Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent type of dementia, affecting millions of people around the world. It is a progressive disease of the brain that causes damage to memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform activities of daily living. 

As the disease progresses, individuals lose their independence and require full-time care. It is important to understand what causes Alzheimer's, who is affected by it, and what the impact of Alzheimer's is on society, to enable early detection, prevention and improved care.

What are the Causes of Alzheimer’s Disease?

The cause of Alzheimer's is currently not well understood, it is believed to be a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors that damages brain cells over time. Two characteristic changes in the brain are closely aligned with the disease of Alzheimer's and have been found to occur in most individuals:

Amyloid plaques are clusters of beta-amyloid protein that build up between nerve cells, impairing communication.

Tau tangles, twisted fibres of tau, form inside brain cells and prevent the transport of nutrients.

The changes of Alzheimer's disease result in the death of brain cell which contributes to a shrinking of brain tissue, most notably in regions of the brain linked with memory and learning, that is, the hippocampus.

Major Risk Factors for Alzheimer's:

A number of factors can increase the chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease:

Age: The most well established risk factor. Most individuals who receive an Alzheimer's diagnosis, are over the age of 65.

Genetics: If a parent or sibling has Alzheimer's, it increases an individual's risk of developing the disease. The strongest genetic risk factor identified to date is the APOE-e4 gene. Family history: The more family members who are affected, the stronger the genetic link.

Lifestyle and heart health: Factors linked to higher risk include high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and smoking.

Head injuries: A history of severe head injury, or head injuries that you experienced repeatedly in your life, may increase your risk for Alzheimer’s disease later in your life.

Low mental or social activity: A lack of brain stimulation and social engagement has been recognized as a risk factor for cognitive decline.

Global Costs of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease has become a major global public health issue. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 55 million persons worldwide live with a form of dementia. Alzheimer's disease is responsible for 60-70% of these cases of dementia. Every year around 10 million new diagnoses of dementia are made each year.

The impact of Alzheimer's is felt even more broadly than the diagnoses made:

Families and caregivers report emotional distress, physical exhaustion and financial burden from providing long-term care.

Health systems are seeing rising costs related to hospital stays, nursing home care, and medications.

Lost productivity is another societal and economic cost as caregivers leave the workforce to provide care.

It is projected that by 2050, the number of people living with dementia will triple, especially in low and middle income countries where health resources are less available.

The Importance of Awareness

Increased awareness regarding Alzheimer's disease provides opportunities for early diagnosis of dementia and treatment, as well as advanced planning for care. While there is no cure for dementia at this time, there are strategies to intervene and delay further downstream symptoms and improve quality of life.

Conclusion

Alzheimer’s disease is more than memory loss; it is a progressive brain disorder that has implications not just for the person diagnosed, but also for families and society as a whole. Understanding the causes and risk factors of Alzheimer's disease prompts early intervention, promotes brain health, and allows us to plan for the impact of dementia on an aging populants.

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