The Mystery of Alzheimer’s Disease
By M. Lynn Bedford Fears, Contributing Writer
Clemme Rambo knows about the affects of Alzheimer’s disease. Her mother suffered from the disease which destroyed her memories and ultimately led to her death in 2004.
“Imagine what it’s like watching a loved one slowly start to forget recently learned information or experience difficulty with familiar tasks, or forget where they are and how they got there, or show signs of rapid mood swings going from calm to tears to anger all for no apparent reason,” said Rambo describing the affects of Alzheimer’s.
Like many, she cared for her mother at home until the disease’s progression required around-the-clock care that is oftentimes best provided at a skilled nursing home.
“Alzheimer’s is a challenge and it’s hard for loved ones, both emotionally and financially,” Rambo said. As the outreach coordinator for the Heart of America Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association Midtown Satellite Office, Rambo is a resource for family members of Alzheimer’s patients.
According to the latest facts and statistics published by the Alzheimer’s Association in their new report, Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, there are more than five million people in the United States living with Alzheimer’s. And, every 72 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s, a progressive brain disease that grows worse over time and has no cure, is the most widespread form of dementia.
We all forget from time to time, especially as we age. However, those suffering from Alzheimer’s have dramatic changes that affect decision-making and the ability to routinely function. The brain disorder is named for German physician Alois Alzheimer, who first identified it in 1906 when he examined the brain of a patient who died from the disease. Under a microscope, Alzheimer saw widespread fatty deposits in small blood vessels, dead and dying brain cells, and abnormal deposits in and around cells.
“He (Dr. Alzheimer) saw the plaques and tangles back then and we’re still looking at them today,” said Jeffrey Burns, M.D ., director of the Alzheimer’s & Memory Program, and assistant professor in the Department of Neurology at the University of Kansas Medical Center.
Plaques are a build-up of abnormal protein deposits in the brain, and tangles form inside dying cells.
According to Dr. Burns, the mystery is whether these abnormalities are the cause or the result of Alzheimer’s.
While they are not sure what causes Alzheimer’s, scientists have successfully answered questions about risk factors associated with the brain disorder.
Age — This is the number one risk factor for Alzheimer’s. “The prevalence goes up exponentially as we get older,” said Dr. Burns. He said the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s doubles about every five years after age 65, but after age 85, the risk reaches nearly 50 percent.
Family History — Immediate family members with Alzheimer’s increases one’s risk of developing the disease. “Although the risk increases,” said Dr. Burns, “it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s inevitable.”
Genetics — Alzheimer’s has been associated with risk genes and deterministic genes. Risk genes increase the likelihood of developing the disease while deterministic genes directly cause the disorder.
There are also modifiable risk factors. Individuals with cardiovascular risks, obesity, and high cholesterol are at an increased risk for Alzheimer’s, Dr. Burns said. We have no control over our age, family history, and genetics, but we can take steps in our daily lives to reduce our risk of heart attacks and strokes.
“There is a saying and good rule of thumb to keep in mind,” said Dr. Burns “What’s good for the heart is good for the brain.”
There are many resources available to both those suffering from Alzheimer’s, and their loved ones.
“The first step in a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is finding a physician, and the second step would be to seek help from the Alzheimer’s Association for emotional support, resources, and education for the caregiver about maintaining dignity and quality of life for the person with Alzheimer’s,” recommended Rambo.
The following are some resource options:
The Heart of America Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association offers office and home visits, a 24-hour helpline, support groups, and a referral source for services. Offices are located throughout the Kansas City metro area. Local phone numbers are 913-831-3888 or 816-361-6604. Online, the national Alzheimer’s Association website is www.alz.org.
The Alzheimer & Memory Program and the Alzheimer and Memory Center at KU Memory Resource Library has books, movies, DVDs, CDs, pamphlets, articles, and resources. Call 913-588-0602 or visit online at www.kualzheimer.org. To enroll in, or find out more information about, current studies, call the Research Line at 913-588-0555.
Scientists are working to identify the possible causes and treatments for Alzheimer’s. While we know a lot about this devastating disease that steals away the memories and lives of loved ones, much is still a mystery.
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