Alzheimer’s disease ranks among the top ten leading causes of death in the United States. While medicines help manage symptoms, there is still no specific cure. Currently, nearly 7 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s, and Researchers predict this number could rise to nearly 13 million by 2050.
Alzheimer’s vs. Dementia: Understanding the Difference
Many people mistakenly use the terms Alzheimer’s disease and dementia interchangeably, but they are not the same. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, but dementia itself is a general term for cognitive decline, whereas Alzheimer’s is a specific brain disease.
Causes and Risk Factors of Alzheimer’s
Scientists have yet to pinpoint a definitive cause of Alzheimer’s disease. However, genetics, age, environment, and lifestyle factors all contribute to its development. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle—such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting sufficient sleep, and socializing—may help reduce the risk of developing the disease.
Breakthrough Research: A Possible Key to Reversing Alzheimer’s
A recent study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia has identified a potential root cause of Alzheimer’s: the formation of stress granules. These findings challenge previous beliefs but offer hope for new treatment breakthroughs.
What Are Stress Granules?
Stress granules are clumps of proteins and RNA (a nucleic acid similar to DNA) that form when cells experience stress. Researchers discovered that these granules interfere with the movement of molecules between a cell’s nucleus and cytoplasm, disrupting essential biological processes such as cell survival, metabolism, and gene expression.
Link to Alzheimer’s Markers
As reported by timesofindia, the study found that stress granules contribute to key markers of Alzheimer’s, including tau protein tangles and inflammation. Normally, stress granules help cells pause their activities until they recover. However, in Alzheimer’s patients, these granules fail to dissolve, blocking crucial molecular movement in and out of the nucleus.
Biological vs. Psychological Stress
This research refers to biological stress, not emotional stress. Michal Schnaider Beeri, PhD, director of the Herbert and Jacqueline Krieger Klein Alzheimer’s Research Center, explains that biological stress includes cellular challenges such as exposure to toxins, traumatic brain injuries, viruses, oxidative stress, and genetic mutations. Pollution and pesticides can also contribute to stress granule formation.
Progression and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s primarily affects individuals over 65. As the disease advances, memory problems worsen. Early symptoms include difficulty remembering recent events, names, and locations. Patients may struggle with reading, writing, and word-finding. Over time, decision-making becomes challenging, confusion increases, and personality or behavioral changes may occur.
Early Diagnosis and Care
While there is no cure, early diagnosis and appropriate care can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Researchers continue to explore treatments that target stress granules, offering hope for future breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s care.