Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, a group of brain disorders that cause memory loss and cognitive decline. It’s primarily characterised by the build-up of two types of abnormal proteins in the brain: tau tangles inside nerve cells and amyloid plaques outside them. These proteins accumulate in areas affecting memory and thinking, such as the cortex and hippocampus.
The Science Behind Alzheimer’s
Research indicates that these protein tangles are significantly more prevalent in Alzheimer’s patients. Therefore, many current studies focus on preventing or removing these tangles to slow the disease’s progression. However, no drugs have yet proven effective, although Donanemab is a promising candidate.
A Different Perspective on Tangles
Some experts believe that these tangles are symptoms rather than causes of Alzheimer’s, likening them to spider webs in a derelict building—they indicate a problem but are not the root cause. This perspective suggests that we need to identify what causes these tangles to form in the first place.
Challenges with Current Treatments
At the Healthy Ageing Academy, we are cautious about pinning hopes on a single drug. Firstly, such drugs are only available after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, often when the disease is already advanced. Secondly, Alzheimer’s is a diverse disease with multiple variants, making it unlikely that one drug will work for everyone.
Our primary concern is the focus on treatment rather than prevention overlooks the importance of maintaining health to prevent disease. The disease industry is substantial, but we believe in empowering individuals to avoid becoming part of that system. We do this by helping indviduals learn why preventing Alzheimer’s diseaseis so important.
The Impact of Alzheimer’s on Daily Life
Alzheimer’s is a progressive, fatal disease that gradually robs you of your ability to perform everyday tasks, from brushing your teeth to holding a conversation. Eventually, even eating becomes difficult as the brain shuts down essential functions.
Healthy Ageing Academy’s Approach
The Healthy Ageing Academy offers personalised risk analysis and prevention strategies. We help you understand your unique risks and provide actionable steps to mitigate them. Knowing and addressing your risks can dramatically reduce your chances of developing diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Taking control of your health is akin to avoiding a known hazard on your commute—you wouldn’t ignore a warning about an area of congestion, if you could re-route your commute to avoid it, so why ignore risks to your long-term health? The Healthy Ageing Academ introduce you to technology that can identify any potential “road blocks” in your personal health journey, similar to Google Maps, or “Waze” advising the best route to take. Let us guide you on the best route to your healthier future.