Fear of Alzheimer’s

Sunday, September 5th, 2010

American adults fear getting Alzheimer’s disease more than heart disease, stroke or diabetes. It is an illness that attacks nearly 50 percent of those who live past age 85. This information from a survey by Harris Interactive for Metlife Foundation.
“The greatest risk factor in Alzheimer's is age, and, as Americans live longer, the threat of Alzheimer's will continue to increase.” The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that 4.5 million Americans now have Alzheimer’s, and this number is expected to reach 16 million by 2050. One in 10 people over 65 have the disease and the rate is closer to 50 percent for people over 85. The Alzheimer’s Association and the National Institute on Aging estimate that the cost of current Alzheimer’s care is more than $100 billion annually.
The disease gradually robs sufferers of their memories and ability to care for themselves, eventually killing them. There is no known cure or prevention; today's drugs only temporarily treat symptoms.
More than a third of U.S. adults have a family member or friend who has Alzheimer’s. Three out of five people surveyed were concerned that they may someday have to be a caretaker for someone with Alzheimer’s. Almost three-quarters of Americans say they know very little or nothing about Alzheimer’s, although 93 percent are at least aware of the disease.
It is vitally important to diagnose the disease in the mild to moderate stages. The sooner Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin.
The main symptoms of early Alzheimer’s are:
1. Short-term memory loss. 2. Judgment impairment. 3. Personality disturbances. 4. Some form of other neurological difficulty (language, a problem with motor activity, a problem with sensation, or difficulty performing executive functions. 5. Some loss of long-term memory.
Alzheimer’s disease Risk Factors We Cannot Control:
Age is the most important known risk factor for Alzheimer’s. The risk of developing the disease doubles every 5 years over age 65. Several studies estimate that up to half the people older than 85 have AD. The group with the highest risk of Alzheimer’s Disease - those older than 85 - is the fastest growing population group in the country.
Genetics is the other known Alzheimer’s Disease risk factor that a person can’t
control. Scientists have found genetic links to the two forms of AD.
Early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease is a very rare form of the disease that can occur
in people between the ages of 30 and 65. In the 1980s and early 1990s, researchers found that mutations (or changes) in certain genes on three chromosomes cause early-onset AD. If a parent has any of these genetic mutations, his or her child has a 50-50 chance of inheriting the mutant gene and developing early-onset AD.
Though we can’t do much about our age or genetic profile, recent research suggests that maintaining good overall health habits may help lower the chances of developing several serious diseases, including ones affecting the brain.
Investigating heart disease risk. High levels of blood cholesterol are a known risk factor for heart disease. Other research has found that a high level of the amino acid homocysteine is associated with an increased risk of developing AD. High levels of homocysteine are known to increase heart disease risk, and NIA studies in mice have shown that high levels of this amino acid can make neurons stop working and die. The relationship between Alzheimer’s Disease risk and homocysteine levels is particularly appealing because blood levels of homocysteine can be reduced by increasing intake of folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12. An NIA-funded clinical trial is currently studying whether reducing homocysteine levels with folic acid and vitamin B6 and B12 supplements will slow the rate of cognitive decline in older adults with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Findings from studies of animals, nursing home residents, and older people living in the community have suggested a link between social engagement and cognitive abilities. Having lots of friends and acquaintances and participating in many social activities is associated with reduced cognitive decline and decreased risk of dementia in older adults. In the NIA-funded Chicago Health and Aging Project, a high level of social engagement was associated with a significant reduction in cognitive decline.
Can Alzheimer’s disease be Prevented?
Investigating physical activity. Accumulating evidence suggests that being physically active may benefit more than just our hearts and waistlines. A study used MRI to measure changes in brain activity in healthy adults aged 58 -78 before and after a 6-month program of brisk walking. The researchers found that improvements in the participants’ cardiovascular fitness were associated with increased functioning in certain regions of the brain. In a second study, investigators studied the relationship of physical activity and mental function in nearly 6,000 healthy women 65 years old and older over a period of up to 8 years. The investigators found that the women who were more physically active were less likely to experience a decline in their mental function than were inactive women.
Examining nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Inflammation of tissues in the brain is a common feature of Alzheimer’s disease, but it is not clear whether it is a cause or effect of the disease.
Some population studies suggest an association between a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and commonly used NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and indomethacin. Clinical trials thus far have not demonstrated a benefit for Alzheimer’s from these drugs or from the newer cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors, such as rofecoxib and celecoxib.
Another promising area of research focuses on highly active molecules called free radicals. Damage from these free radicals during aging can build up in nerve cells and result in a loss of cell function, which could contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. Some population and laboratory studies suggest that antioxidants from dietary supplements or food may provide some protection against this damage (called oxidative damage), but other studies show no effect.
What Can You Do?
Our knowledge is growing rapidly as scientists expand their understanding
of the many factors involved in the development of AD. Even though no treatments, drugs, or pills have yet been proven to prevent Alzheimer’s disease or even delay its development, people can take some actions that might reduce the effect of possible Alzheimer’s disease risk factors.
These actions include:
Lowering cholesterol and homocysteine levels lowering high blood pressure levels controlling diabetes, exercising regularly, engaging in social and intellectually stimulating activities. All of these strategies are good to do anyway because they lower risk of other diseases and help maintain and improve overall health and well-being. However, it is important to remember that pursuing any of these strategies will not necessarily prevent or delay Alzheimer’s disease in any one individual. Even if the strategies were eventually proven to be effective, they might not offset a person’s individual genetic and other risk factors enough to prevent Alzheimer’s disease from developing. Another important action a person can take is to volunteer for the Genetics Study, the Neuroimaging Initiative, or an Alzheimer’s disease clinical trial. People who participate in these studies say that the biggest benefit is having regular contact with experts on Alzheimer’s Disease who have lots of practical experience and a broad perspective on the disease. They also feel they are making a valuable contribution to future knowledge that will help scientists, people with Alzheimer’s, and their families. People who are interested in joining the Neuroimaging Initiative or an AD clinical trial should contact the ADEAR Center at www.alzheimers.nia.nih.gov, or call the ADEAR Center toll-free at 1-800-438-4380 for a referral to the nearest participating study site.
Alzheimer’s Association 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1700 Chicago, IL 60601-7633
1-800-272-3900 www .alz .org
This nonprofit association supports families and caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s Disease and funds Alzheimer’s Disease research. Chapters nationwide provide referrals to local resources and services, and sponsor
support groups and educational programs.
National Institute on Aging Information Center P.O. Box 8057 Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8057 1-800-222-2225 1-800-222-4225 (TTY) www.nia.nih.gov