There are several reasons why stress may be associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Stress affects the immune system, which plays a vital role in the development of Alzheimer’s. The hormone cortisol, released in response to stress, has been linked to memory problems.
Stress is also closely connected to conditions such as depression and anxiety, which are believed to increase the risk of AD. Some research suggests that stress may directly affect the mechanisms underlying AD in animal models. However, as with many research areas, confirming these theories has proven to be a long and winding journey.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that worsens over time. It is caused by the build-up of certain proteins in the brain, leading to the shrinkage of the brain and the eventual death of brain cells. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, which is characterised by a gradual decline in memory, thinking, behaviour, and social skills. These changes can significantly affect a person’s ability to perform daily tasks.
What’s the Difference Between Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease?
The terms “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s disease” are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. Dementia is not a specific disease but rather an umbrella term used to describe a wide range of symptoms that affect a person’s ability to perform everyday activities independently. Although Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, it is not the only one. There are many different types and causes of dementia.
What Are the Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is characterised by memory loss, which is its primary symptom. In the early stages, a person may find it difficult to remember recent conversations or events. However, as the disease progresses, memory worsens and other symptoms develop. Initially, the individual may be conscious of their difficulty with thinking and remembering things, but as the disease advances, their family or friends may be more likely to notice their issues.
Alzheimer’s disease causes changes in the brain that lead to growing difficulties with cognitive functions, including memory.
What Age Group is Most Likely to Get Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a major brain disease affecting the elderly. It affects one in twenty people aged 65 and over, and its incidence increases with age. In fact, around half of the people aged 85 and over have the disease. This devastating disorder robs a person of their memories and cognitive abilities, making them unable to recognise their family members or care for themselves. However, the cause of Alzheimer’s disease is still unknown.
Why Do Some People Develop Alzheimer’s Disease and Others Not?
Research has shown that people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have higher levels of cortisol in their bloodstream compared to healthy individuals. This increase in cortisol has been linked to the degree of memory impairments in Alzheimer’s patients and is detectable early in the progression of the disease. Studies aim to explore whether these elevated cortisol levels contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease by leading to the brain pathologies observed in AD.
What Happens in the Human Brain During Alzheimer’s Disease?
The accumulation of sticky proteins in the brain, which leads to a loss of neuronal function, is responsible for the dementia and memory loss observed in Alzheimer’s disease. The AD brain typically contains two such sticky proteins: amyloid-beta peptide (Ab), which forms extracellular plaques by sticking together between neurons, and tau, which becomes altered in the AD brain, causing it to stick together inside neurons and disrupt normal neuronal function.
The outcome of these sticky proteins is a chain of events that leads to widespread synaptic and neuronal loss in the brain, ultimately causing dementia and memory loss.
Stress and Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Stress worsens Alzheimer’s pathology in animal models, and reducing stress levels could help treat Alzheimer’s in humans. Lowering CRF levels and inhibiting glucocorticoid receptors in animal models has shown a decrease in Alzheimer’s pathology, and some clinical trials have shown cognitive improvement.
However, several drugs that work in animal models have failed in human clinical trials. More clinical research is needed before making recommendations on anti-stress therapies to treat Alzheimer’s disease.
How Can I Lower My Stress Levels?
Stress reduction is essential for overall health, including brain health. To reduce stress levels, try exercising, spending time outdoors, meditating, or practising related techniques. Additionally, avoid stress eating by focusing on what you’re eating, and try to incorporate more fruits, vegetables, fish, and a daily glass of red wine into your diet. A Mediterranean-style diet can also help lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Connect with others to combat loneliness and promote brain health. Giving support to others can be even more powerful than receiving it. Spending time with pets, especially therapy animals, can also effectively reduce stress.
