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Our neighbor suffers from Alzheimer's (AHLZ-high-merz) disease. It is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys one's memory and ability to learn, reason, make decisions, communicate and carry out his daily activities. As the disorder progresses, individuals also experience changes in personality and behavior such as anxiety, suspiciousness or agitation, delusions or hallucinations.

Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia, refers to a group of conditions that gradually destroy brain cells and lead to progressive decline in mental function. The disease advances at widely different rates, with a duration varying from 3 to 20 years.

Our neighbor is already in the third stage of the disorder, Mild Cognitive decline. Sometimes he forgets the names of his family members, his schedules, or where he put his keys or eyeglasses. When he reaches stage four, Moderate Cognitive decline (Mild or early stage), his knowledge of recent occasions or events will decrease. He will be unable to perform complex tasks. He will have reduced memory of his personal life. He will also be withdrawn, especially in socially or mentally challenging situations

At Stage 5, Moderately Severe cognitive decline, he will need some assistance with daily activities. He will be unable to recall important details as his current address, telephone number or name of the college or high school from which he graduated. He will be confused about where he is or what day it is.

How does this happen? Let's take a look at Alzheimer's under the microscope.

Beta-amyloid comes from a larger protein found in the fatty membrane surrounding nerve cells. It is chemically "gluey" and slowly develops into plaques. The most destructive form of beta-amyloid may be a group of a few pieces rather than the plaques themselves. The small clumps may obstruct cell-to-cell signaling at synapses and may also activate immune system cells that trigger inflammation and devour disabled cells. Vital cell transport system made of proteins is destroyed by tangles. In healthy areas of the brain, we can see that the transport system is organized in orderly parallel strands like railroad tracks. Food molecules, cell parts and other key materials travel along these 'tracks,' and a protein called tau helps the tracks stay straight. In areas where tangles form, tau collapses into twisted strands called tangles. The tracks are no longer straight; instead, they fall apart and disintegrate. Since nutrients and other essential supplies can no longer move through the cells, the cells eventually die.

In advanced Alzheimer's disease such as stage 6, Severe Cognitive decline, most of the cortex is seriously damaged. The brain shrinks noticeably due to widespread cell death. Individuals will be unable to communicate, recognize family and loved ones and care for themselves. He will have increasing episodes of urinary or fecal incontinence, impaired swallowing, and significant personality changes and behavioral symptoms. He may wander and become lost. When he reaches the final stage, he can no longer respond to his environment, nor speak and control his movement. His reflexes will be abnormal and his muscles rigid. If he has no other serious illness, the loss of brain function itself will cause death.

My neighbor's family is at a loss as to how to treat him. Currently, there may be no cure for Alzheimer's yet, but new treatments are possible due to heightened awareness of the biology of the disease. Research has also shown that effective care and support can improve the quality of life of the patients. As an alternative treatment, several herbal remedies and other dietary supplements are promoted to cure Alzheimer's disease and other related diseases.

Research has shown the link between high intake of omega-3s to a possible reduction in risk of dementia or cognitive decline. The chief omega-3 in the brain is DHA, found in fatty membranes that surround nerve cells, especially at the microscopic junctions where cells unite. There are theories that omega-3s might influence dementia risk. Omega-3 also provides benefit for the heart and blood vessels; has anti-inflammatory effects; and supports and protects nerve cell membranes. There is also preliminary evidence that omega-3s may provide cure to depression and bipolar disorder (manic depression).

There is a report in the April 2006 Nature that described the first direct evidence as to how omega-3s might have a helpful effect on nerve cells (neurons). The researchers found that omega-3s stimulate growth of the branches that connect one cell to another. Rich branching creates a dense 'neuron forest,' which provides the basis of the brain's capacity to process, store and retrieve information.

My neighbor is blessed to have a caring and supportive family. He has frequent consultations with his doctor. And his diet includes fish oils and plant oils, which are the primary dietary source of omega-3 fatty acids. His meals contain cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel, halibut, sardines, and herring. Who knows, there may be cure after all.