Alzheimer's disease
Overview
Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia in the UK.
Symptoms
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive condition, which means the symptoms develop gradually over many years and eventually become more severe. It affects multiple brain functions. The first sign of Alzheimer's disease is usually minor memory problems. For example, this could be forgetting about recent conversations or events, and forgetting the names of places and objects. As the condition develops, memory problems become more severe and further symptoms can develop, such as: confusion, disorientation and getting lost in familiar placesdifficulty planning or making decisionsproblems with speech and languageproblems moving around without assistance or performing self-care tasksbehaviour changes, such as becoming aggressive or suspicious of othershallucinations(seeing or hearing things that are not there) and delusions (believing things that are untrue)low mood or anxiety Read more about thesymptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
Causes
Abnormal build-up of amyloid and tau proteins in brain. Risk factors: age (especially over 65); genetics/family history; cardiovascular disease risk factors (smoking, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol); head injury; untreated depression.
Treatment
No cure. Medications: cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine) for mild-moderate; memantine for moderate-severe; anti-amyloid medications (lecanemab, donanemab). Support: cognitive stimulation therapy; palliative care; managing behavioral symptoms.
Prevention
As the exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is not clear, there's no known way to prevent the condition. But there are things you can do that may reduce your risk or delay the onset of dementia, such as: stopping smokingandcutting down on alcoholeating ahealthy, balanced dietand maintaining a healthy weightstayingphysically fitand mentally active These measures have other health benefits, such as lowering your risk of cardiovascular disease and improving your overall mental health. Read more aboutpreventing Alzheimer's disease.
When to see a doctor
See GP if: increasingly forgetful (especially if over 65); memory loss affects daily life; difficulty with concentration/planning; personality changes; periods of mental confusion.