What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that leads to the gradual loss of nerve cells in the brain. It is characterized by the accumulation of pathological proteins in the brain, such as beta-amyloid and tau protein. These changes result in neuron death and reduced production of neurotransmitters, affecting cognitive abilities.

The disease develops slowly, and its early symptoms may be subtle and often mistaken for natural aging. Over time, the symptoms become more pronounced, eventually leading to total mental and physical disability.

Early Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease

The early symptoms of Alzheimer’s often include:

• Memory problems, such as difficulty recalling recent information, names, or dates;
• Problems performing previously familiar tasks;
• Mood and personality changes, which may include depression, anxiety, or irritability;
• Disorientation in time and space, such as difficulties navigating familiar places or determining dates.

Is Alzheimer’s Inherited?

Alzheimer’s disease can have a genetic component, but most cases are not inherited. Familial Alzheimer’s Disease (FAD) accounts for only 1.5-2% of cases, and the disease is most commonly passed from mother to child.

How is Alzheimer’s Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is based on a thorough assessment of clinical symptoms and a series of tests to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. To fully diagnose the disease, the following steps should be taken:

1. Medical History: The doctor conducts a detailed interview with the patient and their relatives to gather information about symptoms, their severity, and the time of onset. This is a crucial step in the diagnostic process.
2. Neurological Examination: The doctor assesses the patient’s neurological functions, including reflexes, motor coordination, and cognitive abilities.
3. Neuropsychological Tests: The patient may be referred to a psychologist for tests that evaluate memory, thinking, language skills, and other cognitive functions.
4. Imaging Studies: Computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain are standard imaging tests that allow for the assessment of brain structure. They help rule out other causes of dementia, such as tumors, hematomas, or vascular changes.
5. Laboratory Tests: Blood tests may be ordered to rule out other conditions that can cause symptoms similar to Alzheimer’s, such as vitamin deficiencies or thyroid problems.
6. Genetic Testing: In cases of a family history of Alzheimer’s, the doctor may suggest genetic testing to assess the risk of developing the disease.

What Blood Tests are Available for Alzheimer’s?

Blood tests for Alzheimer’s are becoming increasingly important in diagnosing the disease, allowing for early detection of the risk of its onset. Key tests include:

• Apolipoprotein E (ApoE): This test identifies which form of the ApoE gene is present in the patient. There are three main alleles of this gene: ApoE2, ApoE3, and ApoE4. The ApoE4 allele is associated with a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. People with one or two copies of this allele may be at greater risk of developing the disease later in life.
• Beta-amyloid (1-42) / (1-40) Test: This test measures the concentration of two beta-amyloid biomarkers in a blood sample. Analyzing these biomarkers helps estimate the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
• p-tau217 Protein: Elevated levels of the p-tau217 protein in the blood are a promising indicator of the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Other Tests: Tests such as vitamin B12 levels, folic acid, or thyroid hormones may be ordered to rule out other causes of dementia-like symptoms.

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