According to the National Institutes of Health, scientists still do not fully grasp what is the cause of Alzheimer’s. However, it is becoming more clear as more research is done that it develops due to complex events that occur in the brain over many years.
Scientists believe that the causes could be genetic, environmental and lifestyle related. People differ in their genetics and their styles of life, so the importance of any of these factors in increasing/decreasing risk could differ among different people.
Basic Facts About Alzheimer’s Research
Scientists today are doing clinical studies to discover more about the plaques and tangles and other aspects of the disease. They now are able to visualize beta-amyloid that is associated with the plaques by doing brain images of people still living with the disease. Scientists also continue to explore the early stages in the process of the disease.
One of the hardest things to grasp about the disease is how and why it affects older adults. Research on brain changes as we age normally is starting to provide clues to answer this question. Scientists have started to learn how aging can cause changes in the brain that can harm neurons and can cause damage from Alzheimer’s. Some of the age-related changes include shrinking of the brain, or atrophy, and also inflammation.
Genetics and Alzheimer’s
One form of the disease that is more rare is early onset Alzheimer’s. This happens in people from 30-60, and fewer than 5% of people with the disease have this form. Most cases of early onset run in families, and are caused by changes in one of the three known genes that we inherit from our parents.
Most people with this disease have the late onset variety, which happens after 60. Most studies have shown that the apolipoprotein E gene is related to late onset Alzheimer’s. This gene comes in several forms, and one of them, which is known as APOE 4, is believed to increase one’s risk of getting the disease. Note that carrying this gene does not mean you will develop the disease. it also is possible for people not carrying the APOE 4 gene to get Alzheimer’s.
Support for Family and Caregivers
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can cause a great deal of mental, emotional and physical stress. But there are many helpful supplies and resources available to help you to cope with the needs of your loved one. One of our favorites is the Family Guide to Alzheimer’s Disease.
This VHS/DVD collection was created to help loved ones understand what they can expect as the disease progresses in their family member. This series in invaluable in helping to learn how to assist your loved one to live as full of a life as possible. It also covers behavior issues, daily life, family caregiving, and transitions.