Does your mother, father, or someone close to you forget things all the time these days? Imagine, suddenly unable to remember a word while talking, forgetting the name of someone you know well, or being frustrated several times a day because you can't find your house keys or the mirror where you put it. When we see things like this, many of us think, "Oh... that's just how it is when we get older." But not all forgetfulness is just a matter of age. Sometimes, these can be the first warning signs of Alzheimer's disease.
Simply put, what is Alzheimer's?
Alzheimer's is a slowly progressive brain disease. It is the most common type of dementia. The disease gradually destroys brain cells, leading to a gradual loss of memory, thinking, reasoning, and decision-making skills.
Many people in our society dismiss such things as memory loss and confusion as normal parts of aging. But in fact, these can be signs of a disease. It is very important to recognize this condition at an early stage and seek medical advice. If so, the rapid spread of the disease can be controlled and the patient's quality of life can be maintained at a good level.
What are the risk factors for developing Alzheimer's disease?
There is no single specific cause for Alzheimer's disease yet. However, there are several factors that increase the risk of developing this disease. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Risk factor | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Aging | The main risk factor for this disease is age. The risk is especially high for people over the age of 65. After age 65, the risk doubles every 5 years. |
| Diabetes | Research has shown that there is a strong link between diabetes and Alzheimer's, especially in those with Type 2 Diabetes, which is prevalent in our country. |
| Family history | If your mother, father, brother, or sister had Alzheimer's disease, you are more likely to develop it. The risk increases even more if several family members have the disease. |
| Lifestyle | Unhealthy habits such as excessive alcohol consumption and tobacco use can also increase the risk of Alzheimer's. |
| Head injuries | Research has shown a link between serious head injuries and dementia, so don't forget to wear a helmet when riding a bike and a seat belt when riding in a car. |
| Heart disease | There is a strong connection between brain health and heart health. Conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol can damage the heart as well as the brain. |
The best thing to do is to talk to your doctor about controlling these risk factors and maintaining your overall health.
Alzheimer's and the stigma in our society
To be honest, there is very little knowledge about Alzheimer's disease in our society. Often, words like "old age, brain fog" and "crazy" are used to describe this disease. Using such words causes great psychological stress for the patient and his family.
Many families try to hide this condition from others because they believe these symptoms are a sign of aging, and because they are afraid of being ostracized by society and being told off ("shame").
Imagine, your mother has symptoms like these. But you stay at home without even going to a doctor, afraid of "What will the family think?", "Will relatives ostracize us?" This will only make the condition worse. You will waste valuable time that could have been spent starting treatment at the earliest.
Therefore, if you see a symptom like this, the most important thing is to see a doctor immediately and seek advice, without hiding it or being afraid.
Be aware of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
This may be the first sign of Alzheimer's disease. Small declines in memory, language, and thinking begin. But they are not severe enough to make it impossible to perform daily tasks. Not everyone with MCI will develop Alzheimer's. However, a significant number of them are at increased risk of developing Alzheimer's or another dementia later in life. So don't ignore even small changes like these.
Caregiving: A Great Challenge and Responsibility
In our culture, "taking care of one's parents" is a very noble thing. So when an elderly person, especially a mother or father, develops an illness like this, the responsibility of taking care of them falls on a family member. Usually, this responsibility is taken by a daughter or a daughter-in-law.
This is not easy. Caring for an Alzheimer's patient requires a lot of time and attention. As the disease progresses, it becomes impossible to leave them alone. They need to be constantly present and cared for. This can be mentally and physically taxing for the caregiver.
If you are the one caring for your loved one, remember these things:
- Understand your limitations: If you find it difficult to do this alone, accept that. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
- Consider professional help: Sometimes you may need to consider getting a home care provider or a long-term care facility. While this may be a difficult decision, it may be the best option for the patient's safety and yours.
- Talk to your doctor: Talk openly with your doctor about the problems you face while caring for the patient, and the help you can get.
In our culture, asking for help can be embarrassing and guilt-ridden. You may think people will say, "You're a child who can't take care of your parents." But remember, you can only take good care of your loved one if you're well.
Take-Home Message
- Alzheimer's is a disease that affects the brain, not a normal part of aging.
- Don't ignore early symptoms like memory loss, slurred speech, and disorientation.
- If you notice any of these symptoms, don't be afraid or embarrassed, and see a qualified doctor immediately.
- The risk of Alzheimer's can be reduced by properly controlling risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol.
- Support and rest are also essential for caregivers. Don't hesitate to ask for help.
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