Alzheimer's Disease: Recognizing Early Signs and Acting Soon

Understanding Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative pathology that destroys neurons, leading to irreversible cognitive decline. It accounts for 60 to 70% of all dementia cases. According to health authorities, 55 million people worldwide live with a form of dementia, a figure expected to triple by 2050.

The 10 warning signs

1. Memory loss affecting daily life. 2. Challenges in planning or solving problems. 3. Confusion with time or place. 4. Trouble understanding visual images. 5. New problems with words. 6. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps. 7. Decreased or poor judgment. 8. Withdrawal from work or social activities. 9. Changes in mood and personality. 10. Difficulty completing familiar tasks.

Modifiable risk factors

According to the Commission on Dementia, up to 40% of cases could be prevented or delayed by addressing 12 factors: hypertension, smoking, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, depression, social isolation, hearing loss, head trauma, air pollution, excessive alcohol consumption, and low education level.

Therapeutic advances

Monoclonal anti-amyloid antibodies (lecanemab, donanemab) represent the first treatments capable of slowing cognitive decline, although their effectiveness remains modest. Early diagnosis by blood biomarkers opens up new perspectives.