Alzheimer's Disease Specialists in Chandigarh

What is Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, a progressive neurological disorder in which brain cells gradually degenerate and die, leading to a continuous and irreversible decline in memory, thinking, and the ability to carry out everyday activities independently. The disease is characterised by the abnormal buildup of two proteins within the brain, amyloid plaques outside nerve cells and tau tangles within them, which are believed to disrupt communication between brain cells and eventually cause them to die. Symptoms typically begin subtly with mild forgetfulness and progress gradually over years to more significant memory loss, confusion, personality changes, and eventually complete dependence on caregivers for basic daily activities. While age is the single greatest risk factor and most cases occur after 65, Alzheimer's is not considered a normal or inevitable part of ageing. There is currently no cure, but early diagnosis allows access to treatments that can help manage symptoms and slow decline, along with valuable time for patients and families to plan for future care needs.

Causes of Alzheimer's Disease

Caused by progressive damage to brain cells from the abnormal accumulation of amyloid-beta protein plaques and tau protein tangles, which disrupt normal cell communication and trigger inflammation and cell death within the brain. The exact combination of factors that triggers this process is not fully understood, but genetic factors, including the APOE-e4 gene, increase risk, and family history of the disease is an important risk factor. Cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol, along with prior head injuries, are also associated with increased risk of developing the disease.

Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease

Memory loss that disrupts daily life, difficulty planning or solving problems, challenges completing familiar tasks, confusion about time or place, difficulty understanding visual images and spatial relationships, new problems with words in speaking or writing, misplacing items and being unable to retrace steps, decreased or poor judgment, withdrawal from work or social activities, changes in mood or personality

Treatment & Types of Alzheimer's Disease in Chandigarh

No treatment currently reverses or cures Alzheimer's disease, but certain medications, including cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine, can help manage symptoms and temporarily slow cognitive decline in some patients. Newer antibody-based therapies targeting amyloid plaques have been developed and may modestly slow progression in early-stage disease for eligible patients. Non-drug approaches including cognitive stimulation activities, structured daily routines, and caregiver support and education play a significant role in maintaining quality of life and managing behavioural symptoms as the disease progresses.

Alzheimer's disease progresses through recognized clinical stages: mild (early) stage with subtle memory lapses and word-finding difficulty while independence is largely preserved, moderate (middle) stage with more pronounced memory loss, confusion, and need for assistance with daily tasks, and severe (late) stage with loss of the ability to communicate, recognize loved ones, and complete basic self-care independently.

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