Alzheimer’s disease is a disease that progressively worsens as plaques and tangles gradually erode nerves inside the brain. Plaques occur when a protein, beta-amyloid, builds up between nerve cells. Tangles are twisted proteins that accumulate inside the nerve cells themselves.

Initially, patients have a challenging time recalling new information. Over a period of time, communication becomes much harder, and the patients’ behaviors and personality begin to shift.  Patients may start to become aggressive, angry, or suspicious, for instance.  In the later stages of the illness, Alzheimer’s patients become less aware of their surroundings, and they lose the ability to sit, walk, or eat.

A healthcare provider will ask questions to better understand the patient’s health and daily life, and perhaps speak to someone from the patient’s support system for insights regarding the patient’s symptoms.

In addition to standard, mental, and neurologic exams, the physician will likely order blood and urine tests, and order brain imaging exams to diagnose or rule out Alzheimer’s.

There is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease.

There are several medications that can slow the worsening symptoms and aid behavioral issues. Early treatment can assist with maintaining daily function for a time.

The two types of drugs the FDA has approved for treating Alzheimer’s disease are Cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA antagonists.

In terms of behavioral issues, there are several measures that can be taken to aid a patient with managing behavior changes. These include supplying comfort objects, redirecting their attention when stressed, monitoring their comfort, and maintaining a familiar, static environment for them.

Managing behavioral changes is also possible through medications, such as anti-depressants, anti-anxiety drugs, anticonvulsant drugs, and antipsychotics, however these carry their own inherent risks.