Alzheimer’s is a type of disease caused by damage to brain cells. It can affect memory, reasoning, and other thinking skills.
Although there are currently advanced treatments for this, it has emerged as the biggest medical challenge of the year 2025. Therefore, it is necessary to know about this disease. What causes this disease? What are the new treatments for it? How to prevent it, shares with us Doctor, a senior consultant and neurologist.
What is Alzheimer’s disease? Alzheimer’s disease usually affects people aged 65 and over, although it can occur at a younger age. The disease is caused by amyloid-beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. This leads to the loss of neurons and brain shrinkage. The symptoms are not immediately obvious.
It will become apparent gradually. The disease, which usually begins with mild memory loss, eventually causes severe impairment in language, decision-making, and visual abilities. As the disease progresses, patients are unable to perform even daily tasks.
Modern Treatment Methods: In the past, diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease was very challenging, but now, due to advanced medical advances, the disease can be diagnosed very quickly and accurately.
Diagnosis is made based on the patient’s history and cognitive tests. Biomarker testing: Currently, blood tests approved by the Food and Drug Administration that measure plasma levels of amyloid and tau proteins are changing the diagnostic process. They are easier and less invasive than spinal fluid tests or positron emission tomography scans.
Neuroimaging: MRI and positron emission tomography scans are used to detect hippocampal shrinkage and amyloid accumulation, which play a key role in memory and learning processes. Diagnostic criteria: Modern diagnosis follows the DSM-5 and NIA-AA guidelines. This highlights the importance of biomarkers and helps differentiate Alzheimer’s disease from other brain disorders.
Ways to protect yourself
Managing Alzheimer’s disease is a team approach tailored to individual needs. The aim is to slow symptom progression, improve daily functioning, and support patients and caregivers. Disease-specific approaches Newer treatments include monoclonal antibodies that target amyloid-beta and tau proteins. This offers hope for true disease modification. However, its effectiveness is still being researched.
Lifestyle changes: Doing things you enjoy, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, and grains, can help you recover faster from the effects of this disease.
Psychoeducation and support: Caregivers face many challenges, so support services, respite, and counseling are essential. Emerging treatments: Research is ongoing in various areas, including gene therapy, immunotherapy, and early diagnosis and prevention strategies using new drugs.
Although there is no cure, medical care, genetic factors, and lifestyle choices, along with ongoing research, are essential to addressing the complex challenges of Alzheimer’s disease. In short, Alzheimer’s disease is now being diagnosed more accurately than ever before. New treatments are preventing its progression. Regular exercise and dietary changes are the best ways to reverse the effects of the disease.