Does Alzheimer’s disease only affect older people?
NON. If the majority of cases occur after the age of 65, there are also so-called “early” forms of the disease which can occur from the age of 40 or even before. These are rare hereditary forms, which affect 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 brain pathological mechanisms.
Is having memory lapses a sign of the onset of Alzheimer’s disease?
NON. If memory problems are often the first signs of the disease, Alzheimer’s is not limited to this aspect. Forgetting things in daily life like a name or an appointment is commonplace. As we age, 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 merits medical advice.
Does Alzheimer’s disease only affect memory?
NON. 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 memorization 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 we cure Alzheimer’s disease?
NON – Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. But there are four drugs available on the market: donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine and memantine. These molecules do not cure the patient, but help slow the progression of the disease or improve certain behavioral disorders. In particular, we can observe a certain improvement in thinking, memory, communication, or daily activities.
Just like a muscle, should we exercise the brain?
OUI. Even though the brain is not a muscle, it must be maintained so that it does not atrophy. Our brain is capable, throughout our lives, of creating new neuronal connections. This is called brain plasticity or neuronal plasticity. It is therefore important to vary the pleasures and not always solicit the same neurons. Learning a new language, playing music, doing crosswords or sudokus, playing cards or video games, doing theater or participating in a choir are all ways to keep your brain active.
Does smoking increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease?
OUI. The risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease is 40% higher among heavy smokers (more than one pack of cigarettes per day). “ By increasing homocysteine in total plasma, smoking promotes the occurrence of cardiovascular disease and stroke, which in turn may precipitate the onset of Alzheimer’s disease or accelerate its progression. », explains the Alzheimer Research Foundation.
Does living alone increase the risk of occurrence?
OUI. Social ties indeed make it possible to maintain cognitive functions. Giving up all social life means giving up brain stimulation. Furthermore, social isolation can be aggravated by sensory isolations such as vision problems and hearing problems. They themselves are associated with cognitive decline. This is why, as we age, it is important to maintain a circle of friends, to frequent associative circles, etc.
Are there anti-Alzheimer’s diets?
Yes and no. Of course, there is no such thing as a miracle diet that guarantees you will never 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 moving good for the brain?
OUI. 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 practice very little.
