongoing training designed to help residents maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – making a truly positive impact on the lives of our residents each and every day.
Many Services, One Monthly Fee
Our dedicated memory care and services celebrate life and support each resident’s individual strengths. No matter what stage of memory loss a resident may be experiencing, their family can be sure that with us, their loved one is safe, secure and happy.
Stunning, Purpose-Built Design
Featuring a stunning, purposeful design, Bridges® by EPOCH at Nashua is so much more than a beautiful place to live . . . It’s a community with a singular focus: enrich the lives of our residents and help their families enjoy meaningful relationships with them. Our evidence-based design features attributes that make life easier for those with memory loss: soft colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations.
Call us today at 603.594.0581 to learn more about Bridges® by EPOCH at Nashua or to schedule a personal tour.