World Alzheimer's Day 2023: Causes, prevention, and lifestyle strategies

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects older individuals, leading to a decline in memory, cognitive function, and ultimately, the ability to carry out daily activities. The theme of Alzheimer’s Day 2023 is "Never Too Early Never Too Late." 

This year's theme focuses on identifying risk factors and adopting measures that can help prevent the onset of dementia.

While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's, understanding its causes, implementing preventive measures, managing stress, adopting relaxation techniques, engaging in cognitive activities, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of developing this debilitating condition.

Rucha Shrikhande Divekar, Consultant Psychologist from Pune has shared inputs on the Impact of Stress Management and Relaxation Techniques and prevention strategies related to Alzheimer's disease

Managing stress through relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, yoga, or mindfulness can positively impact Alzheimer's risk. Chronic stress can lead to inflammation in the brain, which is linked to cognitive decline. By reducing stress, individuals may lower their risk of developing Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer's disease, a complex and progressive neurological disorder, is primarily caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. 

The exact cause remains elusive, but certain key factors are believed to contribute to its onset and progression:

Genetic Factors:
Genetics plays a significant role in Alzheimer's disease. Individuals with a family history of Alzheimer's are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Certain gene mutations, such as those in the APOE gene, are associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's.

Abnormal Protein Accumulation:
In Alzheimer's, abnormal levels of two proteins—beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles—accumulate in the brain. Beta-amyloid forms plaques between nerve cells, disrupting communication and triggering cell damage. Tau protein forms tangles inside neurons, disrupting nutrient transport systems.

Neuroinflammation:
Chronic inflammation in the brain is thought to contribute to Alzheimer's progression. In response to beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles, the brain's immune cells become overactive, releasing inflammatory chemicals that can further damage neurons.

Brain Cell Communication Breakdown:
Alzheimer's disrupts communication between nerve cells in the brain. This breakdown impairs memory, cognition, and eventually the ability to perform daily activities.

Environmental and Lifestyle Factors:
Certain environmental and lifestyle factors can increase the risk of Alzheimer's, including a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and traumatic brain injury.
While these factors contribute to the development and progression of Alzheimer's, the interplay and exact mechanisms are complex and require further research for a deeper understanding. Ongoing studies aim to unravel the intricacies of Alzheimer's disease to develop effective treatments and preventive strategies.

Lifestyle Choices for Cognitive Engagement

Engaging in activities that challenge your brain and keep it active is vital for reducing Alzheimer's risk. Here are some lifestyle choices that promote cognitive engagement:

• Reading and Learning: Read books, newspapers, or articles regularly to keep your mind engaged and informed.
• Music and Arts: Learn to play a musical instrument, paint, or engage in any form of artistic expression that interests you.
• Continued Education: Take courses or workshops to learn new skills and expand your knowledge base.

Prevention Strategies for Alzheimer's
Non-pharmacological interventions, such as cognitive training, lifestyle modifications, and nutrition, have the potential to complement traditional treatments for Alzheimer's disease in several ways.

Cognitive training
Cognitive training programs can help to improve memory, attention, and other cognitive functions in people with Alzheimer's disease. Cognitive training can be done in a variety of ways, such as through computerized programs, group classes, or individual sessions with a therapist.

Lifestyle modifications
Lifestyle modifications such as exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep can help to improve overall health and well-being in people with Alzheimer's disease. Exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function, reduce the risk of falls, and improve mood in people with Alzheimer's disease. A healthy diet can help to protect the brain from damage and improve cognitive function. Adequate sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, and it can also help to improve cognitive function in people with Alzheimer's disease.

Nutrition
Several specific nutrients are beneficial for people with Alzheimer's disease. For example, omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil and walnuts, have been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Vitamin D is also important for brain health, and low levels of vitamin D have been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Coping with Alzheimer's
Currently, there is no known cure for Alzheimer's disease. However, individuals and their families can work with healthcare professionals to develop a comprehensive care plan that includes medication, therapy, and lifestyle modifications to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Several novel drug therapies are currently being developed or tested for Alzheimer's disease, including some that have the potential to modify the course of the disease. For example, some drugs are being developed to target the amyloid beta and tau proteins that are thought to play a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease. Other drugs are being developed to protect neurons from damage or to improve cognitive function.

It’s the Neurologist or a neuropsychiatrist generally who prescribes the Medication for Alzheimer’s disease. Usually, they are given in a combination with few psychological or behavioral medicines.

Many times we see Dementia, Parkinson’s, or Alzheimer’s with Depression, Apathy, disinhibition, and psychosis. Depending on the symptoms shown by the patient.