Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's dementia is an incurable, degenerative memory disorder that affects over one million people in Germany. However, although the disease is irreversible, comprehensive therapy can slow its progression and alleviate symptoms. Our experienced doctors are here to support you at all our locations.

For a reliable diagnosis of dementia, the following criteria must be met in potentially affected individuals:

• existing symptoms must have been present for at least six months
• impairments of higher cognitive functions must be demonstrated through laboratory testing
• disturbances of consciousness (e.g. delirium) must be excluded
• the sensory organs must be functioning largely normally

For the specific diagnosis of Alzheimer's dementia, patients additionally show:

• a memory disorder with an insidious onset
• difficulties with social interaction
• accumulation of specific proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid
• loss of brain tissue visible on CT or MRI at locations typical of Alzheimer's (particularly in the temporal lobe and hippocampus)

The triggers of Alzheimer's dementia have not yet been conclusively established. At present, the following are suspected of causing the condition:

• deposits of misfolded proteins in the brain (beta-amyloids)
• genetic predisposition — many of those affected have relatives with Alzheimer's dementia

Good to know: while the triggers are unknown, there are demonstrable protective factors that reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's dementia. These include:

• a high level of education
• many close social contacts

The accompanying features of Alzheimer's dementia, which also appear in other forms of dementia, include:

• a deterioration in memory and the associated limitations in daily life — for example, difficulties finding one's way or operating devices
• impairments in concentration and orientation (temporal, spatial, and later personal). Those affected may, for instance, forget where they are, and as the condition progresses, personal details such as their own name or date of birth

Alzheimer's dementia is also characterised by a number of specific early- and late-stage symptoms. In particular, the early symptoms are initially barely noticeable, as those affected frequently conceal or compensate for them.

Early symptoms include:

• mild depression
• problems with sense of smell
• reduced motivation

Late symptoms include:

• difficulty naming objects
• problems with reading, arithmetic and drawing
• sudden mutism
• delusional symptoms up to and including hallucinations
• disruption of the sleep-wake cycle
• incontinence

The first step in the comprehensive management of Alzheimer's dementia is diagnostics. For us at avi, this includes:

• ruling out a transient memory problem (through taking a medical history and physical examinations)
• neurological examinations including memory testing
• blood tests for vitamin deficiencies or inflammation
• cerebrospinal fluid analysis where indicated (lumbar puncture)
• CT scan of the head (with a specialist)

This is followed by targeted therapy for Alzheimer's dementia, which aims to slow the progressive course of the disease and alleviate symptoms. This includes:

• specialist training sessions — here, patients and their families receive guidance and tips for maintaining memory, as well as guidelines for managing everyday situations arising from the illness
• non-pharmacological therapies (occupational therapy, exercise therapy)
• pharmacological options to address cognitive decline (antidementia drugs) and accompanying symptoms (e.g. antidepressants for depression)