Alzheimer's: Leading Cause Of Cognitive Decline & Ways To Manage It
Alzheimer’s is a leading cause of cognitive decline. Learn about its causes, symptoms, treatments, and prevention strategies to manage brain health effectively.
Written by Dr.Sonia Bhatt
Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Introduction
Alzheimer’s disease is a disease that can slowly take away your ability to think, communicate, and live independently. Having this brain disorder can damage your nerve cells over time. While researchers work to find a cure, the available treatments can only slow progress.
The impact of this disease goes beyond the person diagnosed. It is believed that 55 million people globally are living with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. This number is expected to triple by 2050. Despite all this, Alzheimer’s remains one of the most misunderstood conditions. But by understanding the condition, you can take the first step in fighting back.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
You may have heard of Alzheimer’s before but do you know what it is? It’s not just about forgetting names or misplacing things. It is a progressive brain disorder that slowly erodes your ability to think, remember, and do basic tasks. Unlike normal age-related memory loss, Alzheimer’s can cause irreversible damage to your brain cells. This can make you prone to cognitive decline and completely dependent on others.
Definition and Characteristics
Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects your memory, reasoning, and behaviour. You may develop it due to abnormal protein build-up in your brain. This accumulation will damage your nerve cells and cause a loss of communication between them. Over time, your thinking, judgment, and personality changes will become more clear to others.
Stages of Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s doesn’t affect you overnight. In the early stage, you might notice mild forgetfulness. As it advances, you will find it difficult to perform basic daily tasks. In the final stage, you will need full-time care.
Causes and Risk Factors
Have you ever wondered why some people develop Alzheimer’s while others don’t? The truth is, there’s no single cause. Instead, your risk of developing this disease depends on a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. While age is the biggest risk factor, it’s not the only one. Your family history, daily habits, and even exposure to certain environmental triggers can play a role in determining your risk.
Genetic Factors
If someone in your family has had Alzheimer’s, you might be more likely to develop it. Specific genes, such as the APOE-e4 gene, have been linked to a higher risk of the disease. However, genetics alone don’t determine your risk. Some people with these genes never develop Alzheimer’s, while others without them get it.
Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
What you do every day can affect your risk as well. If you follow a poor diet, lead an inactive lifestyle, smoke, or if you have a chronic condition like diabetes or high blood pressure, you are at a higher risk of developing this disease. Additionally, you may experience brain degeneration if you are exposed to pollutants, toxins, or have had head injuries in the past.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s
You will likely overlook your forgetfulness which is the first sign of Alzheimer’s as you may find it completely normal initially. But over time, your symptoms will worsen and make it very difficult for you to do your daily tasks. If you or someone you love experiences lingering memory problems, difficulty finding words, or trouble handling familiar tasks, it could be more than just ageing. By recognising your signs early, you can manage the condition better.
Early Symptoms
In the beginning, you might notice occasional lapses in your memory, like forgetting recent conversations or misplacing items. You will also struggle to recall names and experience difficulty in making decisions. You may become confused in familiar environments. While these signs may seem minor to you at first, they will gradually become more frequent and disruptive.
Advanced Symptoms
As your condition progresses, your memory loss will become severe. You may forget close family members, lose the ability to communicate, and struggle with simple tasks like dressing or eating. In later stages, as your mobility and ability to do simple functions get affected, you will need full-time care.
Alzheimer’s As A Leading Cause of Dementia
If you’ve ever thought about what makes Alzheimer’s so significant, the answer lies in its position as the primary cause of dementia. Dementia is a broad category of conditions that can impair your memory and cognitive function. Among them, Alzheimer’s is the most prevalent and devastating.
Prevalence and Statistics
Alzheimer’s disease makes up 60% to 80% of all dementia cases globally. Currently, over 55 million people live with dementia, and by 2050, this number is expected to reach 139 million. With no cure in sight, the burden on healthcare and families will increase in future.
Comparison with Other Dementias
Vascular dementia is a result of reduced blood flow to your brain. Lewy body dementia is a condition that makes you vulnerable to hallucinations. On the other hand, when you have Alzheimer’s, it causes a slow and irreversible degeneration of the nerve cells in your brain. When you consider Alzheimer’s along with other dementias, you can better understand its challenges and why it stands out among them.
Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s
Your diagnosis would not rely on just a single test. Your doctor will use a combination of cognitive assessments, brain imaging, and biomarkers to determine if the cause of your forgetfulness and other symptoms is a result of Alzheimer’s or not.
Cognitive Testing
During the diagnosis, your doctor will assess your cognitive function with memory and thinking tests. You may be asked to recall words, solve simple problems, or follow a sequence of instructions. These tests will help detect if you have early signs of cognitive decline.
Imaging and Biomarkers
To confirm your diagnosis, you will be asked to undergo brain scans like MRI, CT, or PET scans to detect if you are experiencing brain shrinkage or abnormal protein deposits. Your doctor may also suggest biomarker tests such as cerebrospinal fluid analysis to look for the presence of Alzheimer ’s-related changes before your symptoms become severe.
Current Treatment Options
While there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, knowing the treatment options can help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. Your doctor will suggest a combination of medications and non-drug therapies to slow down your cognitive decline and enhance your daily functioning.
Medications Available
Medications like cholinesterase inhibitors (like Donepezil, Rivastigmine, and Galantamine) will improve communication between your brain cells. On the other hand, NMDA receptor antagonists (such as Memantine) help regulate activity in your brain.
Non-Pharmacological Therapies
Your treatment won’t include medications only. You will be recommended therapies such as cognitive stimulation, music therapy, and physical exercise to enhance your memory and mood. Following a structured routine, social engagement, and a brain-healthy diet will also help you maintain cognitive function and improve your emotional well-being.
Recent Research and Advances
With Alzheimer’s cases rising globally, scientists are trying to develop new treatments. Breakthroughs in drug development and innovative therapies are offering new hope to patients and their families.
New Drug Developments
Some promising progress has been achieved in the development of newer Alzheimer’s medication. Drugs like Lecanemab and Donanemab may slow disease progression by targeting amyloid plaques in your brain. These new treatments target the work at the root cause and may potentially delay your cognitive decline.
Innovative Therapies
Researchers are exploring gene therapy, stem cell treatments, and even brain stimulation techniques to one day restore your neural function. Clinical trials are also investigating personalised treatments based on your genetic risk factors.
Caregiving for Alzheimer’s Patients
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is both a labour of love and an immense challenge. If you’re a caregiver, you know how emotionally, physically, and mentally demanding it can be. From managing daily routines to coping with behavioural changes, the journey is overwhelming—but support is available.
Challenges Faced by Caregivers
As the disease progresses, patients require constant supervision, assistance with personal care, and emotional support. Communication becomes difficult, and mood swings or aggression can make caregiving exhausting. The emotional toll, combined with physical fatigue, often leads to caregiver burnout.
Support and Resources
Support groups, respite care services, and professional counselling can provide relief. Organisations like the Alzheimer’s Society offer guidance, while memory care programmes and home nursing services help ease the burden, ensuring both you and your loved one receive the care you need.
Prevention and Risk Reduction
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent Alzheimer’s, you can take steps to lower your risk. Research suggests that adopting a brain-healthy lifestyle can significantly delay cognitive decline and improve overall well-being. Small, consistent changes in your daily routine could make a big difference in protecting your brain.
Lifestyle Changes
What you eat and how active you are can impact your brain health. A diet rich in antioxidants, such as the Mediterranean or DASH diet, may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. Regular physical activity improves blood flow to your brain while avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption further supports cognitive function.
Mental and Social Engagement
Keeping your brain active is just as important as physical health. Reading, solving puzzles, learning new skills, and staying socially connected through conversations or group activities help maintain cognitive resilience, potentially reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s.
Conclusion
Alzheimer's disease is a leading cause of cognitive decline, affecting millions worldwide. While there is no cure, early detection, proper management, and a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and support can help slow its progression and improve quality of life. It's essential for individuals and their families to stay informed, seek medical guidance, and engage in activities that promote brain health to navigate the challenges Alzheimer's presents.
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