What is Alzheimer's? Is Alzheimer's the same as dementia? Who is at risk? Early signs of Alzheimer’s? Information below includes things specific to Alzheimer's plus other items about dementia. Read carefully, noting most are specific to Alzheimer's which has specific traits and symptoms that are not the same as for dementia. For purposes
of this newsletter, the terms dementia and Alzheimer’s are interchanged but may be prefaced by which are specific to Alzheimer's. I will also split this newsletter into 2 parts, the first part will discuss signs and diagnosis. Part 2 addresses treatment, cost and more . . >>>> New Medicare login details here . . .https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/medicare-gov-enhanced-log HARVARD HEALTH - ALZHEIMERS OVERVIEW-HIGHLY RECOMMENDED RESOURCEhttps://www.health.harvard.edu/search?content%5Bquery%5D=alzheimers WHO IS AT
RISK?Risk Factors for Alzheimer's or Dementia Researchers have identified several risk factors that affect the likelihood of developing one or more kinds of dementia. Some of these factors are
modifiable, while others are not. Age. The risk of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and several other dementias goes up significantly with advancing age. Genetics/family history https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/brain-and-nerves/dementia/risk-factors.html A person’s risk of developing dementia is the chance that they will get it at some point in their life. Everyone has a chance of developing dementia, but some people have
a greater chance than others. These people are at higher risk. A risk factor is something that is known to increase a person’s chances of developing a condition. For example, aging is a risk factor for dementia. This means a person who is aged over 75 is more likely to develop dementia than someone who is under 75. https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/managing-the-risk-of-dementia/risk-factors-for-dementia Parkinson's and Alzheimer's are connected . . . more on this in Part 2. Stuff I don’t understand . . .DEMENTIA VS ALZHEIMERSAlzheimer's and dementia are not the same thing. Dementia is a general "umbrella" term for a decline in mental ability (memory, reasoning, behavior) severe enough to interfere with daily life, while Alzheimer's is
a specific, progressive brain disease that causes that decline. Key Differences: Dementia (The Umbrella): A syndrome, not a specific
disease, covering various conditions caused by brain damage (e.g., Vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia). Alzheimer's (The Cause): The most common form of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases. Relationship: All Alzheimer's cases are dementia, but not all dementia is Alzheimer's. Symptoms & Progression:Alzheimer's: Typically starts with
memory loss (difficulty remembering recent events) and progressively destroys brain cells. Dementia: Symptoms vary depending on the cause, but generally include declines in memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to
perform daily tasks. While some dementia symptoms may be reversed or managed depending on the cause, Alzheimer's is currently irreversible and progressive, with symptoms that worsen over time https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/difference-between-dementia-and-alzheimer-s https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs How to
know you are getting old . . .DOES ALZHEIMER’S AFFECT MEN DIFFERENTLY FROM WOMEN?Alzheimer's disease affects men and women differently, with women being disproportionately affected, making up nearly two-thirds of cases. Women generally face a higher risk, faster cognitive decline,
and greater brain pathology (such as rapid spread of tau protein) compared to men, often with higher risk linked to the APOE4 gene variant. Key differences include: Disease Prevalence & Risk: Women are more likely to develop Alzheimer's. While longevity is a factor (women live longer), biological factors like lower estrogen after menopause Disease Progression: Women often experience more rapid cognitive
decline and greater hippocampal atrophy (brain shrinkage) than men. Symptoms and Diagnosis: Women tend to show better verbal memory in early stages, which can mask symptoms and lead to delayed diagnosis. Women often present with initial verbal memory and
word-finding difficulties, whereas men may present differently. Biological Differences: Research suggests that toxic tau protein, a marker of Alzheimer's, spreads faster and more widely in women's brains. Genetic Factors: While both sexes can carry the APOE4 gene, its impact on increasing Alzheimer's risk appears to be stronger in women than in men. While men and women share common symptoms, the underlying disease progression and risk factors show distinct differences https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/why-dementia-different-women What is the APOE4 gene? https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/apoe-gene-test What is the tau protein? https://www.brightfocus.org/resource/tau-protein-and-alzheimers-disease-whats-the-connection/ Self diagnosis . .
.EARLY SIGNS OF DEMENTIA IN MENEarly signs of dementia in men often include subtle personality changes, impaired judgment, memory loss (especially recent events), and reduced initiative. Men may show irritability, social withdrawal,
difficulty with complex tasks, or misplacing items. These symptoms, which differ from normal aging, can impact daily routines, work, and social interactions. Key Early Signs of Dementia in MenCognitive Impairment: Slower thinking, difficulty concentrating, and trouble with planning, organizing, or
solving problems. Memory Loss: Forgetting recent events, repeating questions, and forgetting familiar names or places. Behavioral and Personality Changes: Increased irritability, mood swings, aggression (verbal or physical), and lack of motivation (apathy). Poor Judgment and Reasoning: Making poor financial decisions,
inappropriate social behavior, or ignoring safety risks. Communication Difficulties: Struggling to follow conversations or finding the right words. Spatial and Visual Changes: Difficulty judging distance or getting lost while driving. Loss of Initiative: Withdrawing from hobbies, work, or social activities. Physical Changes: Unusual sleep patterns (restlessness at night) or changes in appetite. https://www.tuftsmedicine.org/about-us/news/recognizing-dementia-guide-early-symptoms-signs https://healthandpsychiatry.com/blog/dementia-in-men-signs-causes-treatment/ https://www.overlakehospital.org/blog/10-signs-dementia-you-may-be-overlooking The birthday wish . .
