Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive and irreversible brain disorder affecting about 5 million Americans according to the Centers for Disease and Control (CDC). This equates to about one person developing the disease every 66 seconds. It is also the 6th leading cause of death right behind strokes, accidents, chronic lung disease, cancer, and heart disease.
What is Alzheimer’s?
Put simply it is the progressive death of brain cells leading to a gradual decline in cognitive function and brain shrinkage. Beta-amyloid plaques and hyper-phosphorylated tau proteins are the culprits driving neuronal cell death. They contribute to the formation of toxic neurofibrillary tangles (NFT’s) associated with the disease. However, why these proteins build up, become hyper-phosphorylated, and generate NFT’s is not well understood. Research has pointed to the dysregulation of the PI3k/Akt/mTOR (PI3) pathway as a potential player in the etiology of AD.
The PI3 pathway is an intercellular signaling mechanism important for several physiological functions such as cell cycle regulation. Dysregulation of this pathway occurs in some individuals with age and has been shown to have down-stream effects leading to the disease. Losing the ability to properly regulate this pathway promotes beta-amyloid formation and a reduced ability to get rid of it. The increased beta-amyloid levels in turn upregulate the level of PI3k signaling creating a vicious cycle. On top of that, it also increases the activity of the kinase responsible for phosphorylating tau. Which is a protein that helps stabilize the membrane of neurons.
The overactive PI3k signaling also increases levels of FOXO, a transcription factor important for proper protein metabolism, stress responses, and DNA repair. The hyper-phosphorylated tau and beta-amyloid plaques eventually lead to the trademark NFT’s and toxic cellular environments. These mechanisms progress to the point of cell death and lead to the associated dementia.
What are the Symptoms?
The symptoms present themselves as a slow decline in cognitive abilities. The first things typically noticed are forgetfulness and confusion. At first mild forgetfulness and confusion are noticed which progresses to more severe memory loss, especially with regards to recent memories. Besides memory, marked declines in thinking, reasoning, planning, and making proper judgments are present themselves. Emotional effects such as depression, mood swings, wandering, and delusions are also experienced. These things can also hurt the ability to properly care for current health problems. It can also make the individual susceptible to things such as falls, malnutrition, and bed sores. Eventually living assistance for all aspects of daily care is necessary.
Who is at Risk?
Aging is the main risk factor for about 95% of AD cases. One in nine people over the age of 65 have AD and it is present in nearly one-third of people over 85. Family history is another strong risk factor if you have a parent, brother, or sister with the disease. Most researchers agree that a combination of genetics, environmental factors, and unhealthy lifestyle contribute to AD risk.
How To Minimize Your Risk
A healthy life style is generally your best defense against any human affliction. This is also the best known way to avoid AD and other types of dementia. Research has found that strategies to promote healthy aging also lower AD risk. This includes things such as adequate sleep, proper diet, exercising (both body and mind), and avoiding tobacco.
Some current studies are finding benefits to brain training video games as a way to increase/maintain cognitive function and lower AD risk. Ongoing research such as this is promising and moving the field forward. However, much more needs to be done for finding a cure, improving treatments, and preventing the disease.
Alzheimers Disease-and How to Minimize Your Risk
