June marks Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Alzheimer’s is the most prevalent form of dementia, affecting more than 6 million Americans. As the number of cases continues to grow, understanding its effects and the ways to support those affected is more crucial than ever.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, irreversible brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. The primary features of Alzheimer’s include amyloid plaques and tau tangles, which disrupt communication between nerve cells and lead to cell death.

Named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, who identified abnormal clumps and tangled bundles of fibers in the brain of a patient in 1906, this condition affects nearly one in nine Americans over the age of 65, according to Alzheimer’s Association. Almost two-thirds of Americans living with Alzheimer’s are women.

How Does Alzheimer’s Affect the Brain?

To understand how Alzheimer’s disease affects the brain, it’s important to recognize the structural changes it causes. In an Alzheimer’s brain vs. normal brain comparison, the differences are stark:

Amyloid plaques: Protein fragments accumulate between neurons, forming clumps.
Neurofibrillary tangles: Twisted fibers of tau protein build up inside nerve cells.
Neuron death: The progressive degeneration leads to significant brain shrinkage, particularly in areas essential for memory and learning.

Early Signs and Symptoms

Early diagnosis and intervention of Alzheimer’s and other dementias can improve quality of life for the individual and their loved ones. Treatment tends to be more effective when it begins early, and allows the person to maintain their daily activities longer, experts say. Early diagnosis also helps families plan for the future.

Recognizing the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease can lead to more effective management.

Common symptoms include:

Memory loss that disrupts daily life
Challenges in planning or solving problems
Difficulty completing familiar tasks
Confusion about time or place
Trouble with spatial relationships
Problems with speaking or writing
Misplacing things and inability to retrace steps
Decreased or poor judgment
Withdrawal from work or social activities
Changes in mood or personality

What Causes Alzheimer’s Disease?

While the exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease remains unclear, several risk factors have been identified:

Age: The most significant risk factor, with the likelihood increasing as people get older.
Genetics: Family history and genetics can play a role.
Cardiovascular health: Conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes are linked to a higher risk.
Head injuries: Serious head injuries have been connected to an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

Is There a Cure?

Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. However, treatments are available that can slow the progression of symptoms and improve quality of life. Medications can help manage symptoms such as sleeplessness, wandering, agitation, anxiety, aggression, restlessness, and depression. Researchers are continually developing and testing new interventions to address the underlying disease.

Early diagnosis allows for better management and helps maintain healthy relationships between patients and their loved ones. Research on screening technologies may also become available to help doctors identify the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease before the condition causes memory loss or other mental changes.

Prevention

Preventive measures focus on promoting overall brain health:

Regular exercise increases blood and oxygen flow to the brain.
A heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting sugar and saturated fats.
Social engagement with family and friends.
Mental stimulation through activities like reading and puzzles.
Managing chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Maintaining a healthy weight, getting adequate sleep, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

Support for Caregivers

Caregiving for someone with Alzheimer’s can be challenging and emotionally taxing. Here are some tips for caregivers:

Establish and follow a daily routine.
Help with scheduling appointments and making to-do lists.
Encourage independence while providing necessary assistance.
Include physical activity in the daily routine.
Prepare healthy meals to ensure a balanced diet.
Recognize and mitigate stressful situations for the patient.
Engage in enjoyable activities together.
Communicate calmly and listen to concerns and frustrations.

For caregivers’ well-being:

Build a support system and join support groups.
Ask for help when needed.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper diet and exercise.
Continue engaging in enjoyable activities.
Keep up with personal medical appointments.
Practice stress-relief techniques like meditation and mindfulness

For more information, click to read this Q&A with NewBridge experts on advice for caring with someone with Alzheimer’s.

Resources and Support

Organizations like Alzheimer’s Association and the National Institutes of Health offer extensive resources for people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. NewBridge SAIL (Senior Assistance for Independent Living) provides case management by a registered nurse and connects older adults with services such as bill paying assistance and home repair. NewBridge offers mental health counseling for seniors and caregivers. For homebound seniors and their caregivers, NewBridge@Home provides in-home counseling. NewBridge’s Bodies in Motion is a fun, gentle motion class offered virtually several times a year in six-week sessions for all older adults and caregivers. Contact NewBridge online or call (973) 316-9333 for more information on available resources and support services.

During Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, it’s essential to increase awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and support ongoing research and community resources. By understanding how to check brain health and recognizing the signs of Alzheimer’s early, we can better support those affected and contribute to efforts aimed at finding a cure.