Alzheimer's disease: advice to limit the risks, first signs… nine questions to better understand this pathology

True or False: 9 Questions About Alzheimer's Disease

According to the WHO, 55 million people worldwide are affected by dementia. In France, the number of patients affected is estimated at 1 million. However, many preconceived ideas persist about it. On this World Alzheimer's Day, let's explore some of these beliefs to better understand this complex pathology.

Does Alzheimer's disease only affect older people ?

NO. While the majority of cases occur after the age of 65, there are also so-called “early” forms of the disease that can occur from the age of 40 or even before. These are rare hereditary forms, affecting less than 1% of patients. The study of these family cases has allowed researchers to discover genes involved in the disease and to progress in understanding the pathological mechanisms of the brain.

Is having memory lapses a sign of the onset of Alzheimer's disease? ?

NO. While memory problems are often the first signs of the disease, Alzheimer's is not limited to this aspect. Forgetting things in everyday life such as a name, an appointment, is commonplace. As we age, our memory fails more easily and memory problems can also have other causes, such as poor sleep, depression, etc.

On the other hand, repeated forgetfulness, asking the same question several times or getting lost in familiar places deserves medical advice.

Does Alzheimer's disease only affect memory? ?

NO. Memory problems are usually the first to appear "because the first brain structure to be affected by Alzheimer's disease is the hippocampus, a region at the heart of the memory process “, specifies the Foundation for Medical Research.

But, as the pathology progresses and the different regions of the brain are progressively affected, other disorders appear, affecting behavior, orientation, language, object recognition, etc.

Can Alzheimer's disease be cured? ?

NO –Currently, there is no curative treatment for Alzheimer's disease. However, there are four drugs available on the market: donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine, and memantine. These molecules do not cure the patient, but they can slow down the progression of the disease or improve certain behavioral disorders. In particular, some improvement can be observed in thinking, memory, communication, or daily activities.

Just like a muscle, should the brain be exercised? ?

YES. Even if the brain is not a muscle, it must be maintained so that it does not atrophy. Our brain is capable, throughout our life, of creating new neural connections. This is what we call brain plasticity or neural plasticity. It is therefore important to vary the pleasures and not always solicit the same neurons. Learning a new language, making music, doing crosswords or sudokus, playing cards or video games, doing theater or participating in a choir are all ways to keep your brain fit.

Does smoking increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease ?

YES. The risk of developing Alzheimer's disease is 40% higher among heavy smokers (more than a pack of cigarettes per day). “By increasing homocysteine ​​in total plasma, smoking promotes the occurrence of cardiovascular disease and stroke, which can themselves precipitate the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease or accelerate its progression“, explains the Alzheimer's Research Foundation.

Does living alone increase the risk of developing ?

YES. Social ties help maintain cognitive functions. Giving up all social life leads to giving up brain stimulation. In addition, social isolation can be aggravated by sensory isolations such as visual and hearing disorders. They are themselves associated with cognitive decline. This is why, as we age, it is important to maintain a circle of friends, to frequent associations…

Are there anti-Alzheimer's diets ?

YES and NO. Of course, there is no miracle diet that guarantees never to develop the disease! On the other hand, a balanced diet (like the Mediterranean diet) will help reduce the risk factors for the disease (high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, etc.)

Is exercise good for the brain ?

YES. All studies confirm that people who practice moderate or high physical activity reduce their risk of developing a neurodegenerative disease by around 30% compared to those who do very little.