Physical Symptoms of Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's disease, named after German doctor Alois Alzheimer who first documented it in 1906, affects as many as one in 10 people 65 years of age or older and is considered the most common form of dementia. Data from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) indicates that some 4.5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's. Five percent of those aged 65 to 74 have Alzheimer's, while about 50 percent of those over the age of 85 suffer from the disease. Alzheimer's disease, while not considered a normal stage of the aging process, ultimately results in severe brain damage to the extent that individuals who suffer from it are unable to care for themselves on a daily basis. It is important to note that Alzheimer's disease typically does not affect motor function. However, research indicates that the disease may be preceded by some physical symptoms. Additionally, patients are at risk for other physical conditions in late stages of the disease.

Causes of Alzheimers Disease

• The characteristic, progressive symptoms of Alzheimer's are the result of the dying brain cells. People with Alzheimer's disease exhibit neuron damage in the form of plaques--abnormal formation of beta-amyloid proteins in the brain--or "tangles," in which threads of the tau protein in the brain cells become twisted, resulting in cell death. According to the Mayo Clinic, the cause of Alzheimer's disease cannot be pinpointed. However, it is believed that hereditary factors, individual lifestyle, and environment that trigger its onset.

Typical Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease

• It is important to note that the onset of Alzheimer's disease does not have overt symptoms that affect a person's appearance or physical health. According to the National Alzheimer's Organization, the disease manifests itself through noticeable cognitive difficulties. The early warning signs of Alzheimer's include memory deficits, impaired problem-solving skills, difficulty completing routine tasks, confusion (times and dates), word-finding difficulty, social withdrawal, poor judgment, personality changes/mood swings, and impaired visual recognition. Alzheimer's sufferers may also misplace items and lack the ability to retract their steps to find them.

Early Physical Symptoms & Alzheimer's Disease

• There is evidence to support that evidence of decreased physical performance may be a precursor to dementia. A 2006 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine tested 2,228 people 65 years of age and older who did not exhibit dementia. The study assessed physical function and included a timed 10-foot walk; a "chair-stand test" that measured the time in which participants rose from a seated position; standing balance assessments; and grip strength in the dominant hand. Participants were assessed every other years for six years, by which time 221 participants had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Results of the study indicated that participants with poorer scores in physical performance had lower cognitive scores over the course of the study. Those who ranked higher in physical performance were less likely to develop dementia. According to lead researcher Dr. Eric B. Larson of the Group Health Center for Health Studies, individuals who increase their level of physical activity may halt dementia.

Physical Risks to Alzheimer's Patients

• Advanced Alzheimer's disease results in significant physical risk to a patient. Difficulty swallowing food and liquids can cause aspiration pneumonia in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Urinary incontinence may occur that requires placement of a catheter, exposing the patient to risk of infection of the urinary tract. An extremely common concern among family members is that Alzheimer's patients may become so disoriented that they lose balance and fall, which leads to bone fractures and head injuries.

Prognosis for Alzheimer's Sufferers

• While there are medications and treatments to manage the effects of Alzheimer's disease, there is no known cure. The rate at which Alzheimer's progresses varies from one individual to another. Most patients live from 8 to 10 years after diagnosis, although in some cases, patients can live 20 years or longer.