The Latest on Managing Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease begins with increasing memory loss. The disease affects approximately five million Americans. While most people affected by Alzheimer's disease are well into their sixties and seventies, the disease can affect people decades earlier. Factors such as age, genetics and gender contribute to the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Researchers have not pinpointed the exact cause of Alzheimer's disease. However, studies show that early Alzheimer's disease cases have been linked to a mutated gene that produces a protein called ABeta. In people with Alzheimer's disease, who do not have a mutation in the ABeta gene, the problem is attributed to the inability to remove the protein which results in its buildup.

Another genetic risk factor that's been identified is the apolipoprotein gene, ApoE-4. Interestingly, some people who have this gene may never develop the disease. This is why ApoE-4 is only a risk and not a definitive genetic link to the disease.

Gender plays a role as well. Women are at a higher risk for developing the disease. Consequently, the role of estrogen is being studied in post-menopausal women diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

One of the latest highlights in Alzheimer's disease focuses on preventable risk factors. The American Academy of Neurology presented significant findings last week during their 60th anniversary annual meeting in Chicago. Study findings reported that excessive smoking and drinking increases one's risk for early presentation of the disease.

The study involved over 900 people that were 60 or older with either a possible or probable diagnosis for Alzheimer's disease. The participants consumed more than two glasses of alcohol a day, smoked a minimum of a pack of cigarettes per day or carried the ApoE-4 gene. Family members were questioned about the alcohol and smoking habits of the Alzheimer's patients.

The study revealed that those who smoked or drank heavily developed Alzheimer's much early than those who didn't. For patients that consumed alcohol or smoked heavily and had the ApoE-4 gene the age of onset was reduced by three years. Alzheimer's disease developed 8.5 years earlier in people with all three risk factors.

Currently, the FDA has approved certain drugs for the management of Alzheimer's disease. There are many studies dedicated to the management and treatment for the disease. One study shows that a daily serving of caffeine (e.g. cup of coffee) administered to rabbits with a cholesterol rich diet showed minimal change in their blood-brain barrier (BBB). High levels of cholesterol can damage the BBB exposing the central nervous system (CNS) to the rest of the body. This breakdown can lead to blood-borne contamination of the CNS. In Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders the BBB is broken by high cholesterol and it appears that caffeine offers some protection to help maintain the integrity of the blood-brain barrier.

While there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease there are things that can be done to minimize one's risk for developing the disease. Reducing or removing alcohol intake and smoking is a step toward minimizing those preventable risks for Alzheimer's patients. Drinking a cup of coffee supports even previous studies that caffeine is protective against memory loss.

The Alzheimer's Association has a website that is loaded with resourceful information for both the patient and caregiver. Alzheimer's disease is a life-changing diagnosis. By staying informed there are measures, such as behavioral changes and medications that can help to slow down the progression of the disease.

Sources: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=88738, http://www.alz.org/index.asp