What's Alzheimer's Disease and Brain Damage?
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain condition characterized by the gradual worsening of symptoms over time. It's marked by changes in the brain, including the buildup of certain proteins, leading to brain cell damage and shrinkage. As the most common cause of dementia, Alzheimer's results in a decline in memory, thinking, behavior, and social skills, impacting daily functioning.
In the United States, approximately 6.5 million people aged 65 and older live with Alzheimer's, with over 70% being 75 years old or older. Globally, out of about 55 million individuals with dementia, an estimated 60% to 70% have Alzheimer's disease. Early signs may include forgetting recent events or conversations, progressing to more severe memory issues, and difficulty with daily tasks. Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's, but there are a few treatments and interventions that can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for affected individuals. Still, many treatments remain not as effective as we would like to and a drug development to treat or cure Alzheimer's has faced a high rate of clinical trial failures. To tackle these difficulties, we need teamwork from different fields, new ways of researching, and ongoing funding for Alzheimer's studies. Even though treating Alzheimer's is very challenging, progress in understanding the disease and creating new treatments gives us hope for big discoveries ahead.
June is Alzheimer's Disease and Brain Awareness Month!
Alzheimer’s Disease & Brain Awareness Month is a crucial time to inform ourselves and others about brain health and to acknowledge that Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias pose significant challenges for public health. Every individual with a brain faces the risk of developing Alzheimer’s, the sole leading cause of death that remains unpreventable and incurable. In June, people join the global movement by wearing purple and exercising their brains to combat the disease. Let's spread awareness and make a difference together!
The Importance of Alzheimer's Awareness:
Alzheimer's disease doesn't just affect individuals diagnosed with it; it also impacts their families, caregivers, and communities. Raising awareness about Alzheimer's is crucial for several reasons:
Early Detection: Awareness campaigns help educate people about the warning signs of Alzheimer's, encouraging early detection and diagnosis. Early intervention can lead to better management of symptoms and improved quality of life for patients.
Support for Caregivers: Alzheimer's places a significant burden on caregivers, often family members, who provide round-the-clock care and support. By raising awareness, we can highlight the challenges caregivers face and advocate for resources and support services to assist them in their role.
Research Funding: Increased awareness can lead to greater public and governmental support for Alzheimer's research. Funding is essential for developing effective treatments, prevention strategies, and ultimately finding a cure for this devastating disease.
Reducing Stigma: There is still a stigma surrounding dementia and Alzheimer's, which can lead to isolation and discrimination for those living with the condition. By fostering understanding and empathy, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals affected by Alzheimer's.
Important Facts About Alzheimer's that Might Surprise You:
Across the globe: An estimated 47 million individuals worldwide are coping with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, with projections suggesting this figure could skyrocket to 76 million by 2030 if significant changes aren't implemented.
Every moment matters: In the United States, a new case of Alzheimer’s disease emerges every 65 seconds.
Supporting caregivers: Over 16 million Americans provide unpaid care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
A significant health concern: Alzheimer’s ranks as the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S., with 6.2 million affected individuals aged 65 and above.
A sobering statistic: Alzheimer’s and related dementias claim the lives of one in three seniors, surpassing the combined mortality rates of prostate and breast cancer.
What are early symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease?
Memory Loss: This is an early symptom where there is difficulty recalling recent events or conversations.
Repetitive Behaviors: As the disease progresses, individuals may repeat questions, misplace items, and struggle with familiar tasks.
Cognitive Challenges: Concentration and decision-making become difficult, affecting tasks like managing finances or making appropriate social choices.
Personality Changes: changes such as mood swings, social withdrawal, and wandering may occur.
Despite these challenges, certain skills like reading, storytelling, or artistic abilities may remain intact for a while.
If you or a loved one experiences memory or cognitive issues, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and guidance.
Differences between Alzheimer and Dementia:
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of symptoms related to cognitive decline, such as memory loss and difficulty with thinking or problem-solving. Alzheimer's disease, on the other hand, is a specific type of dementia characterized by progressive neurological changes in the brain, leading to memory loss, impaired thinking, and behavioral changes. Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia. However, there are other types with distinct underlying causes, such as vascular dementia or Lewy body dementia.
Recent Studies of Microglia and Alzheimer's Disease
Inflammation plays a critical role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. While inflammation is a natural response of the immune system to injury or infection, chronic inflammation in the brain, known as neuroinflammation, is a prominent feature of AD. This sustained inflammatory response contributes to neuronal damage and exacerbates the progression of the disease. Recent studies suggest that dysfunctional microglia contribute to the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Instead of performing their normal protective functions, microglia in AD may become overactivated or impaired, leading to chronic inflammation and neuronal damage. Microglia are special cells found in the brain and spinal cord. These cells work like the brain's immune system, acting as the first line of defense against infections and damage.
Alzheimer's Natural Treatment as an Alternative:
In our pursuit of keeping our minds healthy, there's a powerful ally hiding in plain sight: olive leaf extract. This natural remedy, packed with a compound called oleuropein, holds incredible potential in protecting our brains from Alzheimer's and other forms of damage. Let's break it down into simple terms.
