Alzheimer’s Disease

“Women in their 60s are more than TWICE AS LIKELY to develop Alzheimer’s disease over the rest of their lives as they are to develop breast cancer”.1

Umbrella
What may the Alzheimer’s Disease Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Alzheimer’s
  • Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)
  • Dementia

Alzheimer’s Disease

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

DotS the definition of Alzheimer’s disease may vary. The (United States) National Institute on Aging’s (NIA) definition is:

“Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks”.2

Dementia

What is the association between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s Disease International explain:

“Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia and accounts for 50%-75% of all cases. It destroys brain cells and nerves disrupting the transmitters which carry messages in the brain, particularly those responsible for storing memories”.3

In Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: Frequently Asked Questions About Alzheimer’s Disease – What Is the Difference Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia? the NIA answer this and more questions:

“Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia. Dementia is a loss of thinking, remembering, and reasoning skills that interferes with a person’s daily life and activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia among older people. Other types of dementia include frontotemporal disorders and Lewy body dementia”.4

Early Signs and Symptoms

What are early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease?

In 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s the (United States) Alzheimer’s Association elaborate on:

  1. “Memory loss that disrupts daily life…
  2. Challenges in planning or solving problems…
  3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks…
  4. Confusion with time or place…
  5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships…
  6. New problems with words in speaking or writing…
  7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps…
  8. Decreased or poor judgement…
  9. Withdrawal from work or social activities…
  10. Changes in mood and personality…”.5

Common or Not

How common is Alzheimer’s disease?

In the United States according to the NIA:

“Estimates vary, but experts suggest that more than 5 million Americans may have Alzheimer’s. Unless the disease can be effectively treated or prevented, the number of people with it will increase significantly if current population trends continue. This is because increasing age is the most important known risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease”.6

In the United Kingdom (UK) according to Alzheimer’s Research UK on page 5 in the booklet What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?:

“Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, affecting around 500,000 people in the UK”.7

Women and Alzheimer’s Disease

In women, how common is Alzheimer’s disease?

In Women and Alzheimer’s: Quick Facts the (United States) Alzheimer’s Association note:

“Almost TWO-THIRDS of Americans living with Alzheimer’s are women”.8

In Women and Alzheimer’s: Quick Facts the Alzheimer’s Association also note:

“Women in their 60s are more than TWICE AS LIKELY to develop Alzheimer’s disease over the rest of their lives as they are to develop breast cancer”.9

Prevention

How can Alzheimer’s be prevented?

In Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: Frequently Asked Questions About Alzheimer’s Disease – Is There A Way To Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease? the NIA explain:

“Currently, there is no definitive evidence about what can prevent Alzheimer’s disease or age-related cognitive decline. What we do know is that a healthy lifestyle—one that includes a healthy diet, physical activity, appropriate weight, and no smoking—can lower the risk of certain chronic diseases and boost overall health and well-being. Scientists are very interested in the possibility that a healthy lifestyle might delay, slow down, or even prevent Alzheimer’s. They are also studying the role of social activity and intellectual stimulation in Alzheimer’s disease risk”.10

In Brain Health the Alzheimer’s Association elaborate on:

“Research is still evolving, but evidence is strong that people can reduce their risk of cognitive decline by making key lifestyle changes, including participating in regular physical activity, staying socially engaged, and maintaining good heart health”.11

In Evidence-Based Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 243 Observational Prospective Studies and 153 Randomised Controlled Trials: Conclusions published in July 2020, Yu et al note:

“Twenty-one clinical evidence-based suggestions are proposed, offering clinicians and stakeholders an evidence-based guideline for AD prevention. With credible though inconclusive evidence, the suggestions targeted 10 risk factors including diabetes, hyperhomocysteinaemia, poor BMI management, reduced education, hypertension in midlife, orthostatic hypotension, head trauma, less cognitive activity, stress and depression”.12

Health Care Provider

What if I would like reassurance I do not have Alzheimer’s disease?

If you would like reassurance you do not have Alzheimer’s disease, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In Symptoms and Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease: Noticing Memory Problems? What To Do Next the NIA elaborate on:

“We’ve all forgotten a name, where we put our keys, or if we locked the front door. It’s normal to forget things once in a while. But serious memory problems make it hard to do everyday things. Forgetting how to make change, use the telephone, or find your way home may be signs of a more serious memory problem”.13

In Dementia Guide: About Dementia the (United Kingdom) NHS (National Health Service) also note:

“Memory loss can be annoying if it happens occasionally, but if it’s affecting your daily life, or it’s worrying you, or someone you know, you should get help from a GP.

