Dr. Anne Koplin, an SSM Health psychiatrist and Alzheimer’s disease expert, has spent several years focusing on clinical research and testing potential therapies for the future. June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. Koplin authored this article to help people gain a different perspective.
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The fear of memory loss is a universal concern that deeply impacts our fundamental human need for connection with the world and the people around us. It is heart wrenching to watch dementia afflict those we love. By now most of us are familiar with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (AD) to some degree, either through personal experience or from portrayal in television or movies. Here are some less commonly known facts about AD.
1. This is a women’s disease.
Women make up the majority of people with AD and their caregivers. Two-thirds of Americans living with AD are women. More than 60% of the caregivers are women, most of them are daughters. The hormone estrogen may help protect against AD. Research suggests that women who took hormone replacement therapy after menopause had a lower risk of developing AD. These studies hinted at a potential role for estrogen in maintaining cognitive function.
2. Pseudo-dementia is real.
Sometimes people can have memory problem that look like dementia, but they are actually caused by other conditions that can be treated. This is called pseudo-dementia. Reversible causes of memory loss must be explored before making the diagnosis of dementia. Most commonly pseudo-dementia refers to the cognitive problems seen in depression. It can look identical to dementia. Hypothyroidism, vitamin B12 deficiency, sleep apnea, alcohol-related dementia and medication side effects are all reversible causes of dementia and they must be ruled out. As a psychiatrist, it is a great relief to find a correctable cause. An accurate diagnosis will save the patient from unnecessary testing and provide an option for treatment.
3. Lack of sleep in middle age may increase dementia risk.
People who sleep six hours or less per night in their 50s and 60s are more likely to develop dementia. During sleep, the brain clears out waste products, including a protein called amyloid beta, which forms plaques in the brains of individuals with AD. Adequate sleep facilitates the removal of these harmful substances, reducing the risk of accumulation. Sufficient sleep is essential for maintaining optimal brain health. Sleep deprivation or poor sleep quality can impair brain function, increase inflammation, and contribute to the development of neurodegenerative conditions like AD.
4.It does not always "run in the family."
Although people who have a family history of AD have an increased risk to develop the condition, the risk is generally less than most people assume. Only about 1% of people actually have a gene that causes AD and in these families the symptoms usually begin early, in the age range of 40s to 50s. Scientists do not yet know the cause of the majority of later onset AD which is 65 years and older, but most believe that it is multifactorial or due to a combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. The most common gene associated with late-onset AD is APOE4. While having the APOE4 gene does not guarantee developing AD, it raises the chances compared to those without the gene.
5. Vitamin D may have an impact on brain health.
Often referred to as the sunshine vitamin, it plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health and supporting the immune system. Vitamin D is primarily synthesized in the skin from exposure to the sun, but it can also be obtained through dietary sources such as fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and supplements. Vitamin D may play a role in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, processes implicated in the development of dementia. Another theory suggests that vitamin D may promote the clearance of amyloid-beta plaques, which are characteristic of AD. Maintaining sufficient vitamin D levels may have a positive impact on brain health and potentially reduce the risk of dementia.
Research efforts are actively underway to investigate the underlying causes and potential treatments for AD. New insights into this complex condition are gradually emerging, instilling optimism that answers will be found in the near future.
No matter your situation, you can count on SSM Health to deliver comprehensive care. Our goal is to give you a peace of mind as you navigate the Alzheimer’s journey. Learn more about our neurology services or find a provider near you today to learn more.
