General measures Nicotine restriction (refraining from tobacco use). Alcohol abstinence (refrain from alcohol consumption). Preservation of normal weight strive!Determination of BMI (body mass index, body mass index) or body composition by means of electrical impedance analysis and, if necessary, participation in a medically supervised weight loss program or program for underweight. BMI ≥ 25 → … Alzheimer’s Disease: Therapy
Pathogenesis (disease development) The cause of Alzheimer’s disease is unknown. Genetic and metabolic disorders are discussed, as well as slow virus infections (infection of the central nervous system (CNS), which is associated with an extremely long incubation period (time between the entry of a pathogen into the body and the appearance of the first symptoms)). … Alzheimer’s Disease: Causes
According to the current understanding of the disease, dementia of the Alzheimer’s type (DAT) is divided into four stages that merge into one another Stage Description I Preclinical/prodromal stage of Alzheimer’s disease. II Stage of subjective cognitive decline (“SCD”). III Stage of mild cognitive impairment (“Mild Cognitive Impairment”, MCI). IV Stage of dementia as a … Alzheimer’s Disease: Classification
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; further: Inspection (viewing). Skin and mucous membranes Gait [restlessness] Extremities [motor deficits; restlessness] Auscultation (listening) of the heart. Auscultation of the lungs Palpation (palpation) of the abdomen (abdomen) (tenderness?, knocking pain?, coughing … Alzheimer’s Disease: Examination
1st order laboratory parameters – obligatory laboratory tests. Evidence for Alzheimer’s disease pathology by at least one of the following: Positive amyloid detection with positron emission tomography (PET) (see table below). Genetic testing (DNA analysis): mutation leading to monogenic-mediated Alzheimer’s disease (mutation on the presenilin 1 or presenilin 2 genes or on the gene of … Alzheimer’s Disease: Test and Diagnosis
Therapeutic target Attempt to slow the disease and prevent concomitant symptoms such as depression and psychosis. Therapy recommendations Agents depending on the severity of the disease: Mild to moderate Alzheimer’s dementia: donezepil, rivastigmine, galantamine (acetylcholinesterase inhibitors). Moderate to severe Alzheimer’s dementia: memantine (NMDA (n-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor antagonists). Moderate to severe Alzheimer’s dementia more likely to be … Alzheimer’s Disease: Drug Therapy
Obligatory medical device diagnostics. Magnetic resonance imaging of the skull (cranial MRI, cranial MRI, or cMRI) for basic diagnosis – to exclude space-occupying lesions and to assess signs of atrophyNote: The specificity of structural MRI is too low to base differentiation of AD or frontotemporal dementia from other neurodegenerative dementias on this alone. In addition … Alzheimer’s Disease: Diagnostic Tests
Within the framework of micronutrient medicine (vital substances), the following vital substances (micronutrients) are used for prevention: Vitamins B3, C, and E Mineral calcium Trace elements chromium, cobalt and selenium Omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid Within the framework of micronutrient medicine (vital substances), the following vital substances (micronutrients) are used for supportive … Alzheimer’s Disease: Micronutrient Therapy
Only early diagnosis leads to early therapy, which means gain for the patient. Often, symptoms already lead to the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Simple neurophysiological short tests can also lead to diagnosis: MMST – Mini-Mental Status Test: classification of dementia patients according to the severity of the disease into two groups (MMST: >15 and MMST: … Alzheimer’s Disease: Neurophysiological Testing Procedures
To prevent Alzheimer’s disease, attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Diet Intake of saturated or trans-saturated fats (the fats are found in margarine, for example). Low consumption of fruits, vegetables, fish and omega-3-rich oils leads to an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, especially in ApoE-ε4 non-carriers. Micronutrient … Alzheimer’s Disease: Prevention
The disease usually begins insidiously, sometimes relatives do not notice symptoms until years after the actual onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Initially, changes occur that are considered typical of aging, such as forgetfulness. As the disease progresses, however, symptoms become more frequent and noticeable. These include disorientation, mood swings and states of confusion. The ability to … Alzheimer’s Disease: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
The case history (medical history) represents an important component in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Usually, it is an extraneous history (family members). Family history Is there frequent dementia in your family? Social history What is your profession/have you practiced? Is there any evidence of psychosocial stress or strain due to your family situation? Current … Alzheimer’s Disease: Medical History
