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Alzheimer's disease Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, April 2009.

Answers to questions about Alzheimer's disease

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

I have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Does this mean I will develop Alzheimer's disease?

No, a diagnosis of MCI doesn't mean that you will necessarily develop Alzheimer's disease.

Explanation

MCI is a relatively new term used by some doctors to describe people who have some difficulties with day-to-day memory or thinking clearly. People with MCI don't have any other symptoms of developing Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia.

MCI isn't a specific medical condition or disease. There are many reasons why you may have developed minor memory problems. MCI can be caused by stress, anxiety, depression and physical illness. There is also a possibility that your MCI is an early symptom of Alzheimer's disease. Generally, MCI won't get in the way of your daily life. It's important to remember that complaints about memory loss are common, particularly as people age, and aren't necessarily a sign of future illness.

There is evidence that people with MCI are at an increased risk of going on to develop Alzheimer's disease after several years. However, it's still unclear why some people with MCI worsen and develop Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. Many people with MCI remain stable or improve with time. More research is needed.

Currently, there aren't any tests to determine the cause of your MCI or if it will lead to Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia. Ask your GP if you have concerns about your MCI and the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. You should also visit your GP if your symptoms of MCI become worse.

Further information

Sources

  • Mild cognitive impairment. Alzheimer's Society. www.alzheimers.org.uk, accessed 29 August 2008
  • Warrell DA, Cox TM, Firth JD. Oxford Textbook of Medicine. 4th ed. Vol 3. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005:1034-1045
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Does aluminium cause Alzheimer's disease? Is it safe to use aluminium saucepans?

No one really knows what causes Alzheimer's disease. There is some circumstantial evidence linking aluminium with Alzheimer's disease. However, as this link isn't proven, it seems unlikely that using aluminium saucepans or cooking utensils poses a risk.

Explanation

Most people over 65 don't get Alzheimer's disease despite the widespread presence of aluminium in the environment. You're exposed daily to aluminium in food, water, packaging, cooking pots and pans, medicines and even the air.

However, a number of research studies have suggested a possible link between aluminium and Alzheimer's disease. These findings include:

  • changes in brain structure and memory loss observed in animals when they are injected with aluminium
  • the development of 'dialysis dementia' in people with kidney failure, whose bodies had raised levels of aluminium due to the fluid used in dialysis
  • evidence that rates of Alzheimer's disease may be slightly higher in areas where the level of aluminium in the water is highest

While these studies are interesting, they aren't conclusive. For example, a study of the brains of people who had died from Alzheimer's disease didn't find higher than normal levels of aluminium. Exposure to aluminium from other sources, such as from drinking tea, using deodorants and taking antacids, has not been linked to the development of Alzheimer's disease.

It may be that aluminium is a contributing environmental factor to the development of the disease when combined with other factors such as inherited genes and age, but scientists don't know for sure. More research is needed.

Further information

Sources

  • Aluminium and Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer Scotland. www.alzscot.org.uk<, accessed 1 September 2008
  • What is Alzheimer's disease? Royal College of Psychiatrists. www.rcpsych.ac.uk, accessed 27 August 2008
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Can ginkgo biloba help improve my memory?

Ginkgo biloba might help improve memory and brain function in people who have Alzheimer's disease, but its long-term benefit isn't known. If you have Alzheimer's disease and wish to take ginkgo biloba, you should consult your GP or pharmacist and a qualified herbalist for advice. Be aware that it could interfere with other medicines you may be taking.

Explanation

Ginkgo biloba comes from the maidenhair tree and has been used in traditional Chinese medicines for many years. Ginkgo biloba supplements are available in the UK without a prescription. Several clinical trials have studied ginkgo biloba for the treatment of age-related dementia. However, the ginkgo biloba used in clinical trials is much more pure and concentrated than that available in over-the-counter ginkgo biloba supplements. This makes it hard to find out if ginkgo biloba is helpful for people with Alzheimer's disease or age-related memory problems.

Several studies have shown that ginkgo biloba can improve brain function in people with Alzheimer's disease and dementia, but you may need to take the supplement for at least a year before you notice any improvement. The doses of ginkgo biloba in these studies were also not standardised. Other studies have shown that ginkgo biloba didn't help people with this type of dementia. More research is needed.

Ginkgo biloba has very few side-effects, but it can cause bleeding if taken with warfarin or aspirin. It can also raise blood pressure and possibly cause a coma if combined with certain antidepressants.

If you wish to take gingko biloba, you should talk with your GP or pharmacist and a qualified herbalist. Always read the patient information that comes with your medicine and if you have any questions, ask your GP or herbalist for advice.

Further information

Sources

  • Warrell DA, Cox TM, Firth JD. Oxford Textbook of Medicine. 4th ed. Vol 3. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005:1034-1045
  • Management of patients with dementia, a national clinical guideline. Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN), 2006. www.sign.ac.uk
  • Dementia: ginkgo biloba. BMJ Clinical Evidence. http://clinicalevidence.bmj.com, accessed 1 September 2008
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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: April 2009

 

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