Alzheimer’s Disease and Steps to Prevent It

Introduction:

The normal functioning of the brain is necessary for a normal and healthy life. The brain maintains memory functions and regulates the functioning of various other organs and neuromuscular coordination. Alzheimer’s disease is one of the main factors for disability in older age. One out of nine elderly people in the world suffers from this disorder.

What Is Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological disorder that is responsible for the loss of brain functions. The condition was first described by Alois Alzheimer in 1906. Gradual loss of memory due to the destruction of neurons is accompanied by loss of cognitive functions and behavioral changes. Though this condition is insidious in onset, it is a progressive and chronic disorder. This is a condition that is mainly seen in older individuals who are older than 65 years or more.

• Pathophysiology:

Alzheimer's disease is a type of neurodegenerative condition characterized by the degeneration and death of neurons and nerve cells within the brain. The primary cause of this degeneration is the accumulation of amyloid-beta peptide plaques in the brain. These plaques are most commonly found in the medial temporal lobe, the entorhinal cortex (a brain region located in the allocortex), the hippocampus, and neocortical structures. Composed primarily of the core structure of amyloid beta-peptide, these spherical microscopic lesions are formed from peptides derived from a transmembrane protein known as an amyloid precursor. Through the action of various proteolytic enzymes, these precursor proteins are cleaved and give rise to these peptide structures. The deposition of these peptides occurs around the meningeal and cerebral vessels and within the gray matter of the brain, where it is referred to as plaque formation.

Another contributing factor linked to Alzheimer's disease is the presence of neurofibrillary tangles, which are intracytoplasmic structures composed of fibrils. These structures form as a result of the presence of tau proteins. The aggregation of tau proteins occurs due to the presence of amyloid-beta peptide plaques, leading to the formation of twisted aggregates known as neurofibrillary tangles. Initially observed in the hippocampus, these tangles can be found throughout the cortex.

What Are the Risk Factors for Alzheimer's Disease?

Risk factors that are responsible for the increased incidence of plaque formation are the following

1. Genetic Factors: The development of Alzheimer's disease is mainly caused by genetic mutation. The mutation of three specific genes is considered the main causative factor. These genes include the AAP gene on chromosome 21, Presenilin1 (PSEN1) on chromosome 14, and Presenilin 2 (PSEN2) on chromosome 1. Additionally, the APOE gene located on chromosome 19 also plays a significant role in this condition.

2. Aging: Aging is another risk factor associated with this condition. With increasing age, the rate of deposition of peptide structures increases. Several changes in the human body, like glucose hypometabolism, cholesterol dyshomeostasis (irregularity in cholesterol metabolism), mitochondria dysfunction, depression, and cognitive decline, also increase plaque formation in the brain. Apart from this, age-related reduction in brain volume and weight, enlargement of ventricles, and loss of synapses and dendrites may also be attributed to such conditions.

3. Infection: Chronic infection in the central nervous system caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), Treponema pallidum, and Chlamydia pneumonia increases the incidence of senile plaque and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain.

4. Systemic Diseases: Systemic diseases have great influences on the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Cardiovascular disorders and hypertension are some of the most important systemic diseases associated with Alzheimer's disease. Changes in the systemic circulation, vascular supply, and vessel walls caused by such conditions are responsible for the neurobiological changes in the brain. Also, reduced oxygenation in the brain is associated with the generation of amyloid precursor protein. Vascular injury caused by diabetes is also associated with the accumulation of such protein substances in the brain. Insulin resistance is also associated with increased deposition of amyloid beta-peptide.

5. Environmental Factors: Several environmental factors also play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Smoking and environmental pollution lead to exposure to harmful chemicals and metals. Exposure to metals like aluminum and lead causes neurodegeneration or neural abnormalities. Also, the generation of free radicals and oxidative stress may cause additional harm. Consumption of excessive amounts of processed food or food with less nutrient content, such as minerals and vitamins, may cause nerve damage.

What Are the Preventive Methods?

As discussed earlier, Alzheimer’s disease may be caused by several risk factors. That is why numerous preventive masseuses at an early age are very helpful. The steps are;

1. Physical Activity: Physical activity is the most important thing to be done to prevent Alzheimer's disease. Increased physical activity reduces the chances of cardiovascular disorders and hypertension. It also increases the blood flow rate and is responsible for improved vascular permeability. Conditions like diabetes and obesity can be kept in check by daily physical activity. Increased secretion of chemicals like brain-derived neurotrophic factor), IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor), and VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) are responsible for neurogenesis and improved nerve function. Also, exercise helps to fight against stress, depression, and anxiety.

2. Diet and Supplements: Food habits and deity supplements are responsible for improving neural functions. The Mediterranean diet which is rich in vegetables like fruit, nuts, olive oil, and fish has shown preventive effects of this disorder. Fruits such as Apples, avocados, berries, broccoli, carrots, grapes, kale, and nuts are enriched with several antioxidants that prevent the formation of free radicals in the brain. Supplements of vitamin C, and vitamin B also have neuroprotective effects. Supplements of vitamin D are also helpful in improving nerve functions and increasing the activity of the blood-brain barrier.

3. Psychological Well-Being: Psychological well-being is one of the most crucial aspects of Alzheimer’s prevention. Stress, depression, and anxiety are closely related to the development of this condition. Procedures like meditation and yoga have been shown to improve brain functions. Also, these help reduce anxiety and stress.

4. Estrogen (Hormone Replacement Therapy): This is a helpful technique in preventing Alzheimer’s disease in post-menopausal women. This procedure has shown improvement in mitochondrial functioning. Also, it has a reducing effect on nerve inflammation, dysfunction in nerve cells, and DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) damage.

5. Cognitive Functioning: Cognitive functioning is helpful in patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Regular exercise helps improve musculoskeletal functioning and muscle coordination.

Conclusion:

The death of nerve cells in the brain in Alzheimer's disease is related to amyloid plaque formation. Such plaque formation is seen in elderly patients with various systemic disorders. Also, psychological conditions and environmental factors are responsible for such pathologies. Needless to say, increased physical activity and proper diet are beneficial to prevent such conditions.