The audience that reads this blog are intelligent people, and I want to delve into the complexities of the disease. We are at risk individually if the statistics show 1 out of 9 people could be affected.
Let's start with the root of the problem, amyloid plaques.
There are tens of billions of neurons in a healthy brain. Neurons are specialized cells that send messages between different parts of the brain to the muscles and organs. When these plaques interrupt this communication, it results in a widespread loss of brain function and the neurons stop functioning. Neurons talk to one another, and when they are healthy they release neurotransmitters that bind to other neurons to create a charge. The early loss of synaptic connections between the neurons is one of the main hallmarks of cognitive decline.
On a cellular level these cells require energy in the form of oxygen and glucose. If these needs are not met, the brain, which consumes 20% of the energy of the human body, more than any other organ in the body, die. In Alzheimer's there is a reduction of glucose in the brain thus a decrease in energy production.
The area of the brain involved in memory and learning may be depleted in neurogenesis and thus the aging brain declines and shrinks.
To give you a brief comparison, if you have ever had a low blood sugar attack, hypoglycemia, the first thing you might notice is a headache, then mental confusion. Your brain is talking to you with a pre-warning. Do not make any huge decision or drive, just get something to eat immediately to bring the glucose level back up to normal. Another good reason to not skip meals.
How do we determine if a person has Alzheimer's? The brain shrinks as we age, and it can be determined by an MRI or Pet Scan. Blood tests are now available to detect biomarkers. Amyloid builds up in the neuron pathways and there are two drugs just approved by the FDA. Two anti-amyloid drugs, Lecanemab and Donanemab can reduce amyloid plaques. Studies show they can slow the progression of Alzheimer's-related cognitive decline in some people.
Technically, glia cells within the brain keep the brain free of debris in a healthy brain. But when microglia fail to clear away the waste, debris and protein collections, Alzheimer's can develop.
The last point are the vascular contributions, such as hypertension and diabetes which also affect our circulation not just in our heart, legs, etc but in our brain which lead to decreased blood flow and oxygen. It seems fairly simple but it is amazingly complex.
Part 3, Saturday, Dec.14th, last installment.
Steps to take now, never too late.
*Partial Information from the National Institute on Aging