What makes alzheimers happen

Most experts believe they somehow play a critical role in blocking communication among nerve cells and disrupting processes that cells need to survive. It's the destruction and death of nerve cells that causes memory failure, personality changes, problems carrying out daily activities and other symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Learn More: Take the Brain Tour. In , German physician Dr. Alois Alzheimer first described "a peciliar disease" — one of profound memory loss and microscopic brain changes — a disease we now know as Alzheimer's.

Today, Alzheimer's is at the forefront of biomedical research. Researchers are working to uncover as many aspects of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias as possible. Some of the most remarkable progress has shed light on how Alzheimer's affects the brain. The hope is this better understanding will lead to new treatments.

Many potential approaches are currently under investigation worldwide. Learn more: Research and Progress. Donate Now. Take the Brain Tour. Learn More. This can include financial planning, working with employers on current and potential job responsibilities, clarifying health insurance coverage, and getting all your important documents in order should your health take a turn for the worse.

Although Alzheimer disease has no cure, you can make the best of a bad situation by keeping your mind and your body as healthy as possible. This can include eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, cutting down on alcohol, and using relaxation techniques to reduce stress. But what about the other symptoms? Here are tips from a Johns Hopkins expert on what to watch for and how to manage. As with any disease, it is important to keep an eye on your condition. Call your healthcare provider if you notice any sudden changes in yourself, or in the person you care for, that make additional help necessary.

You can discuss the next steps with your provider. Alzheimer disease commonly affects older people, but early-onset Alzheimer disease can affect people in their 30s or 40s. Although there is no known cure, early diagnosis and treatment can lead to better quality of life. At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests.

Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you. Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are. Most types of early-onset Alzheimer disease are the same, but there are a few small distinctions: Common Alzheimer disease.

What causes early-onset Alzheimer disease? What are the risks for early-onset Alzheimer disease? Family history of the disease is the only known risk factor at this time. What are the symptoms of early-onset Alzheimer disease? Early symptoms: Forgetting important things, particularly newly learned information or important dates Asking for the same information again and again Trouble solving basic problems, such as keeping track of bills or following a favorite recipe Losing track of the date or time of year Losing track of where you are and how you got there Trouble with depth perception or other vision problems Trouble joining conversations or finding the right word for something Misplacing things and not being able to retrace your steps to find it Increasingly poor judgment Withdrawal from work and social situations Changes in mood and personality Later symptoms: Severe mood swings and behavior changes Deepening confusion about time, place, and life events Suspicions about friends, family, or caregivers Trouble speaking, swallowing, or walking Severe memory loss How is early-onset Alzheimer disease diagnosed?

How is early-onset Alzheimer disease treated? They are effective for some but not all people and may help only for a limited time.

A doctor or specialist will likely perform tests, such as a PET scan or analysis of cerebrospinal fluid, to look for evidence of amyloid plaques and help decide if the treatment is right for the patient. This process requires an additional study after approval to confirm the anticipated clinical benefit.

If the follow-up trial fails to verify clinical benefit, the FDA may withdraw approval of the drug. Results of the phase 4 clinical trial for aducanumab are expected to be available by early Scientists are learning why these symptoms occur and are studying new treatments — drug and nondrug — to manage them.

The demands of day-to-day care, changes in family roles, and decisions about placement in a care facility can be difficult. NIA supports efforts to evaluate programs, strategies, approaches, and other research to improve the quality of care and life for those living with dementia and their caregivers. Becoming well-informed about the disease is one important long-term strategy. For example, staying physically active provides physical and emotional benefits.

Some caregivers have found that joining a support group is a critical lifeline. These support groups enable caregivers to find respite, express concerns, share experiences, get tips, and receive emotional comfort. Read about this topic in Spanish. Receive weekly tips and resources on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias from NIA's Alzheimers.

ADEAR Center staff answer telephone, email, and written requests and make referrals to local and national resources. Eldercare Locator toll-free eldercarelocator n4a. MedlinePlus National Library of Medicine www. Almost all scientists today focus on other areas of research, and few experts believe that everyday sources of aluminum pose any threat.

Learn More. Two categories of genes influence whether a person develops a disease: risk genes and deterministic genes. Alzheimer's genes have been found in both categories.

Heart-head connection: Some of the strongest evidence links brain health to heart health. These include heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Work with your doctor to monitor your heart health and treat any problems that arise.