What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for approximately 60–80% of cases globally. In Thailand, it’s estimated that up to 75% of individuals over the age of 60 are affected, with risk doubling every five years as people age. Both men and women are equally at risk.

This progressive neurodegenerative disease gradually destroys brain cells, leading to loss of memory, impaired thinking, poor decision-making, and eventually, the inability to perform simple daily tasks.

What Happens in the Brain with Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is associated with distinct biological changes in the brain, known as hallmark features:

• Amyloid plaques: Sticky clumps of beta-amyloid protein that build up between neurons, disrupting communication and triggering inflammation.

• Neurofibrillary tangles: Twisted strands of tau protein that disrupt the brain’s internal transport system, starving cells of nutrients and leading to cell death.

Together, these changes break down the brain’s neural network, making it increasingly difficult for brain cells to connect and communicate.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease

The damage in the brain translates into a wide range of symptoms, including:

• Memory loss, especially of recent events

• Difficulty recognizing names, faces, or familiar places

• Disorientation in time or space

• Trouble completing everyday tasks

• Mood swings, anxiety, or personality changes

Alzheimer’s disease typically develops after age 65, but early-onset cases can begin as early as 40–50. Without intervention, symptoms gradually worsen over time.

What Causes Alzheimer’s Disease?

While research continues to explore the root causes, several contributing factors have been identified:

• Abnormal protein build-up: Amyloid plaques and tau tangles disrupt communication and destroy neural structure.

• Chronic neuroinflammation: Ongoing brain inflammation damages neurons and impairs healing.

• Vascular problems: High blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol reduce blood flow to the brain, increasing dementia risk.

• Genetics and age: A family history of Alzheimer’s disease or the presence of genes like APOE-e4 raises the likelihood, though it’s not guaranteed.

• Lifestyle factors: Smoking, lack of physical activity, poor nutrition, social isolation, and chronic stress can all accelerate cognitive decline.

Can Alzheimer’s Disease Be Prevented?

There’s no guaranteed way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, but research shows lifestyle choices can make a difference. Adopting healthy habits may reduce risk and delay onset:

• Eat a brain-friendly diet: Diets like the Mediterranean or MIND diet, rich in leafy greens, fatty fish, nuts, berries, and whole grains, support brain function.

• Stay physically active: Regular aerobic exercise improves blood flow to the brain and promotes the growth of new brain cells.

• Stay socially and mentally engaged: Reading, puzzles, social interactions, and lifelong learning can help build cognitive resilience.

• Manage health conditions: Keeping blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels in check lowers vascular-related risks.

• Prioritize sleep: Quality sleep helps clear toxins, including beta-amyloid, from the brain.

While these habits can’t guarantee prevention, they create a healthier foundation for brain longevity.

Treatment Options for Alzheimer’s Disease

Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but treatments aim to manage symptoms and slow progression. Options include:

• Medications: Drugs such as donepezil, rivastigmine, and memantine can temporarily improve memory and cognition. In recent years, new treatments targeting amyloid build-up (such as lecanemab) have shown promise in slowing disease progression.

• Therapies and support: Cognitive stimulation, occupational therapy, and structured routines help patients maintain independence longer.

• Lifestyle management: Nutrition, exercise, and stress reduction complement medical treatment to improve overall quality of life.

Is There Hope for a Cure?

Yes — research is moving quickly. Scientists are studying immunotherapy, stem cell approaches, and gene-targeted treatments to address the root causes of Alzheimer’s disease. While a definitive cure remains elusive, the last decade has brought breakthroughs in early diagnosis and disease-modifying therapies that give hope for the future.

For now, early detection and supportive care remain the best tools for patients and families. With greater awareness, improved treatments, and lifestyle adjustments, it is possible to live with Alzheimer’s disease while maintaining dignity and quality of life.

These approaches improve quality of life but cannot reverse the disease.

A New Hope: Stem Cells and Brain Regeneration

Recent studies suggest that Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)may offer a promising new avenue for Alzheimer’s care — by targeting the disease at the cellular level.

How MSCs May Help:

• • Reduce neuroinflammation — one of the key drivers of Alzheimer’s

• • Promote repair and regeneration of damaged neurons

• • Enhance neuroplasticity, supporting learning and memory

• • Regulate immune activity and slow further degeneration

MSCs, particularly those derived from umbilical cord tissue, have shown encouraging results in early clinical studies in terms of safety and efficacy. When used alongside an integrated brain health program — including nutrition, physiotherapy, and cognitive rehabilitation — the benefits may be even greater.

About EDNA Wellness

Located in Bangkok, EDNA Wellness is a private clinic specializing in Stem Cell Therapy for Neurology & Stroke as well as Bones & Joints. Beyond rehabilitation, we also provide aesthetic and wellness treatments to support your full-body vitality — all delivered with expert care and compassion.

For more information or inquiries, contact us via

LINE @ednawellness

WhatsApp +66 (0) 64 505 5599