.EARLY SIGNS OF DEMENTIA IN WOMENEarly signs of dementia in women often include subtle cognitive lapses, such as frequent memory loss (especially recent events), difficulty managing complex tasks or finances, word-finding challenges, and spatial
disorientation. Behavioral changes, including increased anxiety, depression, apathy, and withdrawal from social activities, are also common early warning signs. Key Early Symptoms in WomenMemory Loss Disrupting Daily Life: Forgetting
important dates or events, and repeating questions or stories in short succession. Difficulty with Planning and Problem-Solving: Trouble following a familiar recipe, keeping track of monthly bills, or concentrating on complex tasks. Language and Communication Issues: Difficulty following conversations, finding the right words, or calling objects by wrong names. Mood and Personality Changes: Increased anxiety, depression, irritability, or suspicion, which are sometimes more pronounced in women. Spatial and Visual Disorientation: Getting lost in familiar places or
having trouble judging distance. Misplacing Items: Placing items in unusual spots (e.g., keys in the fridge) and being unable to retrace steps. Social Withdrawal: A sudden loss of interest in hobbies, work, or social activities. Important Nuances Hidden Symptoms: Women may try to hide their cognitive decline, making early symptoms harder to detect. Depression Mimicry: Depression can look like dementia, or be an early symptom of it. When to See a Doctor: These symptoms warrant a medical evaluation to determine the cause, as some, such as vitamin deficiencies or thyroid issues, are treatable. https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/articles/early-signs-of-dementia-in-women https://www.americanbrainfoundation.org/early-dementia-signs-for-caregivers/ https://ubiehealth.com/doctors-note/dementia-signs-women-watch-steps-warning-guides-4722ex3 Redneck words . .
.MEN OR WOMEN - WHO IS MORE LIKELY TO HAVE DEMENTIA?Women are more likely to develop dementia than men, comprising nearly two-thirds of Alzheimer's patients. While higher life expectancy is a factor, women face greater risk due to genetic factors (APOE4
gene), hormonal changes (menopause), and higher vulnerability to brain injuries. Women also disproportionately act as caregivers. Key Differences in Dementia (Men vs. Women): Prevalence: Women are roughly twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease as men. A woman at age 45 has a 1 in 5 chance of developing it, while men have a 1 in 10 chance. Risk Factors: Genetics: The APOE4 gene variant, a major risk factor, has a stronger impact on women. Hormones: The decline in estrogen during menopause is believed to contribute to women’s higher risk. Immune System: Studies suggest sex-based differences in how telomeres respond to
aging. Longevity: Women generally live longer, and age is the greatest risk factor for dementia, though studies show higher incidence rates in women even when controlling for age. Brain Aging: Some studies indicate that while women live longer, men’s brains may actually age faster, with greater shrinkage noted in some studies. Caregiving: Women are more likely to be caregivers for those with dementia and to be caregivers for longer periods, which can lead to higher stress levels and increased risk of dementia themselves. https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/why-dementia-different-women https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/types-dementia/who-gets-alzheimers-disease https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/why-dementia-different-women Pray for Tom . . . TO BE CONTINUED IN THE JUNE NEWSLETTER . . .What causes Alzheimer’s? Treatment + caregiving. The 7 stages of Alzheimer’s and more . . . If you don’t like Jeff Foxworthy, or don’t know who he is, you will now. Writing about dementia was so disturbing I needed a diversion and Foxworthy helped. He is one of the few comics with “clean” material and also
seems to be a really nice family man who is grounded in his faith. In Closing . . . Rachel & I have had very little personal experience with Alzheimer’s, but watching the progression of the disease in a neighbor has heightened our awareness. I believe she was diagnosed about 8 years ago at age 86. Her daughter initially visited a few times per week and then a little over a year ago moved in to become her mother’s full time caretaker. In January her mother had a severe stroke that required hospitalization and soon after was moved to inpatient hospice
care. She passed away about 6 weeks later. Because of this, plus requests from clients who read the newsletter, I decided to research and publish information about the disease. There are currently 7.2 million U.S. seniors, age 65 and older, who have been diagnosed
with Alzheimer's. This includes 188,000 in Georgia, about 12% of the senior population. Approximately 384,000 family caregivers provide 755 million hours of unpaid care, valued at over $11 billion. Next month’s newsletter concludes this series
on Alzheimer's. Topics to follow will address heart disease. PMC (Pubmed Central) indicates 42% of Medicare beneficiaries have some form of heart disease. If you find this newsletter helpful, please forward it to friends & family. Bob & Rachel |
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