{"id":361,"date":"2023-05-09T14:24:28","date_gmt":"2023-05-09T14:24:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nhnscr.org\/blog\/the-devastating-impact-of-alzheimers-on-the-brain-what-you-need-to-know\/"},"modified":"2023-05-20T19:14:19","modified_gmt":"2023-05-20T19:14:19","slug":"the-devastating-impact-of-alzheimers-on-the-brain-what-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nhnscr.org\/blog\/the-devastating-impact-of-alzheimers-on-the-brain-what-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"The Devastating Impact of Alzheimer’s on the Brain: What You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

\nAlzheimer\u2019s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for up to 80% of cases. In this blog post, we\u2019ll explore what Alzheimer\u2019s disease does to the brain, what the warning signs are, and how to prevent it.\n<\/p>\n

\n What Does Alzheimer\u2019s Do to the Brain?
\n<\/h2>\n

Alzheimer\u2019s disease damages and kills brain cells, leading to cognitive decline and memory loss. The brain is made up of billions of neurons (nerve cells) that form connections to each other through synapses. In Alzheimer\u2019s disease, abnormal protein deposits (amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles) build up between neurons, interfering with communication and causing cell death.<\/p>\n

\n Alzheimer\u2019s disease initially affects the hippocampus, a small region of the brain that plays a key role in forming and retrieving memories. As the disease progresses, it spreads to other parts of the brain, including the cortex (the outer layer of the brain responsible for thinking and planning) and the amygdala (the area involved in emotional processing). Eventually, the brain shrinks in size and loses functionality.\n<\/p>\n

\n What Part of the Brain Does Alzheimer\u2019s Affect First?
\n<\/h2>\n

\n Alzheimer\u2019s disease typically affects the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus first. These regions are responsible for consolidating memories and spatial navigation, respectively. Early symptoms of Alzheimer\u2019s disease often involve forgetting recent events or conversations and getting lost in familiar places.\n<\/p>\n

\n What Are the 5 Warning Signs of Alzheimer\u2019s Disease?
\n<\/h2>\n

The Alzheimer\u2019s Association lists the following five warning signs of Alzheimer\u2019s disease:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. \n
    \n Memory loss
    \n<\/strong>
    \n that disrupts daily life, such as forgetting important appointments or asking for the same information repeatedly.\n <\/li>\n
  2. \n
    \n Difficulty with planning or problem solving,
    \n<\/strong>
    \n such as struggling to follow a recipe or manage finances.\n <\/li>\n
  3. \n
    \n Challenges with completing familiar tasks,
    \n<\/strong>
    \n such as getting dressed or preparing a meal.\n <\/li>\n
  4. \n
    \n Confusion with time or place,
    \n<\/strong>
    \n such as losing track of dates or seasons or forgetting where you are.\n <\/li>\n
  5. \n
    \n Changes in mood or personality,
    \n<\/strong>
    \n such as becoming more anxious, suspicious, or withdrawn.\n <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it\u2019s important to seek medical attention promptly.<\/p>\n

    \n What Are the 7 Signs of Alzheimer\u2019s?
    \n<\/h2>\n

    In addition to the five warning signs listed above, there are two additional signs of Alzheimer\u2019s disease:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. \n
      \n Difficulty with language,
      \n<\/strong>
      \n such as forgetting common words or substituting words with inappropriate ones.\n <\/li>\n
    2. \n
      \n Difficulty with visual images and spatial relationships,
      \n<\/strong>
      \n such as difficulty reading, judging distance, or recognizing colors.\n <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      \n What Side of the Brain is Affected by Alzheimer\u2019s?
      \n<\/h2>\n

      \n Alzheimer\u2019s disease affects both the left and right hemispheres of the brain, although the damage is often more severe in one hemisphere than the other. The left hemisphere is more involved in language processing, while the right hemisphere is more involved in visual-spatial processing and emotional regulation.\n<\/p>\n

      \n Alzheimer\u2019s Symptoms: How Does Alzheimer\u2019s Affect the Brain?
      \n<\/h2>\n

      Alzheimer\u2019s disease affects the brain in many ways, leading to a range of symptoms. In addition to memory loss and difficulty with language and spatial processing, Alzheimer\u2019s disease can cause:<\/p>\n