Does your mom, dad, grandma, or grandpa often forget small things recently? Do they suddenly forget what they were going to say when they are talking? Do they look for where their keys are or where their glasses are? We often think that these things are normal things that happen as we get older. But sometimes this forgetfulness can be a little more serious. Especially if you forget recent events and remember things that happened years ago clearly, it may be an early sign of Alzheimer's disease. Don't worry, let's talk about this in detail and simply.
Simply put, what is Alzheimer's?
Alzheimer's is a disease that gradually destroys your memory over time. It's a disease that affects the brain. In the early stages, you may have trouble remembering recent events. But surprisingly, you may be able to remember things that happened years ago.
Over time, as the disease worsens, other symptoms begin to appear.
- Difficulty concentrating: Unable to focus on one thing.
- Difficulty performing routine tasks: Even simple tasks like making tea or sharing a meal are forgotten.
- Confused and frustrated: Things come to mind one after another, especially at night.
- Sudden changes in mood: Sudden feelings of anger, irritability, anxiety, and depression.
- Getting lost: Unable to find your way, forgetting where you are.
- Physical problems: The way you walk changes, you lose your balance and fall.
- Difficulty speaking: Difficulty finding words, difficulty understanding what is being said.
As the disease progresses, you may forget your own children and family members. You may become unable to dress yourself, eat, or even go to the bathroom on your own. This disease gradually destroys brain tissue over time. This disease most often develops in people over the age of 65 .
The difference between Alzheimer's and Dementia
Many people confuse these two words. Let's clarify.
Dementia is not the name of a specific disease. It is a general term for a collection of symptoms that affect things like memory, thinking ability, and behavior.
Simply put, dementia is like a "fever." There are many different causes of fever, such as dengue fever and influenza. Similarly, there are many causes of dementia. Alzheimer's disease is the most common and leading cause of dementia. That is, dementia can occur due to other causes, even without Alzheimer's disease.
What are the stages of Alzheimer's disease?
Alzheimer's disease progresses gradually through three main stages.
| Disease stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Early stage (Mild) | During this time, symptoms are not obvious. Only those who are very close to the patient notice small changes. They can drive a car and participate in social activities. But they begin to forget details, plan work, and where things are. |
| Moderate | This is the longest stage of the disease. It can last for years. Symptoms gradually worsen, and others begin to notice these changes more easily. Behavioral changes (anger, agitation) may be more noticeable as it becomes difficult to perform daily tasks. During this stage, the patient needs someone to provide safety and care. |
| Final stage (Severe) | At this stage, the patient may require 24-hour care. They may be unaware of their surroundings. They may be unable to perform even basic tasks such as walking, sitting, and swallowing. Talking is extremely difficult. |
What are the causes of Alzheimer's disease?
Scientists don't yet know the exact cause of Alzheimer's. But it's not a normal part of aging. Why some people develop it and others don't is still being researched. But they do know that two main changes occur in the brain that lead to these symptoms:
1. Neurofibrillary tangles: Nerve cells in the brain become tangled like balls of thread. These are called neurofibrillary tangles .
2. Protein deposits: A type of protein called beta-amyloid plaques are deposited between nerve cells.
Although it is not known exactly how or why this damage occurs, it has been found to have a genetic influence. A protein in our blood called ApoE (apolipoprotein E) is suspected to be involved. People with certain types of ApoE are at increased risk of developing Alzheimer's.
If someone in my family has it, will I get it too? (Is it genetic?)
The answer is a bit complicated. There is no single genetic cause of Alzheimer's. However, if your mother, father, or sibling had the disease, you are at slightly higher risk of developing it than others. But that doesn't mean you will definitely develop it.
How to diagnose the disease?
If you suspect you have Alzheimer's symptoms, first see your family doctor. He or she will refer you to a neurologist if necessary. The doctor will ask you and a member of your family questions to get a better understanding of your condition.
They ask specifically about these things:
- Are there any problems with memory or thinking? If so, what are they like?
- Has there been a change in your behavior or personality?
- Have these problems affected your daily life?
In addition, the following tests may be performed to confirm the diagnosis:
- Neurological tests: Tests that measure memory, problem-solving ability, attention, and language ability.
- Blood and urine tests: Check for other medical conditions.
- Psychiatric evaluation: Check mental status.
- Brain scans: Tests such as CT, MRI, and PET scans.
- Spinal tap: To examine the fluid in the brain and spinal cord (cerebrospinal fluid - CSF).
Treatment and management
There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease. However, there are several medications that can slow the progression of the disease and control symptoms . These medications can help the patient maintain a good quality of life for a while.
For example, new drugs like `Lecanemab (Leqembi)` and `Donanemab (Kinsula)` are trying to control the progression of the disease by removing the harmful protein (beta-amyloid) that accumulates in the brain. Doctors also recommend drugs like `Cholinesterase inhibitors` and `Memantine` to control symptoms.
The most important thing is to take these medications only under medical advice . Your doctor will determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition.
Advice for those caring for an Alzheimer's patient
If you have a loved one with this disease, caring for them can be both a challenge and a blessing. Here are some things you can do to make their life a little easier:
- Create a routine: Try to bathe, feed, and dress your baby at the same time every day. This will reduce their confusion.
- Take your medication on time: Use a pill tracker to keep track of your daily medication. When the illness is severe, take full responsibility for taking your medication.
- Make your home safer: Remove slippery carpets. Make sure there is good lighting. Install grab bars in the bathroom and toilet.
- Wear comfortable clothes: Choose loose, easy-to-wear clothes with elastic instead of buttons and zippers.
- Be patient and respectful: Speak to them with love. Listen to what they have to say. Include them in the conversation. Don't let their dignity be damaged.
Take-Home Message
- Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging. It is a disease that affects the brain.
- If someone in your family is unusually forgetful or shows changes in behavior, don't ignore it.
- By detecting the disease at an early stage, the rate of progression of the disease can be controlled and the patient can be given a better quality of life.
- Since there are treatments for this, it is very important to see a qualified doctor as soon as possible and seek advice.
- Caring for a sick person is a challenge. So, as a caregiver, take care of your own mental and physical health. Ask for help if you need it.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න