Dementia is not only about memory loss. It can also affect the way you speak, think, feel and behave.

It’s also important to remember that dementia is not a natural part of ageing”.14

Who is a GP?

DotS and/or DotC (Depending on the Country) a GP may be a qualified and registered general practitioner, a medical practitioner, a medical doctor or a doctor.

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics related to Alzheimer’s Disease?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Alzheimer’s Disease?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

  1. 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s
  2. 15 Simple Diet Tweaks That Could Cut Your Alzheimer’s Risk
  3. 7 Habits Make for A Healthy Heart — and Brain, Too
  4. A Quick Guide To Dementia
  5. About Dementia
  6. Alz.co.uk [Alzheimer’s Disease International]
  7. Alz.org [Alzheimer’s Association, United States]
  8. Alzheimers.gov
  9. Alzheimers.org.uk [Alzheimer’s Society United Kingdom]
  10. Alzheimersresearch.uk.org [Alzheimer’s Research UK, United Kingdom]
  11. Alzheimer’s Associations
  12. Alzheimer’s Caregivers
  13. Alzheimer’s Caregiving: Caring for Yourself
  14. Alzheimer’s Caregiving: How Can I Find Joy In the Holidays?
  15. Alzheimer’s Disease
  16. Alzheimer’s Disease
  17. Alzheimer’s Disease
  18. Alzheimer’s Disease
  19. Alzheimer’s Disease
  20. Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Dementias
  21. Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Dementias: Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
  22. Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Dementias: Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia – Alzheimer’s Disease Fact Sheet
  23. Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Dementias: Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia – Alzheimer’s Disease Fact Sheet [+ Video: How Alzheimer’s Changes the Brain [Video]
  24. Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Dementias: Causes of Alzheimer’s Disease – Assessing Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease
  25. Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Dementias: Symptoms and Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease
  26. Alzheimer’s Disease Usually Worsens Slowly: Question: My mother has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, but she seems to be declining rapidly. Doesn’t Alzheimer’s usually get worse slowly?
  27. Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias: About the ADEAR Center [Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center [United States]
  28. Alzheimer’s Disease – Multiply Languages
  29. Alzheimer’s Disease: Diagnosis & Treatment
  30. Alzheimer’s Treatments: What’s on the Horizon?
  31. Alzheimer’s: Can A Mediterranean Diet Lower My Risk?
  32. Axona: Medical Food To Treat Alzheimer’s
  33. Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: Frequently Asked Questions About Alzheimer’s Disease
  34. Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
  35. Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: What Is Dementia?
  36. Brain Health
  37. Brain and Nerves [Topics]
  38. Can Diet and Exercise Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease?
  39. Caregivers: In-Depth – Alzheimer’s Caregiving: How To Ask for Help
  40. Caregivers: In-Depth – Alzheimer’s: 7 Tips for Medical Visits
  41. Caregivers: In-Depth – Home Safety Tips: Preparing for Alzheimer’s Caregiving
  42. Carers of People With Dementia: Overview [Video Interview Stories]
  43. Causes of Alzheimer’s Disease: Alzheimer’s Disease Genetics Fact Sheet
  44. Causes of Alzheimer’s Disease: Assessing Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease
  45. Causes of Alzheimer’s Disease: What Causes Alzheimer’s Disease?
  46. Cognitive Health
  47. Dance Your Way To Better Brain Health
  48. Dementia
  49. Dementia
  50. Dementia Guide: About Dementia
  51. Dementia Research and Clinical Trials: Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers
  52. Dementia – Multiply Languages
  53. Dementia.org.au [Dementia Australia]
  54. Early-Onset Alzheimer’s: When Symptoms Begin Before Age 65
  55. Early-Stage Caregiving
  56. Fact File: 10 Facts on Dementia
  57. Frequently Asked Questions
  58. Frontotemporal Dementia: What Is It?
  59. Getting Help with Alzheimer’s Caregiving
  60. Growing – and Aging – Hispanic Population At Risk for Dementia
  61. Helping Alzheimer’s Caregivers
  62. Home Remedies: Can Folic Acid Supplements Slow Cognitive Decline?
  63. Home Remedies: Can Ginkgo Biloba Prevent Memory Loss?
  64. Home Remedies: How Music Can Help People Who Have Alzheimer’s Disease
  65. How To Nurture Your Mind and Brain for Better Memory
  66. International Menopause Society Statement – Use of Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy and Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease In Finland: Nationwide Case-Control Study
  67. Mayo Clinic Minute: Alzheimer’s Disease Risk and Lifestyle [+ Video]
  68. Mayo Clinic Minute: Brain Activities Decrease Risk of Dementia
  69. Mayo Clinic Minute: Can the MIND Diet Improve Brain Health? [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  70. Mindyourrisks.nih.gov [Mind Your Risks]
  71. Minorities and Women Are at Greater Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease
  72. Myths
  73. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 5 Things To Know About Complementary Health Practices for Cognitive Function, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s Disease
  74. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Alzheimer’s Disease At A Glance
  75. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Ginkgo
  76. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  77. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Natural Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Safer, or Better
  78. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Sage
  79. National Family History Day – What’s In Your Genes?
  80. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Alzheimer’s Disease Information Page
  81. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Dementia Information Page
  82. New Definition of Alzheimer’s Changes How Disease Is Researched
  83. Other Languages
  84. Prevention
  85. Symptoms and Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease: Do Memory Problems Always Mean Alzheimer’s?
  86. Symptoms and Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease: Noticing Memory Problems? What To Do Next
  87. Symptoms and Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease: What Are the Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease?
  88. The Women’s Brain Initiative
  89. Tuesday Tips: Boosting Brain Power [+ Video]
  90. Types of Dementia
  91.  Vascular Dementia
  92. What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
  93. What Is Alzheimer’s Disease? [Booklet]
  94. What Is Good for Your Heart Is Good for Your Brain
  95. What the Heart Has To Do With the Head
  96. Why Is Alzheimer’s More Likely In Women
  97. Women, Midlife, Moods and Madness: The Truth About Perimenopause
  98. Women and Alzheimer’s
  99. Women’s Wellness: Hormone Therapy and Alzheimer’s Disease
  100. Worldalzmonth.org: September Is World Alzheimer’s Month World Alzheimer’s Month

