Alzheimer disease type 2

Synonyms

Late-onset familial Alzheimer disease

Overview

A degenerative brain disease characterized primarily by progressive dementia. Type 2 has a late onset - starts after the age of 65. In general, Alzheimer disease (AD) is a degenerative disease of the brain that causes gradual loss of memory, judgment and the ability to function socially. It is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic mutations and environmental and lifestyle factors. The condition occurs when there is excessive production of a toxic protein (amyloid beta peptide) in the brain which collects into clumps (amyloid plaques) in the brain. These plaques cause damage to nerve cells in the brain.

Symptoms

  • Dementia
  • Gradual memory loss
  • Gradual loss of judgment
  • Gradual loss of ability to function
  • Forgetfulness
  • Confusion
  • Gradual loss of ability to perform familiar routine
  • Gradual loss of ability to recognize familiar faces
  • Gradual loss of ability to recognize familiar places
  • Gradual loss of ability to remember names of objects
  • Gradual loss of ability to feed oneself
  • Gradual loss of ability to dress oneself
  • Personality changes
  • Behavioral changes
  • Increasing inability to interact socially
  • Agitation
  • Restlessness
  • Withdrawal
  • Speech problems

Causes

The cause of Alzheimer’s disease is unknown; however, several factors are thought to be implicated in this disease. These include neurochemical factors, such as deficiencies in the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, somatostatin, substance P, and norepinephrine; environmental factors; and genetic immunologic factors.

However, researchers suspect that it is a complex condition, which is likely associated with multiple susceptibility genes (such as the APOE e4 allele) in combination with environmental and lifestyle factors. Although complex conditions do tend to cluster in families, they do not follow a clear-cut pattern of inheritance.

Prognosis

Prognosis of Alzheimer disease type 2: course of disease can continue for up to 25 years

Treatment

There is no cure for AD. Treatment is supportive and based on the signs and symptoms present in each person. Therapy consists of attempts to slow disease progression, manage behavioral problems, modify the home environment, and elicit family support. Some medications have proven helpful. Tacrine, a centrally acting anticholinesterase agent, is given to treat memory deficits. It has slowed progression of the disease and improved cognitive function in some patients. Other agents include donepezil and rivastigmine. Underlying disorders that contribute to the patient’s confusion, such as hypoxia, are also identified and treated.

Resources

  • NIH