Alzheimer's Disease Explained: More Than "Forgetfulness" — A Progressive Brain Disorder
DINGLIHUAI. What Is Alzheimer's Disease?
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common degenerative disorder of the central nervous system, characterized primarily by progressive cognitive decline and behavioral changes. It is the most common cause of dementia in older adults. At its core, AD involves the gradual degeneration and death of brain neurons, leading to a continuous decline in memory, language, judgment, and other abilities, ultimately impairing the ability to perform daily activities.
II. Common Symptoms (By Stage of Progression)
1. Early Stage (Often Overlooked)
The main feature is recent memory loss, such as quickly forgetting something just said or done. Patients may also experience inattention and mild executive dysfunction (e.g., confusion when cooking steps, difficulty managing finances). Some patients have mood changes, such as anxiety, depression, or becoming apathetic.
2. Middle Stage
Memory impairment worsens and gradually begins affecting long- term memory. Disorientation to time and place develops (e.g., getting lost outside the home). Patients have trouble expressing language (using the wrong words, difficulty naming objects). Behavioral abnormalities become pronounced, such as repetitive actions, irritability, and even hallucinations or delusions.
3. Late Stage
Global cognitive function is severely impaired; patients cannot recognize family members. They become completely dependent on others for daily living. Complications such as swallowing difficulty, bedridden status, and infections may arise, eventually becoming life- threatening.
III. When to Recognize and Seek Medical Care
Be alert and seek timely medical evaluation if you notice the following. It is recommended to visit a neurology department or memory clinic for assessment:
1.Significant memory decline that affects daily life
2.Repeating questions or actions
3.Frequent disorientation or confusion about time
4.Pronounced changes in personality or behavior
IV. Treatment and Intervention
Currently there is no cure, but proper intervention can slow disease progression:
1. Pharmacological Treatment:
Cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil)
NMDA receptor antagonists (e.g., memantine)
2. Non- pharmacological Interventions:
Cognitive training (memory exercises, calculation tasks, etc.)
Structured daily routines
Maintaining social engagement
Family support and environmental optimization
3. Management of Underlying Conditions:
Control blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood lipids
Prevent cerebrovascular events
4. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Treatment and Care
TCM views Alzheimer's disease as falling into categories such as "forgetfulness," "dementia," or "amnesia." The disease is located in the brain and closely related to dysfunction of the heart, liver, spleen, and kidneys. The basic pathogenesis is "marrow depletion and brain wasting, loss of mental function," often caused by kidney deficiency in old age, along with phlegm turbidity and blood stasis obstructing the orifices. Treatment principles include nourishing the kidney to replenish essence, resolving phlegm and activating blood, and opening the orifices to restore mental clarity.
Certain Chinese patent medicines, such as Fufang Congrong Yizhi Capsule and Tianzhi Granule, have been suggested by clinical studies to help improve cognition and behavioral symptoms, but they must be used under a physician's guidance.
Acupuncture Therapy
Common acupoints: Baihui (GV20), Sishencong (EX- HN1), Shenting (GV24), Benshen (GB13), Fengchi (GB20), Taixi (KI3), Zusanli (ST36), Fenglong (ST40), etc.
Acupuncture can improve cerebral blood flow, regulate neurotransmitters, and reduce behavioral and psychological symptoms. Recommended frequency: 2–3 times per week.
Tuina (Massage) and Acupoint Pressure (Auxiliary home care)
Press and knead Baihui (top of the head) and Sishencong (four points 1 cun anterior, posterior, and lateral to Baihui): 2 minutes each time to help refresh the mind.
Press Fengchi (at the nape of the neck, in the hollow between the upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid) and Shenmen (on the wrist, at the ulnar end of the wrist crease): Relieves anxiety and improves sleep.
Rub Yongquan (on the sole, in the depression at the anterior third): Nourishes the kidney and calms the spirit.
Dietary and Lifestyle Care
1.Recommended foods: Walnuts, black sesame seeds, Chinese yam, lotus seeds, goji berries, deep- sea fish, blueberries.
2.Foods to avoid: High sugar, high fat, excessively greasy, and raw cold foods.
3.Example of traditional medicated diet: Yizhiren porridge (grind 10g of Yizhiren, cook with polished round- grained rice). Black bean, walnut, and pig brain stew (1–2 times per week; use with caution in patients with high blood lipids).
TCM Emotional and Wellness Practices
Follow the principle of "spirit guarding within, illness cannot arise" (from the Huang Di Nei Jing). Avoid extreme emotional states.
Encourage regular practice of Baduanjin (Eight Brocades) or Tai Chi for simultaneous physical and mental cultivation, improving balance and cognition.
V. Prevention Strategies (For At- Risk Populations)
Although complete prevention may not be possible, risk can be reduced:
1.Engage in regular aerobic exercise (e.g., brisk walking, Tai Chi)
2.Keep the brain active (reading, learning new skills)
3.Adopt a healthy diet (similar to the Mediterranean diet)
4.Maintain good sleep habits
5.Actively participate in social activities
VI. Caregiving Essentials
For patients in the middle to late stages, family caregiving is especially critical:
1.Ensure a safe environment (prevent falls, prevent wandering)
2.Simplify daily structure (fixed routines)
3.Avoid confrontational language; reduce conflicts
4.Pay attention to nutritional status and swallowing function
Alzheimer's disease is not simply "forgetfulness in old age." It is a progressive, irreversible brain disorder. Early recognition, early intervention, and standardized management are key to slowing disease progression and improving quality of life.
