Is it Possible to Delay the Onset of Alzheimer’s?

Advancements in Alzheimer’s Disease Research: A recent scientific breakthrough in Alzheimer’s disease research has found changes in the cerebrospinal fluid of Alzheimer’s patients. These changes occur many years before the onset of the disease’s symptoms. This groundbreaking finding could potentially pave the way for early diagnosis and treatment methodologies that may delay the progression of the disease in its preliminary stages. The study was published in a recent issue of the esteemed New England Journal.The research was conducted over a span of twenty years by the Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders in Beijing. The study included a sample of 648 participants diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and a control group of a similar number of individuals who remained healthy throughout the research period.

According to the research findings, Alzheimer’s patients showed an increase in the levels of proteins amyloid and tau. These proteins accumulate in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, leading to the destruction of nerve fibers. The levels of these proteins began to rise 14 to 18 years before the initial symptoms of the disease manifested. Although these findings do not have immediate practical implications, they could potentially facilitate the development of new drugs in the future. These drugs could be effective at the first signs of the disease in delaying its onset and possibly extending the patient’s life.

It is estimated that over 150,000 dementia patients in Israel suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. The disease leads to the accumulation of proteins in the brain and the gradual destruction of neurons, resulting in a decline in thinking functions, memory, concentration, learning, and language skills. Eventually, it leads to loss of independence. Despite the availability of some medications that can slightly delay the progression of Alzheimer’s, there is currently no cure.

The diagnosis process for Alzheimer’s disease is done by a neurologist and involves a review of the patient’s medical history, a description of the symptoms, cognitive tests (both oral and written), imaging tests, and blood tests. Sometimes, a spinal fluid test is also done to measure the amount of disease-characteristic proteins.

The disease typically progresses in three stages. In the initial stage, patients or their relatives report a decrease in short-term memory capacity. This includes difficulty in remembering appointments or events, repeating statements or questions, distraction, struggling to recall names, and experiencing difficulty in retrieving words. Mood changes, depression, anxiety, personality changes, and a decrease in social skills can also be observed at this stage. Spatial orientation difficulties may occur, especially in unfamiliar places.

In the second stage, which lasts between two to eight years, the patient struggles to recognize known people, forgets how to complete simple daily tasks, and experiences increasing confusion and worry. Hallucinations and insomnia may occur, and a noticeable reduction in daily and social activity can be seen. The patient also shows less interest in their surroundings and exhibits apathy.

In the third and advanced stage, lasting one to three years, there is damage to all brain functions including thinking, communication, and movement. The patient can no longer recognize close family members, has difficulty eating, does not understand the meaning of words, and cannot perform basic self-care tasks. At this stage, severe behavioral disorders such as suspicion, false thoughts, and hallucinations are also likely to appear.