Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in veterans can be a result of pre-existing conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injury (TBI). Alzheimer’s Disease can have a significant impact on an individual and their friends and family’s lives. However, there are numerous resources available to help prepare for these changes.
Keep reading to learn more about Alzheimer’s Disease as it relates to veteran experiences.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
The Alzheimer’s Association defines Alzheimer’s Disease as, “a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behavior.” Dementia is a general term for memory loss or other cognitive abilities with a significant impact on daily life. Alzheimer’s is a disease that worsens over time, with symptoms becoming more and more severe as an individual ages.
The most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s is difficulty remembering new information. Similarly, the Alzheimer’s Association writes that this condition can lead to an individual experiencing “disorientation, mood and behavior changes; confusion about events, time, and place; unfounded suspicions about family friends, and professional caregivers; more serious memory loss and behavior changes; and difficulty speaking, swallowing, and walking.” With such a steep increase in severity of symptoms, understanding these experiences can benefit not only the individual with Alzheimer’s, but their friends and family as well.
Alzheimer’s Disease in Veterans
Alzheimer’s disease is commonly diagnosed in individuals 65 or older; however, in veterans, comorbid conditions like PTSD or TBI may increase the likelihood of the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease. To understand the possible causes of Alzheimer’s disease and develop further treatment, the Department of Veterans Affairs works with the National Institute of Aging (NIA), a branch of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) dedicated to understanding the nature of aging, to researching the disease.
The Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), as the name suggests, is a study focusing on finding biological markers for Alzheimer’s disease. These researchers found that the condition may be linked to the presence of high levels of a protein called beta-amyloid 42 in the brains of individuals with AD. While the cause of the disease can be a result of many factors, this finding brings researchers closer to better understanding how Alzheimer’s disease develops in individuals.
Treatment and Resources
Though Alzheimer’s disease has no cure, several prescription drugs can help manage its symptoms. If someone you know is displaying symptoms of dementia, it is vital to consult with a doctor for a proper assessment and further treatment of these symptoms.
As the NIA states, cholinesterase inhibitors prevent acetylcholine, a brain chemical essential to memory and thinking, from breaking down. With that in mind, cholinesterase inhibitors like galantamine, rivastigmine, or donepezil can help treat mild to moderate symptoms, with the possibility to reduce or control cognitive and behavioral symptoms.
Conclusion
Alzheimer’s Disease is a condition affecting memory and cognitive function. It is a progressive disease that worsens over time, causing confusion and disorientation in those with the condition, along with its symptoms significantly interfering with daily life. Though there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there are several prescription medications that can help mitigate its symptoms.
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