Alzheimer’s disease can occur due to genetic changes, accumulation of abnormal proteins in the brain, decreased release of acetylcholine by neurons or HSV-1 infection. However, the causes of Alzheimer’s are still widely debated.
Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia syndrome that causes the death of neurons in the brain and impairment of its functions, such as memory, attention, language, orientation, perception, reasoning and thinking. Know the main symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
If you suspect Alzheimer’s, it is important to consult a neurologist. Treatment may involve anticholinesterase medications, such as rivastigmine or memantine, physiotherapy and occupational therapy, for example.
Possible causes
The most studied causes of Alzheimer’s disease are:
1. Genetics
More than 20 genetic changes have already been identified that affect the functioning of cells in the brain, causing inflammation and altering the metabolism of substances, and increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s.
It is believed that the more changes there are in a person’s DNA, the greater the risk of developing the disease. Although these changes usually arise by chance, they can also be passed from parents to children.
Furthermore, it is known that mutations in the APP, PSEN1 and PSEN2 genes are responsible for rare cases of Alzheimer’s within the same family, especially in people between 40 and 50 years old. In these cases, there is a 50% chance that the person will transmit the disease to their children. Find out if Alzheimer’s can be hereditary.
2. Accumulation of proteins in the brain
It has been observed that people with Alzheimer’s disease have an abnormal accumulation of proteins, called beta-amyloid protein and Tau protein, which cause inflammation, disorganization and destruction of neurons, mainly in regions of the brain such as the hippocampus and cortex.
It is known that these changes can be influenced by the genes mentioned above, however, it has not yet been discovered what exactly causes this accumulation, nor what to do to prevent it, and, therefore, a cure for Alzheimer’s has not yet been established. found.
3. Decrease in the neurotransmitter acetylcholine
Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter released by neurons that plays an important role in brain functions such as learning, memory and attention, for example, and is reduced in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
The loss of neurons that release acetylcholine in the brain in people with this disease is believed to be responsible for some of the symptoms, but the cause is not yet known.
Thus, in the treatment of Alzheimer’s, medications such as donepezil, galantamine and rivastigmine are normally indicated, which act by increasing the amount of acetylcholine in the brain.
4. Environmental risks
In addition to genetic changes, there are characteristics of the health history that are believed to favor changes in brain function, increasing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, such as:
- Smoking;
- Lack of physical activity;
- High cholesterol and atherosclerosis, which is the accumulation of fat in the vessels;
- Age over 65;
- History of stroke or head trauma, due to accidents or sports, for example;
- Deafness;
- Depression.
For these reasons, an important way to avoid Alzheimer’s disease is to adopt healthy habits, preferring a diet rich in vegetables, with few processed products, in addition to practicing physical activity.
5. The herpes virus
Some studies indicate that another possible cause of Alzheimer’s is infection with the cold sore virus, HSV-1, which can enter the body during childhood and remain dormant in the nervous system, being reactivated only in periods of stress and weakening of the system. immunological.
It is believed that people carrying the APOE4 gene and the HSV-1 virus are more likely to have Alzheimer’s and that, with aging, the immune system weakens, favoring the arrival of the virus to the brain and the accumulation of abnormal proteins.
Therefore, researchers have been looking for treatment options that could help delay the symptoms of Alzheimer’s or even cure the disease through the use of antiviral medications, such as acyclovir.
Which doctor to consult
If Alzheimer’s is suspected, it is recommended to consult a neurologist, who can perform specific tests to assess memory and reasoning and indicate exams, such as neuropsychological assessment or magnetic resonance imaging, to confirm the diagnosis. See how Alzheimer’s is diagnosed.
If you want to make an appointment, you can find the neurologist closest to you using the tool below:
In addition, the neurologist may recommend other tests, such as measuring vitamins and thyroid hormones in the blood to rule out other diseases that can cause memory changes, such as hypothyroidism and vitamin B12 deficiency.
Treatment for Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease has no cure. However, treatment can reduce symptoms, and medications such as donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine or memantine may be indicated, according to the doctor’s advice.
In addition, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and psychotherapy may also be recommended, depending on the difficulties identified. Understand better how Alzheimer’s disease is treated.
