As of: March 14, 2024, 6:16 p.m
By: Natalie Hull-Deichsel
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Over ten risk factors can promote the development of the disease.
Certain symptoms and complaints appear years before diagnosis.
More than 1.8 million people in Germany are affected by Alzheimer's disease, which involves a gradual breakdown of nerve cells in the brain.
This process leads to a lack of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, which leads to disruptions in information processing in the brain and ultimately memory loss.
However, possible triggers for the disease can largely be influenced positively.
Risk factors for Alzheimer's dementia: What triggers the disease?
Alzheimer's begins gradually and affects more women than men.
The cognitive performance of the brain is noticeably decreasing.
(Symbolic image) © xfizkesx/Imago
In addition to age being the main risk factor, depression, lack of sleep, serious head injuries and hearing loss also increase the risk of developing a pathological brain disorder.
Even exposure to fine dust is mentioned as a point of discussion, according to the
Alzheimer Research Initiative.
V.
Ten known risk factors for Alzheimer's dementia are:
Lack of exercise
Regular and high levels of alcohol consumption
Smoke
Overweight
diabetes
High blood pressure that is not being treated
Traumatic brain injuries, even mild ones
depressions
Loneliness and social isolation
Hearing loss that is not treated
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What are the first signs of Alzheimer's?
The first signs of the neurological disease can appear years before diagnosis without being directly linked to Alzheimer's.
The symptoms increase as the disease progresses, make everyday life more difficult and often lead to a need for care - also and often from relatives.
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Early indications of possible Alzheimer's disease can be:
Memory disorders, especially concerning short-term memory: those affected ask the same questions several times in conversation, repeat statements, and difficulty finding words can become noticeable.
Items are misplaced.
Problems with arithmetic, counting and finances arise.
Difficulties with spatial and temporal orientation become apparent.
Restlessness and nervousness appear relatively suddenly.
Strong mood swings with sudden distrust or aggressive behavior are noticed by outsiders and especially family members.
Sleep disorders, disruption of deep sleep or daytime tiredness are becoming increasingly common.
A dementia test with pictures, numbers and shapes, the clock test or the supermarket task can reveal the first signs of possible Alzheimer's dementia.
Alzheimer's dementia: At what age does the disease begin and what is the life expectancy?
In most cases, Alzheimer's begins after the age of 65.
However, there are also cases under the age of 50 or 40, which are often genetic.
Like most forms of dementia, Alzheimer's progresses slowly and leads to death on average after around eight to twelve years of diagnosis, according to the
neurologists and psychiatrists online
portal - depending on the stage at which the disease is diagnosed and how old the person affected is is at that point.
Although drug therapy and psychosocial measures can more or less delay the progression of Alzheimer's, especially in the early stages, a cure is not yet possible.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.