Alzheimer’s Disease: Causes and Methods of Prevention

Aging results in many different challenges, such as increased physical limitations, susceptibility to disease, and cognitive impairment. While healthy aging is associated with some cognitive decline, severe decline is associated with several neurological diseases. Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a commonly known neurological disease, is most frequently linked to memory impairment and an overall decline in higher-order processes. However, the direct cause of AD is still unknown. Instead, there are numerous reasons for the onset and progression of this disease and are a combination of environmental and genetic factors. The apolipoprotein-E ε4 (APOE ε4) allele is one of the primary genetic risk factors for late-onset AD, but it is not a definite source of the disease. A research study conducted by Dr. Kristy A. Nielson and Dr. Elizabeth R. Paitel utilizes electroencephalography (EEG) to localize activity in the cerebellum during stop-signal tasks in carriers and non-carriers of the APOE ε4 allele. This study showed that certain neurological patterns analyzed could potentially be used for early intervention in people more susceptible to developing Alzheimer’s disease.

The study conducted consisted of 49 participants, 21 carrying the APOE ε4 allele and 25 not, with an average age of 80. Participants were then subjected to EEG recordings while performing a stop-signal task, and the reaction times from the tasks were analyzed in addition to data collected from the EEG. The findings from the study showed a significant interaction between age and APOE ε4 from cerebellar activity and provided a basis for possible early intervention before the onset of symptoms. The techniques employed in this study resulted in profound findings for diagnosing and treating Alzheimer’s disease and several other neurological conditions, like Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and psychological disorders (Nielson & Paitel, 2022). 

While research for a biological basis for Alzheimer’s disease is constantly evolving and improving, several preventative measures can be taken to reduce the chances of developing AD altogether. An article published by Dr. James E. Galvin details how lifestyle modifications seen in observational studies can prevent or delay the onset of AD. The most accessible way to reduce the likelihood of developing AD is by increasing cognitive engagement, through reading, puzzles, and music. Additionally, staying physically active will also improve motor coordination and vascular health which can decline as AD progresses (Galvin, 2017). 

These sources provide techniques that are integral to the way we view Alzheimer’s disease as a whole and approach its prevention and diagnosis. With detailed information regarding the various risk factors of AD, individuals at risk for this disease can implement practices to maintain their cognition function and reduce the chances of the development and progression of symptoms.

 

 

References

Galvin, J. E. (2017). Prevention of Alzheimer's disease: lessons learned and applied. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 65(10), 2128-2133.

Paitel, E. R., & Nielson, K. A. (2023). Cerebellar EEG source localization reveals age‐related compensatory activity moderated by genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease. Psychophysiology, 60(12), e14395.