Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the general and social characteristics of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the elderly. Bibliographic review: AD is a progressive neurodegenerative pathology that especially affects the elderly. It is characterized by the gradual and irreversible loss of cognitive domains. Microscopically, AD is characterized by the presence of neuritic plaques formed by β-amyloid peptides and fibrillar tangles rich in TAU protein. Initial symptoms include loss of recent memory and as the disease progresses, communication and orientation abilities are affected, which makes it difficult to carry out daily activities. This impairs the quality of life of elderly people living with AD, both physically and socially. Final considerations: AD represents a challenge for the elderly affected and for the healthcare system. The progressive loss of cognition compromises the individual's autonomy and family dynamics. Pharmacological treatment alleviates symptoms but does not prevent disease progression. Therefore, the implementation of multidisciplinary strategies, psychological support and specialized care are essential to improve the quality of life of elderly people living with AD.
References
AARSLAND D. Epidemiology and Pathophysiology of Dementia-Related Psychosis. J Clin Psychiatry, 2020; 81(5): AD19038BR1C.
ATRI A. The Alzheimer's Disease Clinical Spectrum: Diagnosis and Management. Medical Clinics of North America, 2019; 103(2): 263-293.
DEPYPERE H, et al. Menopause hormone therapy significantly alters pathophysiological biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement, 2023 ;19(4): 1320-1330.
DOGRA S, et al. Active Aging and Public Health: Evidence, Implications, and Opportunities. Annu Rev Public Health, 2022; 5(43): 439-459.
ELONHEIMO HM, et al. Environmental Substances Associated with Alzheimer's Disease-A Scoping Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021; 18(22): 11839.
GONZALES MM, et al. Biological aging processes underlying cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disease. J Clin Invest, 2022; 132 (10): 158453.
HEMMETER UM e NGAMSRI T. Körperliche Aktivität und psychische Gesundheit: Fokus Alter [Physical Activity and Mental Health in the Elderly]. Praxis (Bern 1994), 2022; 110(4): 193-198.
KHAN S, et al. Recent Advancements in Pathogenesis, Diagnostics and Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Neuropharmacol, 2020; 18(11): 1106-1125.
KNOPMAN DS, et al. Alzheimer disease. Nat Rev Dis Primers, 2021; 7(1): 3.
MOREIRA M e MOREIRA SV. O espectro clínico e laboratorial da doença de Alzheimer: uma perspectiva neurológica. Revista Psicologia em pesquisa, 2020; 14(3): 83-110.
NASERI NN, et al. The complexity of tau in Alzheimer's disease. Neurosci Lett. 2019; 705: 183-194.
PASSOS MQ. A música como agente terapêutico no tratamento da Doença de Alzheimer. Psicol. Pesq. 2021; 15(1): 29081.
RODRIGUES NM, et al. Análise da patogênese da doença de Alzheimer: revisão narrativa da literatura. HU rev. 2019; 45(4): 465-470.
SÁNCHEZ MÁA, et al. Effect of physical exercise on Alzheimer's disease. A sistematic review. Aten Primaria, 2020; 52(5): 307-318.
SCHELTENS P, et al. Alzheimer's disease. Lancet, 2021; 397(10284): 1577-1590.
SILVA EI, et al. Avaliação da qualidade de vida do idoso institucionalizado com sinais de demência. Estud. interdiscip. Envelhec., 2019; 24(2): 81-95.
TWAROWSKI B e HERBET M. Inflammatory Processes in Alzheimer's Disease-Pathomechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment: A Review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2023; 24(7): 6518.
VAN HEZIK-WESTER VJ, et al. Caregiver Burden and Quality of Life Across Alzheimer’s Disease Severity Stages. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Discord, 2023; 37(2): 134-141.
VILLAREJO-GALENDE A, et al. Quality of Life and the Experience of Living with Early-Stage Alzheimer's Disease. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 2022; 90(29): 719-726.
WONG W. Economic burden of Alzheimer disease and managed care considerations. Am J Manag Care, 2020; 26(8): 177-183.
YAMAGATA K. Docosahexaenoic acid inhibits ischemic stroke to reduce vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat, 2023; 167: 106733.
ZHANG S, et al. The Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Cognitive Function in People with Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2022; 19(23): 15700.
