How Alzheimer’s changes the brain?

Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that impacts memory, thinking, and behavior in those with the condition. It can be challenging and heartbreaking for the person with the disease and their family or caregivers as it progresses. At present, treatments are limited to symptom management as researchers continue to learn about the underlying causes and work to find viable treatments and a cure.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s can include:

• Loss of recent memory
• Losing things and being unable to retrace steps to find them or locating objects in unusual places
• Difficulty operating everyday appliances or working through normal daily tasks
• Getting lost in familiar places
• Difficulty with numbers
• Trouble managing finances
• Poor judgment and decision making
• Changes in personality and behavior
• Irritability

Alzheimer’s is the 6^th leading cause of death in the United States and accounts for most cases of dementia that are diagnosed.

The brain is the area of the body where Alzheimer’s starts. Small changes begin before the earliest symptoms of memory loss begin to appear. Within the brain, neurons or brain cells connect to create communication networks that deliver messages throughout the brain. Groups of neurons each have specific tasks they perform, which may involve learning, memory, thinking, and perceiving.

Abnormal structures begin to develop that prevent the communication between cells and call their damage and death. These structures are called plaques and tangles. Plaques are protein fragments that build up in spaces between cells. Tangles are another type of protein that forms twisted fibers that build up inside cells. While their exact role in Alzheimer’s is still unclear, experts believe they block communication and disrupt important cellular processes.

The death of the nerve cells causes memory, thinking, personality changes, and other symptoms of the disease. As the neurons die, the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s lose mass over time.

If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms of Alzheimer’s, or you are a caregiver for someone with the condition, talk with your doctor to learn more, receive an evaluation, and get information about local resources for both caregivers and those with Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association Helpline is available to help connect you with information and support as well at 1-800-272-3900.