Separating Fact from Fallacy: Is It Alzheimer's or Aging?

Do you ever catch yourself or a family member saying, “I just can’t remember?” My guess is: probably so! After age 30, we lose approximately 0.8 to 0.9% of our organ reserve each year. This includes the brain. There is a decrease in the weight and volume of the brain and accompanying reduction in our cognition.¹ Simply put, our brains shrink as we age. Perhaps you’ve wondered what is considered “normal” memory loss, the kind many of us associate with aging, and what constitutes dementia. There are distinct differences between the two, which we will examine here.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. In people 71 and older, Alzheimer’s represents 70% of all causes of dementia.² In 2008, it’s estimated that approximately 5.2 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, and five million of those individuals are 65 years or older. Experts estimate that one in eight people 65 or older has Alzheimer’s. And according to a study in Neurology, the lifetime risk of Alzheimer’s is higher for women (17%) than it is for men (9%).³

The Development of a Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys a person’s cognitive abilities. Neurons lose their normal functional ability due to beta-amyloid plaque formation and neurofibril tangles. In addition to reduced cognition, Alzheimer’s can also be accompanied by behavioral and neuropsychiatric disturbances such as anxiety, depression, agitation, delusions and hallucinations. Complications of Alzheimer’s disease include falls, incontinence and infections. Together, the reduced cognition, behavioral changes and physical complications present serious challenges to day-to-day life for both the patient and his or her caregivers.

“Normal” Memory Loss vs. Alzheimer’s

Some memory loss is considered a normal part of the aging process. The following table identifies some of the differences between normal age-related memory changes and those associated with the development of Alzheimer’s disease.⁴

Healthy Aging, Active Mind & Body May Delay Onset

Healthy aging can prevent or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Improving cardiovascular health by losing weight, and controlling hypertension and high cholesterol may help. Staying mentally fit may also delay the onset of Alzheimer’s. Lifelong mental exercise and learning may promote the growth of additional nerve synapses and delay. Crossword puzzles, Sudoku, chess, reading, and social activities can all help.

Common Alzheimer’s Medications & Their Side Effects

Today, there are several medications which can be prescribed by one’s physician to help combat the effects of Alzheimer’s disease. These medications are listed in the chart below by the type of therapy (mechanism of action) and with common side effects that may result.⁵

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Integrative Therapies May Help

There is suggestive preliminary evidence that aromatherapy, the use of essential oils from plants for healing purposes, may help. Lemon balm can effectively reduce agitation in people with severe dementia when applied to the face and arms twice daily. Also, steam inhalation of lavender aromatherapy may have similar effects. However, additional studies are necessary. Music therapy has been found to reduce aggressive or agitated behavior, improve mood, and improve cooperation with daily tasks in Alzheimer’s sufferers.⁶

Research is continuing to attempt to find new treatments for this devastating disease. This is essential with the “graying of America.” Much more information may be found online at the Alzheimer’s Research Forum and Alzheimer’s Association.

Stay active in both mind and body…take care!

Dr. Joe Woelfel

Posted in Alzheimer's Care, Caregiver Support, Communicating with Loved Ones, Early Signs & Symptoms, Geriatric Pharmacology, Is it Alzheimer's or Aging?