Alzheimer’s disease is the most frequent cause of dementia, which is a blanket term for loss of memory and other cognitive impairments that are severe enough to interfere with everyday life. Alzheimer’s illness accounts for 60-80% of all dementia cases.

Alzheimer’s disease is not a typical aspect of aging. Aging is the biggest risk factor now understood, and those 65 and older make up the majority of Alzheimer’s patients. 

With time, Alzheimer’s gets worse. Alzheimer’s is a progressive illness, although, over several years, symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease gradually get worse. Memory loss is moderate in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, but it becomes more severe as the disease progresses. 

A person with Alzheimer’s typically lives 4 to 8 years following diagnosis, however depending on other variables, they may survive up to 20 years.

To know more about what is Alzheimer’s disease, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options – keep reading the blog. If you or a loved one is dealing with Alzheimer’s or looking for information on available medications and support, you can also reach out to a community pharmacy in Houston.

What is Alzheimer’s disease? 

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that causes memory, thinking, learning, and organizing abilities to gradually deteriorate. It is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, who originally described the illness in 1906. 

It eventually has an impact on a person’s capacity to do fundamental daily tasks. According to the National Institute on Aging, Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth greatest reason for death in the United States.

The existence of plaques and tangles in the brain is one of the condition’s primary characteristics. Another characteristic is a loss of connectivity between the nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain.

These characteristics make it difficult for information to move freely inside the brain or between the brain and the muscles or organs.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. 

There are so many different symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, and they are noticeable at first and will worsen over time. 

Check out the following common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease:

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life
• Difficulty in planning or solving problems
• Challenges in completing familiar tasks
• Confusion with time or place
• Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
• New problems with words in speaking or writing
• Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
• Decreased or poor judgment
• Changes in mood and personality
• Have difficulties with simple math.
• Need assistance with self-care activities like bathing, grooming, taking a shower, and using the restroom.
• Develop urine incontinence and/or fecal (bowel) incontinence.
• Have sleeping problems.
• Needs assistance with all daily activities, including eating, sitting up, and walking.
• Becomes susceptible to infections, including pneumonia and skin infections.

Causes of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Check out the following common causes of Alzheimer’s disease:-

• Accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain
• Formation of neurofibrillary tangles in nerve cells
• Genetic factors 
• Age-related brain changes
• Family history of Alzheimer’s disease
• Chronic inflammation in the brain
• Environmental and lifestyle factors (e.g., head injuries, cardiovascular health, and diet)
• Oxidative stress and free radical damage
• Impaired insulin signaling in the brain.

Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease. 

Nonpharmacological Approaches

Early on, memory aids may be beneficial. People with Alzheimer’s can navigate their surroundings more easily by following routines that are predictable but simple. Healthcare professionals might assist the caregiver in improving interactions with the patient and minimizing undesirable behaviors. Additionally, addressing other medical disorders depends on it. 

Alzheimer’s disease Medication

For the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, the FDA has approved three drugs from the cholinesterase inhibitor pharmacological family. These over the counter drugs include Exelon (rivastigmine), Razadyne (galantamine), and Aricept (donepezil).

Namenda (memantine), another medicine that has FDA approval, is available. A doctor may recommend Namenda alone or in combination with one of the four approved drugs, cholinesterase inhibitors.

You can get these new Alzheimer’s drugs from your nearby drug store in houston.  

These Alzheimer’s medications may lessen symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or delay the onset of symptoms in certain patients. However, they don’t address the issues that are the root causes of Alzheimer’s disease. 

New emerging treatments for Alzheimer’s disease

In 2021, the FDA authorized Aduhelm, an expensive biologic-type Alzheimer’s disease medication, to treat Alzheimer’s. This new Alzheimer’s drug targets the disease’s root cause, in contrast to earlier therapies. However, it has generated debate because some doctors are unsure of whether the advantages exceed the hazards of possible brain hemorrhage and swelling.

The FDA authorized Leqembi, another new Alzheimer’s drug with a similar method of action, in January 2023. The US FDA approves Alzheimer’s medication quickly.

 It is now approved for persons with mild conditions, and it, like Aduhelm, is rather controversial. Clinical studies for novel medicines are presently underway. While some treatments for Alzheimer’s disease focus on the unusual peptide clusters, others address inflammation or blood vessel problems. If these novel medicines are found to be long-term successful, the range of available treatments may soon increase.  

To conclude 

In conclusion, Alzheimer’s disease is a harmful medical condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It is crucial to raise awareness and understanding of this progressive disorder for prevention.

Throughout this blog, we have delved into the basics, symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, causes, and even efficient treatment for Alzheimer’s disease as well. If you experience any similar symptoms, reach out to your trusted healthcare professional.

If you are looking for high-quality Alzheimer’s medications in Houston at the best rates, reach out to Scott Read Pharmacy – the leading Pharmacy in Houston.

To make a difference, we must foster a dementia-friendly society, where understanding and compassion replace stigma and ignorance. By educating ourselves and others about Alzheimer’s disease, we can create a supportive environment that embraces those living with the condition and extends a helping hand to their caregivers.