Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder. It is the most common form of dementia (60-80%). It gradually impairs memory, cognitive abilities, and the capacity to perform daily activities.

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ℹWhat is Alzheimer's Disease?

Although the exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is not fully understood, two hallmark protein deposits in the brain are implicated: amyloid plaques and tau tangles. These abnormal protein accumulations form fibrous structures that impair nutrient transport between brain cells, eventually leading to cell death and brain atrophy.

The disease most commonly begins in the hippocampus, the brain region responsible for memory. The greatest known risk factor is advancing age, and the majority of patients are 65 years or older. When it affects individuals under 65, it is classified as early-onset Alzheimer's disease.

Common Symptoms

Memory Loss

Usually the first sign of disease-related cognitive decline. Repetitive questioning, getting lost easily, misplacing items.

Cognitive Impairment

Difficulty finding words, visuospatial problems, impaired reasoning and decision-making.

Difficulty with Daily Tasks

Decline in ability to drive, cook, or manage finances.

Behavioral Changes

Anxiety, restlessness, agitation, and personality changes may develop as the disease progresses.

Diagnosis Methods

Clinical and Neuropsychological Evaluation

Detailed history, cognitive tests such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and functional assessment.

MRI Imaging

Reveals brain atrophy, particularly volume loss in the hippocampal region.

PET Imaging

Harmful protein accumulations are visualized via Amyloid PET and Tau PET. Brain energy utilization is evaluated with FDG-PET.

Biomarkers

Measurement of p-Tau217 in the blood, and amyloid and tau protein levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis.

Genetic Testing

APOE-ε4, PSEN1, or APP gene mutations are examined in early-onset cases.

Treatments

Cholinesterase Inhibitors

Block the enzyme that accelerates brain damage. Donepezil, Galantamine, Rivastigmine.

Monoclonal Antibody Therapy

New-generation treatment targeting amyloid proteins. Lecanemab (Leqembi) targets amyloid fibrils; Donanemab (Kisunla) targets aggregated amyloid plaques.

NMDA Antagonists

Block the NMDA receptors where glutamate binds in the brain. Memantine is a commonly used agent.

Symptomatic Treatments

Antidepressants (anxiety, depression), antipsychotics (hallucinations, agitation), and antiepileptics (mood changes).

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