Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia, affecting over 7 million Americans aged 65+, with projections nearing 13 million by 2050. It involves beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tau tangles that disrupt neuron communication, leading to brain cell death and atrophy.
Early symptoms include forgetting recent events, while advanced stages bring disorientation, language issues, and loss of daily function.

This image contrasts a healthy brain with severe Alzheimer's, showing marked shrinkage, enlarged ventricles, and tissue loss typical in advanced cases.

Risk Factors

Age is the top risk, with symptoms often starting post-65; genetics like APOE-e4 gene elevate susceptibility. Cardiovascular issues, head trauma, and lifestyle factors such as poor diet or inactivity contribute. Women face higher rates, partly due to longevity.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis uses cognitive tests, imaging (MRI/PET), and blood biomarkers for amyloid/tau. No cure exists, but drugs like donepezil, memantine, lecanemab (Leqembi®), and donanemab (Kisunla®) slow progression by targeting amyloid. Symptom management includes antidepressants for mood and antipsychotics for agitation.

Management Strategies

Lifestyle interventions—exercise, Mediterranean diet, cognitive training—delay onset. Caregiver support is vital amid rising costs projected at $409 billion in 2026. Ongoing research focuses on prevention and earlier interventions.