Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects an individual’s cognitive function, including memory, language, and the ability to make decisions.

The condition is common in individuals over 65 years and is known to affect a person’s daily life as well as their physical appearance.

While there are several symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease, recent studies have shown that Alzheimer’s patients also experience changes in their hair.

This article explores the hair changes noted in the majority of Alzheimer’s disease patients.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects an individual’s cognitive function.

The disease is the most common form of dementia and is characterized by cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and memory impairment.

Alzheimer’s disease gradually impairs cognitive function due to the accumulation of abnormal proteins in the brain.

These proteins form plaques and tangles, which disrupt the normal functioning of brain cells, leading to memory loss, disorientation, and confusion.

As the disease progresses, individuals with Alzheimer’s disease may begin to experience physical changes that affect their appearance, including changes in their hair.

How Hair Changes in Alzheimer’s Patients

Several studies have shown that Alzheimer’s patients experience changes in their hair, although the exact cause of these changes is not well understood. Some of the common hair changes noted in Alzheimer’s patients include:.

1. Hair Thinning

Alzheimer’s patients may experience hair thinning or hair loss, particularly in the frontal and temporal regions of the scalp.

The exact cause of hair thinning is not well understood, but it is thought to be related to changes in estrogen levels, genetics, and aging.

2. Premature Graying

Alzheimer’s patients may also experience premature graying, which is characterized by the loss of hair pigmentation.

Premature graying is thought to be related to oxidative stress, which affects the hair follicles and leads to a loss of pigmentation.

3. Changes in Hair Texture

Alzheimer’s patients may also experience changes in their hair texture, including dry, coarse, or brittle hair.

Changes in hair texture have been linked to changes in hormone levels, particularly cortisol and thyroid hormones, which affect the health of hair follicles.

4. Changes in Sebum Production

Alzheimer’s patients may also experience changes in sebum production, which can lead to dry or oily hair.

Sebum is an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands in the scalp, and changes in its production have been linked to changes in hormone levels and inflammation.

5. Scalp Inflammation

Alzheimer’s patients may also experience scalp inflammation, which can lead to itchiness and discomfort. Scalp inflammation has been linked to changes in immune function and inflammation in the body.

6. Slow Hair Growth

Alzheimer’s patients may experience slow hair growth, which can lead to thinning hair. Slow hair growth is thought to be related to changes in hormone levels, which affect the health of hair follicles and the rate of hair growth.

7. Hair Breakage

Alzheimer’s patients may experience hair breakage, which can lead to uneven hair growth and the appearance of thinning hair.

Hair breakage is thought to be related to changes in hormone levels, inflammation, and the use of harsh hair care products.

Conclusion

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects an individual’s cognitive function, including memory, language, and the ability to make decisions.

While there are several symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease, hair changes are also common in the majority of Alzheimer’s patients.

Alzheimer’s patients may experience several hair changes, including hair thinning, premature graying, changes in hair texture, changes in sebum production, scalp inflammation, slow hair growth, and hair breakage.

These hair changes are thought to be related to changes in hormone levels, inflammation, and the aging process.

It is important for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers to be aware of these hair changes and to seek medical attention if necessary.