Alzheimer’s disease
Around 90,000 people in Scotland have dementia and it is estimated that 66% of them have Alzheimer’s disease.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a disease of the brain which causes dementia. Dementia describes a group of symptoms that may include memory loss, difficulties with planning, problem-solving or language and sometimes changes in mood or behaviour. There are many different illnesses which can cause dementia, but Alzheimer’s disease is the most common.
Alzheimer’s disease is named after Alois Alzheimer, the clinical psychiatrist who discovered it.
Click the button below to download our Alzheimer’s disease information sheet, or keep reading this page to learn more.
Causes of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is caused by an abnormal accumulation of proteins in the brain. These proteins are called amyloid and tau and they form plaques and tangles in and around brain cells.
The cause of these protein build-ups is not fully understood, but research in this area is ongoing and scientists do know that it starts many years before symptoms appear. At present, age is the only confirmed risk factor.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease
The onset of Alzheimer’s disease is usually gradual. However, as the disease progresses you may notice the following:
- becoming more forgetful than usual
- language skills beginning to deteriorate
- practical abilities declining
- finding it harder to make judgements
- behaving in ways which are uncharacteristic
- difficulty controlling emotions
Diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease
If you suspect that you are showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease it is important that you seek help as soon as possible. A doctor, usually your GP, is the first person you should contact. Tell them about any changes you have noticed for the best chance of a proper diagnosis.
The doctor will generally carry out a physical examination, including blood tests, to eliminate other possible causes of your symptoms. The doctor will also look at your medical history and, if you have a partner or other close family, may ask them about any changes they have noticed. The doctor will assess your cognitive ability and memory.
After this, the doctor may refer you to a specialist, or you can request this yourself. The specialist can be a psychiatrist, a physician in geriatric medicine, or a neurologist. In some areas the person may be referred to a specialist memory clinic.
Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease allows you to learn more about living well with the illness and coming to terms with the changes that will come over time. It also allows access to drugs which may help to delay or improve the symptoms of the illness, especially in early to middle stages of the disease.
Getting a prompt diagnosis also gives you plenty of time to discuss future plans, including money matters, legal issues and documents, and future care or medical support.
Living with Alzheimer’s disease
Living with Alzheimer’s disease can affect all aspects of a person’s life, as well as those around them. With the right care, information and support when you need it, many people can, and do, live well with Alzheimer’s disease for several years. If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask for it – from family and friends, professionals such as doctors, nurses, and social workers, and charities like Alzheimer Scotland.
Alzheimer Scotland can also help through our 24 hour Freephone Dementia Helpline, Brain Health & Dementia Resource Centres, our Dementia Advisors and our Post Diagnostic Support Link Workers.
Medication for Alzheimer’s disease
There are a number of medications available for Alzheimer’s disease. You can learn more by downloading the information sheets below:
These medicines are only used to treat the symptoms and there is no evidence that they can halt or reverse the process of brain cell damage that causes Alzheimer’s disease.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term for a wide range of progressive brain conditions. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type affecting around 62% of people with dementia.
How does Alzheimer’s affect the brain?
Alzheimer’s disease slowly breaks down brain cells and their connections, affecting how a person copes with everyday tasks. Each person will be affected in different ways so it is not possible to accurately predict the symptoms someone will develop.
Is Alzheimer’s disease a terminal condition?
Alzheimer’s disease is a terminal condition, but people can live well with Alzheimer’s disease for several years after they develop symptoms. The degree to which Alzheimer disease is a life-limiting illness will vary considerably from person to person.
How common is Alzheimer’s disease?
The risk of Alzheimer’s disease, and other types of dementia increases with age, affecting an estimated 1 in 14 people over the age of 65 and 1 in every 6 people over the age of 80.
Around 1 in every 13 people with Alzheimer’s disease are under the age of 65. This is called young onset Alzheimer’s disease (sometimes referred to as ‘early onset’)
Our community and support
Alzheimer Scotland offers support services and therapeutic activities all across the country. Find out how we support people living with dementia and their families and carers in the local community.