We think it's normal for your mom, dad, or grandma or grandpa to forget things as they get older. But sometimes this forgetfulness goes beyond normal. What we talked about today is forgotten tomorrow, and even the names of our children and grandchildren change. This could be the beginning of Alzheimer's Disease. This is a very sensitive topic, but let's talk about it in detail without being afraid.
What exactly is Alzheimer's disease?
Simply put, Alzheimer's is a disease that gradually destroys your memory. It's a condition that affects the brain. The first sign is forgetting recent events . But surprisingly, you can remember things that happened years ago very well.
Over time, as the disease worsens, more symptoms begin to appear.
- Difficulty concentrating on something.
- Even the inability to do normal tasks, such as putting on a shirt or making tea.
- Feeling confused and frustrated , especially at night.
- Big changes in mood. Suddenly becoming angry, irritable, or constantly feeling anxious or sad.
- Getting lost , forgetting where you are and the roads you are on.
- Physical problems such as changes in the way you walk and loss of body control.
- Difficulty in communicating and exchanging ideas with others.
As the disease progresses, you may forget even your loved ones. You may become unable to dress yourself, eat, or use the toilet on your own. This disease gradually destroys brain tissue over time. This condition is usually seen most often in people over the age of 65 .
Are Alzheimer's and Dementia the same thing?
Many people confuse these two words. But there is a slight difference between the two. Think about it this way.
Dementia is not a specific disease. It's like an umbrella term. It's a general name for a collection of symptoms that affect things like memory, thinking, and behavior.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common, specific disease under the umbrella term dementia. That is, not everyone with Alzheimer's disease has dementia. But not everyone with dementia has Alzheimer's disease. Dementia can also occur for other reasons.
What are the cases of Alzheimer's disease?
This disease progresses gradually through three main stages. To understand this clearly, see the table below.
| Stage | Symptoms and Nature |
|---|---|
| Early stage (Mild) | It is a little difficult to recognize the symptoms at this time. Only those who are close to you can tell the difference. You can do things like drive, participate in social activities. But it becomes difficult to remember details, do some tasks, and plan things. You forget where things are. |
| Moderate | This is the stage that usually lasts the longest. It can last for years. Symptoms become more obvious, daily activities become more difficult, and behavioral changes become more noticeable. The need for a caregiver for safety and care may increase. |
| Last chance (Severe) | At this point, 24-hour care may be required. They may be unaware of their surroundings. They may not be able to do even basic things like walking, sitting, or swallowing. Talking is very difficult. At this point, the patient and family may need special care services (Hospice care) to help them. |
Why does Alzheimer's disease occur?
Although Alzheimer's disease is a common condition that affects older people, it is not a normal part of aging . Scientists still don't know exactly why some people develop it and others don't. But they do know that there are two main causes of these symptoms in the brain.
1. Formation of tangles inside nerve cells: These are called ``neurofibrillar tangles''. This disrupts the communication between nerve cells.
2. Formation of protein deposits: An abnormal type of protein called ``Beta-amyloid plaques'' is deposited between nerve cells in the brain. This also damages nerve cells.
Research is still ongoing into how this damage occurs. Some scientists believe that a protein in the blood called ApoE (apolipoprotein E) is involved. There is also a genetic influence . If your parents or siblings have had the disease, you are at slightly higher risk of developing it too.
How do you know for sure if you have this disease?
If you or someone in your family has these symptoms, the first thing you should do is see a doctor . He or she will refer you to a neurologist if necessary. The doctor will ask you a few questions. It is very important to have a family member with you at this time, because they can remind the patient of things they have forgotten.
The doctor will usually check for these things:
- Are there any problems with memory and thinking ability? If so, to what extent?
- Have there been any changes in behavior or personality?
- Have these problems affected your daily life?
In addition, several tests can be done to confirm the diagnosis:
- Neurological tests that measure memory, problem-solving, attention, counting, and language ability.
- Blood and urine tests to make sure there are no other medical conditions.
- A psychiatric evaluation to check mental health.
- A spinal tap is a test that involves taking cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the spinal cord.
- Brain scans: `(CT)`, `(MRI)`, and `(PET)` scans.
What can we do to protect ourselves from Alzheimer's disease?
There is no way to prevent this disease 100% yet. However, certain lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of contracting the disease .
The most important thing is to take care of your brain health. A healthy heart means a healthy brain.
- Control high blood pressure: High blood pressure is bad for brain health.
- Exercise regularly: Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain and reduces risk factors like diabetes and heart disease.
- Follow a healthy diet: A diet low in sugar and saturated fats and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps protect the brain.
- Stay social: Talking to others and engaging in various activities helps keep the brain active.
- Protect your head: Head injuries can increase your risk of Alzheimer's in the future, so always think about safety.
How to care for an Alzheimer's patient?
Caring for someone with Alzheimer's is a big commitment. It's also a very emotional thing. If you're caring for someone with Alzheimer's, these tips will help you.
- Give the medicine correctly: The patient may forget the time and dosage of the medicine. Therefore, use something like a daily medicine box. When the disease is severe, take responsibility for it yourself.
- Establish a routine: Do things like bathing, eating, and getting dressed at the same time every day. This will reduce confusion in the patient's mind.
- Let them be as independent as possible: Don't interfere in everything. Let them do things they can do on their own.
- Choose clothes that are easy to wear: Choose clothes with elastic and large zippers instead of buttons and lace.
- Make your home environment safer: Remove slippery rugs. Provide good lighting. Install grab bars in the bathroom.
- Speak patiently and kindly: Speak clearly and calmly in a way that they can understand. Engage them in conversations. Your patience is a great strength to them .
Take-Home Message
- Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging. It is a disease that damages the brain.
- Forgetfulness, especially of recent things, is a major early symptom.
- It is important to see a doctor as soon as possible if you notice symptoms. A quick diagnosis can help manage the disease.
- Although there is still no complete cure for this disease, there are treatments that slow the progression of the disease and control the symptoms.
- A healthy lifestyle (exercise, good diet, socialization) can reduce the risk of contracting the disease.
- Caring for someone with Alzheimer's is challenging, so it's important for you, the caregiver, to take care of your own mental and physical health.
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