How Does Alzheimer's Affect The Brain?

Alzheimer's disease is a neurological disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. As the most common cause of dementia, this neurodegenerative disease affects millions of people worldwide. However, one of the main questions surrounding the disease persists: how does Alzheimer’s affect the brain?

To better grasp the impact of Alzheimer’s on a person, we may need to take a closer look at the changes Alzheimer’s has on the brain itself. These include the formation of plaques and thinning of certain brain areas. We can then look at how behaviors and emotions might change in a person with Alzheimer’s to create a treatment plan that works for them. Continue reading to learn more about how Alzheimer’s affects the brain and how symptoms might arise.

What is Alzheimer's disease, and what are its risk factors?

Alzheimer's disease is a common neurological disorder that is estimated to affect 152 million people globally by the year 2050. It is the most common cause of dementia in older adults, affecting their thought, memory, and language abilities. There is currently no cure for the disease, but palliative medications are available that can help treat mild to moderate symptoms and slow the rate of cognitive decline.

Causes and signs

Alzheimer's disease disrupts communication among neurons, the nerve cells that transmit messages in the brain. The disease is also linked to the buildup of specific proteins known as plaques and tangles, which may worsen the brain's functioning.

Early warning signs of Alzheimer's include forgetting things more often, difficulty planning or solving problems, and struggling with familiar daily tasks. As the disease progresses, the symptoms can get worse, affecting how a person functions and ultimately leading to severe Alzheimer's disease.

Potential risk factors and complications

We still do not fully understand what causes Alzheimer's disease, but certain factors may increase the chances of a person getting it. For example, genes may play a role, as some genes increase the risk of getting this disease. Age may also be an important factor, with the risk of Alzheimer's increasing after age 65. 

Apart from Alzheimer's, there are other forms of dementia, like vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia, which can also affect thinking abilities and cause memory loss. Research also suggests that habits such as not exercising, smoking, and being obese might increase the risk of getting Alzheimer's and other similar dementias.

Other risk factors

Besides the several potential factors mentioned above, some research suggests a link between Alzheimer’s and the following factors:

• Down syndrome
• Head injuries
• Hearing loss
• Sedentary lifestyle

General treatment plans for those affected

While we do not yet have a cure for Alzheimer's disease, treatments focus on managing the symptoms, slowing down the progression of the disease, and improving the life quality of those affected. Typical treatment options may include medications that help manage cognitive decline and behavioral symptoms. 

Alzheimer’s medications can include cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists. Non-medication therapies, like mental stimulation and physical exercise, may also be important parts of a treatment plan. Healthcare providers may also provide support and education to patients and their families to help them manage the challenges related to Alzheimer's.

How does Alzheimer’s disease affect the brain?

Alzheimer's is a severe condition that causes changes in a healthy brain, leading to problems with thinking skills and memory. These changes in the brain structure can greatly affect a person's life. Let's look at how Alzheimer's disease may damage the brain with the creation of plaques, the development of tangles, shrinkage of the hippocampus, and thinning of the cortex.

Formation of plaques

One feature of Alzheimer's is the buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain. These plaques form when protein fragments called beta-amyloid accumulate between brain cells. Beta-amyloid comes from a larger protein called the amyloid precursor protein, which is usually harmless. However, in Alzheimer's disease, this protein develops in an abnormal way, creating toxic fragments that group together to form plaques. These plaques can interrupt communication between brain cells and cause inflammation, which eventually leads to the death of the cells.

Development of tangles

Another significant change in a brain affected by Alzheimer's is the development of neurofibrillary tangles. These tangles are created by abnormal twists of a protein called tau. Tau normally helps maintain the structure of brain cells. But in Alzheimer's, tau proteins become faulty and begin to pile up, forming tangles inside the brain cells. These tangles disrupt the transport of nutrients and other important molecules within the cells, causing the cells to stop working properly and eventually die.

Hippocampus shrinkage leads to memory loss and confusion

The hippocampus, a part of the brain that helps form new memories, may be heavily affected by Alzheimer's. As brain cells die and tangles pile up, the hippocampus brain tissue shrinks significantly. This shrinkage affects its function, leading to memory loss and confusion, which are among the early symptoms of Alzheimer's.

Cortical thinning

In addition to the hippocampus, Alzheimer's may also cause the thinning of the cortex, or the loss of brain tissue, particularly in areas that handle thinking skills, judgment, and language. As the cerebral cortex becomes thinner, these areas of the brain lose their ability to process information, which can cause a steady decline in thinking abilities.

Alzheimer's disease can bring about multiple changes in the brain, potentially leading to significant challenges in a person's life. Scientists have discovered these distinct brain signatures in individuals with early-stage Alzheimer's. These unique patterns, detected using advanced imaging technology, show an increased rate of aging in brain networks, even before memory loss begins. This breakthrough could help in earlier detection and intervention for the disease. 

How does Alzheimer's disease lead to emotional and behavioral changes?

As Alzheimer's disease progresses, it may do more than just affect a person's memory. It also might impact their ability to communicate, understand their emotions, and respond to their environment. As a result, people with Alzheimer's often experience changes in their emotions and behavior.

One reason for these changes is that Alzheimer's often weakens a person's ability to understand and interact with their surroundings. As the disease makes it harder for the brain to process information, individuals may become confused, agitated, or have sudden changes in mood. Expressing themselves may also become more difficult, leading to feelings of frustration and isolation. This can lead to more anxiety, depression, and irritability, as well as a withdrawal from social situations and activities they once enjoyed. The National Institute on Aging provides suggestions to help manage these changes in personality and behavior.

How does Alzheimer’s affect the brain parts responsible for emotion and behavior?

Another factor that may cause emotional and behavioral changes in people with Alzheimer's is the direct damage to brain cells. As the disease progresses, it may affect different parts of an otherwise healthy human brain, including those responsible for understanding emotions and controlling behavior. This can cause shifts in personality, less control over emotions, and a reduced ability to control impulses. As a result, individuals might have sudden emotional outbursts, extreme mood swings, or behave inappropriately.

Is therapy effective for people affected by Alzheimer's disease?

Although therapy may not be a direct treatment for Alzheimer's disease, it could offer valuable support for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. However, those with Alzheimer’s or those caring for loved ones affected by the disease may not have in-person options easily available to them. One of the main benefits of online therapy is its availability for those who live remotely or are unable to travel easily.

Virtual therapy for caregivers and patients with Alzheimer’s disease

With virtual therapy, patients and caregivers may be able to connect with a mental health professional from the comfort of their own home. Additionally, research has shown that online therapy may provide valuable support and expertise to those living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers with the added benefit of treatment being convenient from anywhere and at any time.