The neurotransmitters travel across the synapse, carrying signals to other cells. Scientists have identified dozens of neurotransmitters. Alzheimer's disease disrupts both the way electrical charges travel within cells and the activity of neurotransmitters. Signals that form memories and thoughts move through an individual nerve cell as a tiny electrical charge. When a charge reaches a synapse, it may trigger release of tiny bursts of chemicals called neurotransmitters.
Dozens of neurotransmitters. This "strength in numbers" provides your brain's raw material. Over time, our experiences create patterns in signal type and strength. These patterns of activity explain how, at the cellular level, our brains code our thoughts, memories, skills and sense of who we are.
The brain has three main parts: The cerebrum fills up most of your skull. Research has shown that poor sleep patterns, such as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, are associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Research has shown that the same risk factors associated with heart disease may also increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease. These include:. These factors can all be modified. Therefore, changing lifestyle habits can to some degree alter your risk. For example, regular exercise and a healthy low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables are associated with a decreased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Studies have found an association between lifelong involvement in mentally and socially stimulating activities and a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Low education levels — less than a high school education — appear to be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Memory and language loss, impaired judgment and other cognitive changes caused by Alzheimer's can complicate treatment for other health conditions.
A person with Alzheimer's disease may not be able to:. As Alzheimer's disease progresses to its last stages, brain changes begin to affect physical functions, such as swallowing, balance, and bowel and bladder control. These effects can increase vulnerability to additional health problems such as:.
Alzheimer's disease is not a preventable condition. However, a number of lifestyle risk factors for Alzheimer's can be modified. Evidence suggests that changes in diet, exercise and habits — steps to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease — may also lower your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and other disorders that cause dementia.
Heart-healthy lifestyle choices that may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's include the following:. Studies have shown that preserved thinking skills later in life and a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease are associated with participating in social events, reading, dancing, playing board games, creating art, playing an instrument, and other activities that require mental and social engagement.
Alzheimer's disease care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurologic disorder that causes the brain to shrink atrophy and brain cells to die.
Alzheimer's stages Memory loss: When to seek help Sundowning: Late-day confusion Show more related information. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic.
Alzheimer's prevention: Does it exist? Show more related information. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Daroff RB, et al. Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. In: Bradley's Neurology in Clinical Practice. Philadelphia, Pa. Accessed Nov. Alzheimer's disease fact sheet. National Institute on Aging. Wolk DA, et al. Clincal features and diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.
Keene CD, et al. Epidemiology, pathology, and pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Albert MS, et al. The diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease: Recommendations from the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer's Association workgroups on diagnostic guidelines for Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's and Dementia. Damage to the temporal lobe affects memory. And damage to the parietal lobe affects language.
Alzheimer's is the most common form of mental decline, or dementia, in older adults. Weiner MD - Psychiatry, Neurology. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: Anne C. Plaque Cause or effect? This impairment can lead to symptoms that include: forgetfulness difficulty with time language problems inability to recognize loved ones.
Plaque forms. Cause or effect? Tangles and cell death. Connections lost. Brain inflammation. The brain shrinks. Lessen symptoms. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Gerhard Whitworth, R. What Are the Implications?
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