World Alzheimer's Day: Better Understanding Amnesia

September 21st is World Alzheimer's Day . Many events will be organized that day to raise public awareness and teach them how to detect early symptoms.

What is Alzheimer's disease?

Alzheimer's disease, discovered in 1906 by Aloïs Alzheimer, is a so-called "neurodegenerative" brain disorder. Over time, it leads to a gradual disappearance of neurons which results in particular memory loss. It is mainly due to old age even if there are genetic causes (-1%). This year, there are 850,000 people affected by Alzheimer's in France . As life expectancy increases, it is estimated that this number could rise to 2 million in 2040.

Are there risk factors for Alzheimer's disease?

Although this disease is primarily related to old age , some factors may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's. Lifestyle, treating cardiovascular problems, diabetes, physical activity, stopping smoking help to reduce the risk without excluding the possibility that the disease will manifest one day.

How to spot the first signs of Alzheimer's disease?

Memory loss is the most common sign for locating Alzheimer's disease. Clues such as recent memory problems, difficulties in handling money, forgetting appointments, mistakes in taking medication are all telling signs.

Yet this is not the only sign, behavioral disorder is also a symptom. Specialists speak of Alzheimer's as an initially insidious disease whose signs are not always clear to identify. If a person reacts differently, that it folds back on itself, it can also reflect the first signs of this disease.

Is it possible to detect Alzheimer's disease?

In the case of Alzheimer's disease, specialists prefer to use the term early diagnosis, more suitable than that of screening. After discovering the first signs that may correspond to the disease, it is best to turn to your GP at first. The latter can draw up an initial assessment and ask for the consultation of a specialist if necessary. The sooner the diagnosis can be made, the more it will be possible to stop Alzheimer's disease. To accelerate the procedure (many tests with the consultation of neurologist, speech therapist), there are Memory Centers of Resources and Research (CMRR) in hospitals and regional hospitals.
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Are there any effective treatments for Alzheimer's disease?

At present, there is no medicine that treats Alzheimer's disease. The researchers are trying to find "the miracle molecule" that can stop its progression. It is impossible to repair the neuronal lesions, hence the importance of diagnosing it as early as possible. Currently used drugs can slow the progress of brain damage.

In addition, rehabilitation plays a key role in the fight against Alzheimer's. To relearn to cook, to make art, allows to mobilize the remaining capacities but also to make aware to the relatives that the patient still feels emotions.

Finally, the support of the person affected by Alzheimer's remains essential in the fight against the disease. There are training courses for carers, discussion groups within associations like France Alzheimer to help families understand, sympathize and act in the most appropriate way.

More information on ALZHEIMER disease on the INSERM website (National Institute of Health and Medical Research).
Thanks to Lyne Valentino, biologist and researcher for the France Alzheimer Association.