Dementia and Alzheimer's Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the most common cause of dementia among older adults?

Vascular dementia

Mixed dementia

Frontotemporal dementia

Alzheimer's disease (correct)

Alzheimer’s disease primarily affects individuals younger than 50.

False

What percentage of the population aged over 80 years in Egypt had Alzheimer's disease in 2022?

2.01% to 5.07%

The risk of developing Alzheimer's disease _______ every five years after age 65.

doubles Signup and view all the answers

Which gene mutation is associated with an increased risk for developing Alzheimer's disease?

APOE-e4 Signup and view all the answers

Early-onset Alzheimer's occurs in individuals aged 65 and older.

False Signup and view all the answers

Match the types of Alzheimer's with their descriptions.

Preclinical Alzheimer's = Symptoms are not yet apparent Mild cognitive impairment = Early signs of memory issues Moderate dementia = Increased cognitive impairment and assistance needed Severe dementia = Requires round-the-clock supervision Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated number of new cases of dementia each year worldwide?

Nearly 10 million Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease?

Smoking habits Signup and view all the answers

Deterministic genes cause Alzheimer's disease in more than 1% of cases.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary two categories of genes that influence Alzheimer's disease?

Risk genes and deterministic genes Signup and view all the answers

One of the strongest links to brain health is _____ health.

heart Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of Alzheimer's disease?

Increased energy levels Signup and view all the answers

Match the symptom to its description:

Memory problems = Forgetting names or conversations Personality changes = Becoming aggressive or suspicious Hallucinations = Seeing or hearing things that are not there Low mood = Experiencing feelings of sadness or anxiety Signup and view all the answers

Early-stage Alzheimer's allows a person to function independently.

True Signup and view all the answers

What action can help protect the brain from injury?

Wearing a helmet Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease

Dementia: A group of symptoms related to ongoing brain function decline, impacting memory, thinking, and other mental abilities.
Alzheimer's Disease: A brain disorder causing gradual memory and thinking skill loss, ultimately impacting basic tasks. Most commonly diagnosed in individuals 65 and older.
Prevalence (Worldwide): Dementia affects over 55 million globally, with 60% in low/middle-income countries. Nearly 10 million new cases annually. Alzheimer's is the leading cause of dementia in older adults.

Prevalence (Egypt 2022)

Alzheimer's prevalence in Egyptians aged over 80 ranged from 2.01% to 5.07%.

Types of Alzheimer's

Preclinical Alzheimer's: Early stage, no noticeable symptoms yet.
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer's: Shows early memory problems.
Mild, Moderate, Severe Dementia: Progressive stages of Alzheimer's disease, with increasing severity of symptoms.
Early-onset: Occurs before age 65; rare (less than 5% of cases).
Late-onset: The most common type, beginning after age 65. Risk factors include genetics (e.g., APOE-e4 gene increasing risk 3-15x).

Risk Factors for Alzheimer's

Age: A key risk factor that increases risk exponentially beyond age 65. The risk doubles every five years after age 65.
Family History: A significant risk factor; those with family members diagnosed with Alzheimer's are more likely to develop the disease, especially if multiple family members are affected.
Genetics/Heredity: Some genes increase risk (risk genes), while others directly cause the disease (deterministic genes). Deterministic gene-related cases are rare (<1%).
Head Injuries: Linked to a higher risk of future dementia; protect against head injuries.
Medical Conditions: Heart health significantly impacts brain health. Conditions like hypertension and diabetes may increase risk.

Signs and Symptoms

Progressive Condition: Symptoms gradually develop and worsen over time. Primarily impacts the brain’s function.
Common Symptoms: Forgetting recent events/conversations, names of places/objects; confusion, disorientation; difficulty with planning/decision-making; speech/language problems; mobility/self-care issues; personality changes (aggression, suspicion); hallucinations/delusions; low mood/anxiety.

Stages of Alzheimer's

Early-stage (Mild): Individuals can function independently initially, but family and friends may perceive mild memory lapses. Typical difficulties include word-finding, recalling names, etc.

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Description

Explore the significant aspects of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, including symptoms, prevalence, and types. This quiz will enhance your understanding of these neurological disorders and their impact on individuals, especially the elderly population. Get ready to test your knowledge!