Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that causes memory loss and decline. While it can’t always be treated or avoided, understanding its causes and risk factors can empower families to provide better Alzheimer’s care for their loved ones.
Fox Trail Memory Care Living has a compassionate medical team that provides memory care for residents in North and Central New Jersey. Here, we discuss cascading Alzheimer’s disease, its known risk factors, and how our programs and communities provide our residents with comforts and support to mitigate these risks.
What Is Cascading Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease, sometimes shortened to AD, is the most common form of Dementia. It affects around 5.8 million Americans, causing gradual memory loss and cognitive decline.
Recent research has led to advances in how doctors understand and diagnose Alzheimer’s. The disease is connected to a specific type of protein called an amyloid. As amyloids build up in and around the brain cells, they form clumps or tangles of plaque. These tangles block the chemicals that carry information throughout the brain, making it harder for the brain to function properly. Parts of the brain become smaller out of disuse, causing irreversible damage and mental decline. Cascading Alzheimer’s disease describes how the disease progresses through a series of cascading failures caused by amyloid buildup.
By testing for amyloids, doctors can diagnose AD before symptoms appear. Early diagnosis gives the person and their family extra time to prepare for memory care. In some cases, they may even halt certain habits that are associated with amyloid buildup – slowing the disease’s progression.
Causes and Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s Disease
While scientists are positive that Alzheimer’s disease is linked to amyloid proteins, it isn’t always clear what triggers the buildup. Science has, however, identified some risk factors. The strongest ones are old age and genetic history, which can’t be avoided.
Individuals and family members, however, may be able to address other risk factors that are related to lifestyle choices. Certain habits result in a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s. They can also make the disease progress or cascade faster, leading to symptoms that develop rapidly. On the flip side, avoiding these habits may reduce the risk of Dementia or slow its progression. They include:
Alcohol Consumption
Excessive alcohol consumption is the largest non-genetic risk factor for Dementia. While drinking in moderation is fairly safe, regular overconsumption of alcohol can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s by up to 300%. It can also cause an earlier onset of symptoms.
Drinking alcohol in large quantities can reduce the brain’s white matter. This is a network of nerve fibers that connect different parts of the brain, allowing them to transmit signals and work together. Reduced white matter can create issues with brain function, especially with learning, problem-solving, and focus. It also makes the brain less resilient. When there are fewer neural pathways, it’s easier for protein buildup to cause a widespread shutdown.
Chronic Stress
Though not as significant as alcohol, stress also impacts how Alzheimer’s disease develops. Chronic stress doesn’t necessarily cause Dementia. It can, however, make symptoms progress faster in individuals who already have AD. There are many theories on why:
- Immune response: Prolonged stress causes changes in the immune system, which may impact protein buildup and brain function.
- Hormone levels: When stressed, the body releases a hormone called cortisol. High cortisol levels have been linked to loss of memory.
- Lack of sleep: Prolonged stress may impact an individual’s sleep habits. Frequent insomnia has been independently linked with developing Dementia.
- Emotional health: Conditions like depression and anxiety, which can be caused by high stress, may increase mental deterioration.
The cause might even be all of these effects combined. Regardless of the specifics, however, prolonged high stress has a demonstrable connection with higher rates of Alzheimer’s disease.
Combat Cascading Alzheimer’s Disease
Combatting Dementia begins with alcohol consumption. National Institutes of Health suggests less than two drinks a day for men or one for women. Individuals with a family history of Alzheimer’s may find that alcohol-free living is best for them.
Stress reduction is also important. This may include reducing external stressors or spending more time in socially or intellectually engaging environments. Fox Trail Memory Care Living keeps residents engaged through SPARK, or Sensory Programs Awakening Resilience and Kinship. SPARK offers a variety of on- and off-site initiatives including mental and emotional health services, virtual reality (VR) experiences, and connections with the local community.
We also run the HOPE program, which brings medical health professionals to our residents. HOPE’s personalized service includes psychiatric therapy and evaluation. This can be invaluable in reducing stress and ensuring that residents receive the treatment they need for excellent mental health.
Schedule a Tour for Alzheimer’s Care
Understanding the cascading Alzheimer’s disease risks is the first step toward improving care for individuals who struggle with it. Fox Trail Memory Care Living is committed to preventing and reducing symptoms with comprehensive support in a community that feels like home. To learn more about our memory care homes in Northern or Central NJ, contact us today and schedule a tour.