How Is The Brain Affected In Alzheimer's Disease?
The brain in Alzheimer's disease undergoes profound changes. This condition quietly alters the brain's landscape, stealing memories and cognitive functions over time. In this battle against an unseen foe, the brain gradually lets go of the essence that makes each person unique.
Within our living community, we tailor our care to meet the challenges that Alzheimer's brings. We offer constant support, understanding our residents and their families delicate path. Our dedicated teams are trained to nurture and provide for those affected, ensuring a quality of life that respects the individual at every stage.
Alzheimer's Disease Shrinks Brain Size Due to Neuron Loss
Alzheimer's disease carries a harsh impact on the brain. One of the main observations is that it causes the brain to shrink in size over time. This shrinkage is mainly due to the loss of neurons, the brain's nerve cells that work to process and transmit information. As Alzheimer's takes hold, these cells deteriorate and die. It's this severe neuron loss that results in the brain becoming smaller.
Over time, this deterioration affects different parts of the brain. It often begins in regions linked to memory before progressively spreading. This leads to distressed communication between neurons, resulting in loss of function and shrinking brain size. The practical effect is not just the memory loss associated with Alzheimer's but also a decline in cognitive abilities.
Plaques and Tangles Disrupt Communication Between Brain Cells
In a healthy brain, nerve cells link extensively. They form communication networks. In Alzheimer's, this connectivity breaks down. Plaques and tangles damage and kill nerve cells in these cases. Plaques build up between nerve cells. They consist of a protein fragment known as beta-amyloid. Tangles are inside cells. They are twisted fibers of a protein called tau.
These plaques and tangles interrupt neuron communication. They harm cell survival processes. This disruption causes Alzheimer's symptoms.
Memory Centers Deteriorate First, Leading to Early Symptom Onset
Alzheimer's disease often starts in sections of the brain responsible for creating new memories. As Alzheimer's advances through the brain, it leads to increasingly severe symptoms. The earliest signs usually include minor memory problems, like forgetting the names of familiar people or things or not knowing the current year or time.
However, as Alzheimer's spreads, it affects areas responsible for more than just memory. It can disrupt speech, perception, orientation, and motor control. It means a person with Alzheimer's might struggle to speak, perceive depth, understand where they are, and control their movements.
Critical Thinking and Planning Skills Decline as Alzheimer's Progresses
As Alzheimer's disease attacks the brain, it doesn't stop at memory loss. It also impacts critical thinking and planning skills. This typically occurs as the disease advances and increasingly affects more regions of the brain. Tasks that require reasoning, complex thought, and planning become challenging.
Individuals may lose their ability to manage money and pay bills, make appropriate decisions about clothing based on the weather, or remember the sequence of steps needed to prepare a meal. As Alzheimer's disease progresses, individuals lose their capacity to recognize the risk and danger, make reasoned decisions, or even perform everyday tasks.
Enrichment Through Amenities
Beyond care, we believe in enriching lives with senior living amenities. These amenities provide comfort, stimulate the senses, and encourage social interaction, which is vital for those with Alzheimer's. From our serene spaces to vibrant activity rooms, each aspect of our community is designed to support the well-being of our residents. Reach out today, and let’s find a new beginning together within our supportive community.