SEO Title: Alzheimer's Disease: Unraveling the Mystery Behind Memory Loss and Cognitive Decline
Meta Description: What is Alzheimer’s Disease? Explore the complexities of this condition is our guided post.
One of the most complex and vital organs in our body is the brain. It shapes our thoughts, feelings, memories, and identity.
However, the once-familiar landscape of your mind shifts when cognitive decline occurs.
A person can go from being brimming with stories and laughter to struggling to recall their name once the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease set in.
Also, there’s a connection between diabetes and dementia. Stay calm—don’t start freaking out.
We are here to share with you the full details on Alzheimer’s disease.
You’ll also learn about the connection between this condition and diabetes, as well as how to lower your risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s disease.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
One of the most common causes of dementia among older adults is Alzheimer’s disease. There are about 6.7 million adults aged 65 and over living with this condition.
Sadly, by 2050, this population is expected to grow to 13 million people. The condition is a progressive neurological disorder that affects an individual's cognitive functions.
Once the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease start, it hinders a person’s ability to think, remember the smallest things, and react to situations.
But what is the root cause of Alzheimer’s disease? Some researchers believe it involves the buildup of proteins in the brain.
This protein buildup leads to disrupted cell communication and triggers inflammation, causing the death of nerve cells.
These changes within brain health contribute to cognitive decline for an individual.
There is ongoing research on protein deposits and the brain’s overall functioning in the early phases of this disease.
It’s a complex condition, but once researchers can figure it out, they will be able to provide better treatments to combat the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
How Does Alzheimer's Affect a Person's Daily Life?
It starts small, where you gradually find it difficult to finish a simple task, like cooking a favorite dish.
You once remembered the exact amounts of ingredients to add to your grandmother’s famous apple pie recipe, but now you can’t remember what ingredients even go into it.
Then you start to lose your independence. Maybe you used to always pay your bills on time, but now you pay them two weeks late because you forgot the deadlines.
As the disease progresses, it becomes difficult to plan events, make decisions, and solve problems. No matter how many times someone tells you, you can’t follow simple instructions.
You feel confused by the cognitive decline, become frustrated with the changes, and withdraw from your loved ones.
Life with Alzheimer’s disease slowly erodes an individual's independence. As you can see, the progressive cognitive decline disrupts a person’s senses and their quality of life.
Early Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
One of the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s disease is memory loss. However, it is often mistaken for a typical sign of aging.
There are some ways to differentiate memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease from that related to aging. One key indicator is when an individual forgets recently learned information, such as a person’s name or important dates like birthdays.
They may even have to rely on memory aids, such as reminder notes, to keep track of tasks. Other early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include:
- Difficulty completing everyday tasks like cooking or paying bills.
- Confusion with time or location.
- Trouble finding the right words to say during conversations.
- Unable to plan or solve problems.
- Withdrawal from once-loved social activities.
- Mood or personality changes, such as anxiety and irritability.
Knowing the early signs of the condition allows you to receive early intervention to manage the disease’s progression.
It’s also important to be aware of the early signs of diabetes. Remember, there’s a connection between diabetes and dementia.
Read our blog post here to learn about the similar early signs between the two.Is Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia the Same Disease?
With the interchangeable use of the terms Alzheimer's disease and dementia, it makes you wonder if they’re the same condition.
The simple answer is no. Think of dementia as an umbrella term describing a range of symptoms affecting an individual’s cognitive functions.
Under this umbrella, one of the symptoms is Alzheimer’s disease.
It’s possible for individuals with Alzheimer’s to have dementia, but this doesn’t mean that dementia always leads to Alzheimer’s.
Other conditions that can fit into the dementia category include Parkinson’s disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia.
Alzheimer’s disease is a specific brain disorder that gradually leads to an individual’s cognitive decline.
Understanding the distinction between Alzheimer's and dementia can help in diagnosing and managing the specific conditions affecting a person.
Diabetes and Alzheimer’s Disease: Is There a Link?
We’re sorry to tell you this, but there may be a connection between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.
Scientists believe one of the biggest risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s disease is high blood pressure.
Remember, high blood pressure leads to damage in the blood vessels. The reduced blood flow to the brain causes protein buildup, inflammation, and insulin resistance.
Sound familiar? These changes are also causes of the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, sometimes referred to as Type 3 Diabetes.
High blood pressure can do significant damage to the brain, leading to cognitive decline and increasing your likelihood of developing both conditions simultaneously.
There's also research on how the Benfotiamine supplement can help combat the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
Being a synthetic form of vitamin B1, the supplement reduces inflammation and offers support to the brain for glucose metabolism.
More clinical research is needed to confirm the supplement's effectiveness, but it presents a promising treatment option.
Discuss with your doctor ways you can prevent the onset of the condition and see if you can include Benfotiamine supplements in your diet.
Our auto-shipping service will ensure you receive it right at your doorstep if they agree.
Let’s Continue the Journey to Healthy Diabetes Management
Due to the similarities between Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes, you may be at risk of developing both conditions. Of course, you don’t want to experience cognitive decline, despite it being a normal part of aging.
Just like diabetes, developing Alzheimer’s disease puts you at risk of losing your way of life and sense of identity. Let’s continue to stay on top of diabetes management to lower the risk of developing another serious condition.
You can learn more about managing your diabetes by exploring our website. Also, if you have any questions, be sure to reach out!
