How Is Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosed and Treated Today? 

Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease that affects more than just a person’s memory. It impacts their judgment, mood and their ability to perform everyday tasks like getting dressed or even using the bathroom on their own. 
 
The impact extends beyond the individual, affecting families who watch their loved ones experience physical and cognitive decline. However, advances in diagnosis and treatment are offering new hope. Earlier detection methods and emerging therapies are changing how physicians identify and manage Alzheimer’s disease. 
 

What Is Alzheimer’s Disease? 

Before exploring how Alzheimer’s is diagnosed and treated today, it’s helpful to understand what the disease is. 
 
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80% of dementia cases. Dementia is an umbrella term for conditions that cause a decline in mental functioning, and Alzheimer’s is a specific disease that falls under this category. 
 

Causes of Alzheimer’s Disease 

Understanding these underlying brain changes helps explain why modern diagnostic tools focus on detecting amyloid and tau abnormalities. 
 
So, what are the causes of Alzheimer’s disease? Scientists have worked tirelessly in recent years to discover the root causes of the condition but still don’t fully understand them. Many experts in the field of aging believe it’s caused by a combination of factors, including: 
 

• Genetics 
• Lifestyle factors, like heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure 
• Environmental factors, like exposure to smoking and air pollution 

When these factors combine, they can lead to significant changes in the brain that contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Someone diagnosed with AD often presents with the following neurological changes: 
 

Amyloid-Beta Plaques in the Brain 

Amyloid-beta proteins normally help protect the brain from oxidative stress and aid in recovery from injuries. However, when these proteins cluster between neurons, they form sticky plaques. These plaques can disrupt normal cell function and trigger an inflammatory response, leading to the death of neurons: key cells responsible for brain function. 
 

Tau Protein Tangles 

More than just a tongue twister, “tau tangles” refer to another type of protein, called tau, that collects inside neurons. Typically, tau proteins help stabilize microtubules (tiny highway-like tubes that transfer important cell material) within neurons. 
 
In people with Alzheimer’s, however, chemical changes in the brain cause tau to detach from microtubules and clump together, forming tangles inside the neurons. This tangling impairs the transport of nutrients and neurotransmitters between cells, further contributing to neuronal death. 
 

How Is Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosed Today? 

Early diagnosis of AD allows physicians more time to plan and implement personalized, effective care for patients before their symptoms worsen. 
 
Traditionally, AD diagnosis has relied on cognitive tests and brain imaging scans. Today, however, several emerging diagnostic methods show promise: 
 

• Blood tests 
  Researchers are developing blood tests to detect biomarkers like amyloid-beta and tau proteins. These tests offer a less invasive alternative to methods like spinal taps and may present a more affordable option than genetic testing and advanced imaging techniques. 
  
• Artificial intelligence 
  AI technologies, including machine learning, can enhance diagnostic accuracy by analyzing brain scans for patterns commonly seen in Alzheimer’s disease. These algorithms may also detect subtle brain changes that are not easily visible through traditional methods, potentially leading to earlier and more accurate diagnoses.

How Is Alzheimer’s Treated Today? 

With more advanced medications available for early diagnosis of AD, it’s now possible to delay symptom progression. This can help individuals maintain a better quality of life than was previously possible. 

One of the latest treatment options is lecanemab (Leqembi), a drug that aims to slow cognitive decline in people with mild forms of Alzheimer’s. Approved by the FDA in 2023, the drug works by preventing amyloid-beta proteins from clumping and may also remove existing plaque in the brain. 

Other medications may be prescribed to help manage symptoms such as memory loss, agitation or sleep disturbances. While these treatments do not cure Alzheimer’s, they can improve daily functioning and quality of life. 

Researchers continue to study additional therapies targeting amyloid plaques, tau tangles and inflammation in the brain. 

Can Alzheimer’s Be Prevented? 

Completing three Sudoku puzzles a day, eating brain-boosting foods and leading a healthy lifestyle won’t guarantee protection from an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. However, with less than 5% of Alzheimer’s cases being hereditary, there are many proactive steps you can take to potentially lower your risk. 

Consider Incorporating the Mediterranean Diet 

The Mediterranean diet emphasizes eliminating processed foods in favor of a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, olive oil, beans and whole grains. According to a recent study that analyzed brain tissue from participants who donated their brains to dementia research, those who adhered more closely to the Mediterranean diet showed fewer signs of amyloid plaques. 

Add Exercise to Your Weekly Routine 

According to the Alzheimer’s Society, older adults who exercise regularly experience improved thinking and memory, along with reduced rates of dementia. Whether you choose to walk for 30 minutes a day or attend a yoga class a few times a week, incorporating exercise into your routine can be a proactive step in maintaining cognitive health. 

Get Ample Sleep Each Night 

There’s a reason we spend one-third of our lives sleeping — it improves our ability to learn new information, keeps us more alert, gives our immune system a boost and reduces stress levels. In addition, if you experience extended periods of disturbed sleep or aren’t getting those crucial eight hours a night, you are more likely to have an increase in amyloid-beta proteins, a factor that increases the likelihood of getting AD. 

Join Aging Experts in the Search for a Cure for Alzheimer’s Disease 

With continued perseverance and medical breakthroughs, experts in aging hope to one day cure the 7 million people currently living with Alzheimer’s. If you’re passionate about joining the medical professionals working to help people with AD, or you’re looking to start a career in the field of aging, the University of Florida offers several online programs tailored to help you advance your career: 

• Master’s Degree in Innovative Aging Studies 
• Master’s Degree in Medical Physiology and Aging 
• Graduate Certificate in Aging and Geriatric Practice 

You can earn your graduate credential in as little as one year, starting when it’s convenient for you. What’s stopping you from chasing your dreams — and helping make the dreams of others a reality? Fill out an application today. 

Sources: 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10561010/ 
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-symptoms-and-diagnosis/what-are-signs-alzheimers-disease 
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet 
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15287821/ 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK605104/ 
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/alzheimers-treatments/art-20047780 
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/managing-the-risk-of-dementia/reduce-your-risk-of-dementia/physical-activity 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9168575/