The Secret of Olive Leaf Extract
Research suggests that oleuropein, the star ingredient in olive leaf extract, may offer significant benefits in combating Alzheimer's disease. Oleuropein has been studied a lot for its possible benefits, especially for the nervous system.
Let's mention some of the benefits of olive leaf extract as a natural remedy to keep your brain healthy from Alzheimer's disease:
1. Antioxidant Protection:
Oleuropein is a potent antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize harmful molecules called free radicals that can damage cells, including those in the brain. By reducing oxidative stress, oleuropein helps protect brain cells from damage and supports overall brain health.
2. Calming Inflammation:
Chronic inflammation in the brain is associated with various neurological conditions, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Oleuropein has anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can help reduce inflammation in the brain, potentially lowering the risk of neurodegenerative diseases and supporting cognitive function.
3. Neuroprotection:
Studies suggest that oleuropein may have neuroprotective effects, meaning it helps protect neurons from damage and degeneration. This can contribute to improved cognitive function and overall brain health.Oleuropein helps keep brain cells alive and functioning well by supporting their energy production and preventing cell death.
4. Enhanced Cognitive Function:
By reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and protecting neurons, oleuropein may contribute to enhanced cognitive function, which is a boost of brain power. This could manifest as improved memory, learning, and overall mental clarity.
5. Promotion of Neuroplasticity:
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to adapt and change in response to experiences and environmental stimuli. Some research suggests that oleuropein may promote neuroplasticity, facilitating the formation of new neural connections and supporting learning and memory processes.
6. Prevents Harmful Plaques:
In Alzheimer's, sticky clumps called amyloid-beta plaques build up between brain cells. Oleuropein can help stop these plaques from forming and might even help clear them away, reducing their harmful effects.
7. Stops Tangled Proteins:
Another issue in Alzheimer's is the formation of twisted tau proteins inside brain cells. Oleuropein helps prevent these tangles from forming, keeping brain cells healthier.
8. Clears Out Waste:
Oleuropein helps boost a process called autophagy, which is like a clean-up system for cells. This helps remove damaged proteins and other waste from brain cells, keeping them healthier.
Adding Olive Leaf Extract to Your Routine
Making olive leaf extract part of your daily routine is easy. You can find it in supplements, teas, or extracts. Just a small change can make a big difference in keeping your brain healthy for the long run and we have one of the best products. Our olive leaf extract Verdepuro Vita, in liquid form, has a high level of oleuropein and is easy to drink. Olive leaf extract is a natural remedy for alzheimer's sufferers or to prevent brain disease.
What else can protect the brain from Alzheimer's?
1. Heart-Mind Connection:
Health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol raise the chances of getting Alzheimer. Some autopsy studies show that about 80% of people with Alzheimer also have cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease can manifest several years earlier than Alzheimer, making heart disease and its risk factors a potential predictor of future Alzheimer disease.
2. Physical Exercise and Diet:
Doing regular exercise can lower the risk of Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. Exercise helps brain cells by increasing blood flow and oxygen. A good exercise plan approved by doctors is important for overall health. Also, eating food that's good for your heart can help protect your brain. This means eating less sugar and saturated fats and eating more fruits, veggies, and whole grains.
Two diets that might help lower Alzheimer's risk are the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) and the Mediterranean diet, which is high in antioxidants and may help to protect against some of the damage to brain cells associated with Alzheimer's disease. In addition, is related to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, which as previously mentioned may be linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease.
3. Social Interactions and Intellectual Activity:
Studies suggest that maintaining strong social connections and staying mentally active as we get older might lower the risk of Alzheimer's and prevent cognitive decline. Experts are not certain why this correlation works, but it might strengthen connections between nerve cells in the brain. In any case, studies reveal that "social isolation is considered the major source of mental and psychosocial stress, which contributes to the increased prevalence of neurological diseases. It also increases the risk of morbidity and mortality as well as the onset of many neuropsychological disorders." https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9490697/
In addition, "when you keep your brain active with exercises or other tasks, you may help build up a reserve supply of brain cells and links between them. You might even grow new brain cells.
4. Head trauma
There appears to be a strong link between future risk of cognitive decline and serious head trauma, especially when injury involves loss of consciousness. You can help reduce your risk of Alzheimer's and protect your head by:
Wearing a seat belt.
Using a helmet when participating in sports.
"Fall-proofing" your home by minimizing clutter, loose rugs, and poor lighting.
Living with Alzheimer's:
The Alzheimer's Association National Early-Stage Advisors, and those living with the disease offer valuable tips on managing schedules, medications, relationships, and stigma. Their experiences can inspire creative coping strategies for dealing with Alzheimer's. See a full list of these helpful coping tips (PDF).
How to Help a Loved one with Alzheimer or Dementia:
Supporting a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia can be emotionally taxing as you witness their memory decline and behaviors change. They may become disoriented or restless, requiring more care and support as their condition progresses. Also, their speech, demeanor, and cognitive abilities may undergo significant changes, and there may be moments when they no longer recognize you, which can be heartbreaking. These are some helpful tips in how to take care of your loved one: https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/how-to-help-a-loved-one-with-alzheimers-or-dementia.html
Helpful Resources:
Brain exercises for Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia
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