OLD MAN LUNCH
Alzheimer's
We wanted to have some basic information about Alzheimer's, but we hope to expand this page as we produce more podcast episodes.
We plan to update this page with information about Matt's progression, data and statistics about Alzheimer's, and any advice or tips we stumble across for living with this disease for both patients and caregivers so check back periodically for new updates.
Alzheimer's Statistics
An estimated 6.9 million Americans aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s dementia.
Timberly Williams
Matt was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 54. It is considered early onset or younger-onset Alzheimer’s if the person is under 65. Younger-onset can also be referred to as early-onset Alzheimer’s.
People with younger-onset Alzheimer’s can be in the early, middle, or late stage of the disease. Matt’s diagnosis came at the early stage of the disease and while the symptoms have absolutely progressed since his diagnosis, he is still considered in the early stages.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia and is currently responsible for 60-80% of dementia cases.
The Alzheimer’s Association defines dementia as a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. The average life expectancy for a person with Alzheimer’s is 4 to 8 years after diagnosis but can range up to 20 years.
Matt was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 54. It is considered early onset or younger-onset Alzheimer’s if the person is under 65. disease.
Younger-onset can also be referred to as early-onset Alzheimer’s. People with younger-onset Alzheimer’s can be in the early, middle, or late-stage of the disease. Matt’s diagnosis came at the early stage of the disease and while the symptoms have absolutely progressed since his diagnosis, he is still considered in the early stages.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia and is currently responsible for 60-80% of dementia cases. The Alzheimer’s Association defines dementia as a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. The average life expectancy for a person with Alzheimer’s is 4 to 8 years after diagnosis but can range up to 20 years.
What is Alzheimer’s?
All of this information was gathered from the Alzheimer’s Association website. I wholeheartedly recommend visiting it for more information or to donate.
Well before symptoms start showing up, there are microscopic changes that begin in the brain of someone who will eventually be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The human brain has 100 billion nerve cells (neurons) and nerve cells connect together to form communication networks. Groups of these cells have specific jobs, as example, some assist with seeing, hearing, and smelling while others are linked to learning, thinking, and remembering.
The Alzheimer’s Association explains that brain cells operate like miniature factories, receiving supplies, generating energy for the body, constructing equipment, and getting rid of waste. Neurons also communicate with other cells and process and store information. All of this work requires both laser-accurate coordination and lots of oxygen and fuel.
While Alzheimer’s is not completely understood, researchers believe that Alzheimer’s throws a wrench into the gears of the cell’s factory. Currently, scientists don’t understand where the trouble begins but Alzheimer’s causes breakdowns and backups in the factory systems which end up causing issues in other areas, spreading the damage to cells. Eventually, the cells can no longer function, and they die which causes irreversible damage to the brain.
Plaques and Tangles
There are two abnormal structures in the brain of a person with Alzheimer’s that are considered the main suspects when it comes to damaging and killing neurons.
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Plaques: These are deposits of protein fragments which are called beta-amyloid, pronounced (BAY-tuh AM-uh-loyd), which build up in the spaces between nerve cells.
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Tangles: These are twisted fibers of a protein called tau, which rhymes with wow. Tau builds up inside the nerve cells. While most people end up developing some tangles and plaque as they grow older, Alzheimer patients typically have much more, and it develops in more predictable patterns. Unfortunately, it often begins in areas that are important to memory.
At this point, science doesn’t fully understand how or why the plaques and tangles impact communication between the cells, but they are confident that they play a critical role. It is believed that by blocking communication between cells the tangles and plaques are disrupting the processes that the cells need to survive, eventually killing them.
As cells are damaged or killed, it leads to memory failure, changes in personality, issues dealing with daily activities and other symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease which means that the symptoms will grow worse over time and will eventually end in the death of the patient.
The early stages typically involve mild memory loss and inconveniences such as losing items regularly, trouble remembering names, issues with organization, and other symptoms.
As the disease progresses the symptoms get worse. The middle stage of Alzheimer’s is typically the longest, lasting years in many cases. A few of the symptoms of this stage include getting frustrated or angry, refusing to bathe, and acting in unexpected ways. The damage to the nerve cells in the brain at this point can make it difficult to express thoughts or perform routine tasks.
Late-stage Alzheimer’s is marked by severe symptoms and these patients often lose the ability to respond to their environment, carry on a conversation, or even control their movements. At this point, the Alzheimer’s patient will need round-the-clock care in most cases.
Links to more information about Alzheimer’s