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Women and Alzheimer’s: Quick Facts. Alzheimer’s Association https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers/women-and-alzheimer-s Accessed: 23 August 2020
  2. Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: What Is Alzheimer’s Disease? Content Reviewed: 16 May 2017. National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-alzheimers-disease Accessed: 23 August 2020
  3. Alzheimer’s Disease. Alzheimer’s Disease International https://www.alz.co.uk/info/alzheimers-disease Accessed: 23 August 2020
  4. Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: Frequently Asked Questions About Alzheimer’s Disease – What Is the Difference Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia? Content Reviewed: 30 December 2019. National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/frequently-asked-questions-about-alzheimers-disease#difference Accessed: 23 August 2020
  5. 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s Association https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs Accessed: 23 August 2020
  6. Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: What Is Alzheimer’s Disease? How Many Americans Alzheimer’s Disease? Content Reviewed: 16 May 2017. National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-alzheimers-disease Accessed: 23 August 2020
  7. What Is Alzheimer’s Disease? Updated In May 2018:5. Alzheimer’s Research UK https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/wp-content/plugins/mof_bl_0.2.9/downloads/what%20is%20alz.pdf Accessed: 23 August 2020
  8. Women and Alzheimer’s: Quick Facts. Alzheimer’s Association https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers/women-and-alzheimer-s Accessed: 23 August 2020
  9. Women and Alzheimer’s: Quick Facts. Alzheimer’s Association https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers/women-and-alzheimer-s Accessed: 23 August 2020
  10. Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: Frequently Asked Questions About Alzheimer’s Disease – Is There A Way To Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease? Content Reviewed: 30 December 2019. National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/frequently-asked-questions-about-alzheimers-disease#prevent Accessed: 23 August 2020
  11. Brain Health. Alzheimer’s Association https://www.alz.org/we_can_help_brain_health_maintain_your_brain.asp Accessed: 23 August 2020
  12. Yu, J-T., et al. Evidence-Based Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 243 Observational Prospective Studies and 153 Randomised Controlled Trials: Conclusions. July 2020 https://jnnp.bmj.com/content/early/2020/06/01/jnnp-2019-321913 Accessed: 23 August 2020
  13. Symptoms and Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease: Noticing Memory Problems? What To Do Next. Content Reviewed: 17 May 2017. National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/noticing-memory-problems-what-do-next Accessed: 23 August 2020
  14. Dementia Guide: About Dementia. Page Last Reviewed: 25 June 2020. NHS (National Health Service) https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/about/? Accessed: 23 August 2020

Topic Last Updated: 23 August 2020 – Topic Last Reviewed: 23 August 2020
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