Have you noticed that your mom, dad, or grandma or grandpa is forgetting little things these days? While we think that forgetting things like where your keys are, someone's name, or what you were going to do is normal as we get older, sometimes this can be an early sign of a more serious condition, such as Alzheimer's. Don't be alarmed when you hear this. The most important thing is to be fully aware of this. Today, let's talk about what Alzheimer's disease is.
Simply put, what is Alzheimer's?
Alzheimer's is a disease that gradually destroys your memory. It is a disease that affects the brain. In the early stages, you may have difficulty remembering recent events, but you may be able to remember events that happened years ago.
Over time, as the disease progresses, other symptoms begin to appear.
- Difficulty staying focused on one thing.
- Even simple everyday tasks, such as making tea, are difficult to accomplish.
- Feeling anxious, confused, and frustrated, especially at night.
- Big changes in behavior. Suddenly becoming angry, constantly anxious, or depressed.
- Losing your place and getting lost.
- Physical problems. Things like changes in the way you walk, loss of balance.
- Difficulty in communicating and exchanging ideas with others.
As the disease progresses, you may forget even your loved ones. You may even be unable to do basic things like getting dressed, eating, or going to the bathroom on your own. This disease gradually destroys brain tissue over time. This condition most often affects people over the age of 65 .
What is the difference between Alzheimer's and Dementia?
Many people confuse these two words, but there is a slight difference between the two.
Dementia is not the name of a specific disease. It is a general term for a range of conditions that cause problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. It's like the word "car."
Alzheimer's is the most common specific disease in the general category of dementia. It's like saying "car." That is, everyone with Alzheimer's has dementia, but not everyone with dementia has Alzheimer's.
What are the stages of Alzheimer's disease?
Alzheimer's disease progresses gradually through three main stages.
| Disease stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Early stage (Mild) | At this stage, it is difficult to recognize the exact symptoms. Only those closest to the patient will notice the slightest changes. They can drive a car and participate in social activities. But they may forget small details, have difficulty completing certain tasks, and have difficulty planning things. |
| Moderate | This is the stage that usually lasts the longest. It can last for years. Symptoms become more obvious. It becomes difficult to perform daily tasks. Behavioral changes are more noticeable. During this stage, the patient especially needs someone (caregiver) for their safety and care. |
| Final stage (Severe) | At this stage, care may be needed 24 hours a day . They may not even be aware of their surroundings. They may not be able to do even basic things like walking, sitting, and eventually swallowing food. At this point, you may consider hospice care, which provides relief to the patient and family. |
What are the causes of Alzheimer's?
Although people who develop Alzheimer's are usually older, 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 the symptoms are caused by two main types of damage to nerve cells in the brain:
1. Formation of thread-like tangles inside nerve cells (neurofibrillar tangles).
2. A type of protein called beta-amyloid accumulates in the brain and forms plaques.
Research is still ongoing into what causes this damage. There may be a genetic component. If one of your parents or siblings has the disease, you are at slightly higher risk of developing it. But that doesn't mean you will definitely develop it.
How to diagnose the disease?
If you suspect you have symptoms of Alzheimer's, the first thing to do is see your family doctor . He or she will ask you questions and, if necessary, refer you to a neurologist.
Remember, when you go to see the doctor, it is very important to go with a family member, someone who is familiar with your behavioral changes.
The doctor may perform several tests, such as:
- Neurological tests that test things like memory, problem-solving ability, and language.
- Blood and urine tests to check for other medical conditions.
- A mental health assessment (Psychiatric evaluation).
- Brain scans: These may include CT (Computed Tomography), MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), and PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scans.
- Sometimes a spinal tap to check cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may be performed.
Is there a treatment for Alzheimer's?
This is the problem that everyone has. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease yet. But don't worry. There are several medications that can slow the progression of the disease and help control symptoms so that the patient can live a more comfortable life.
- Drugs that slow disease progression: Newer drugs like Lecanemab (Leqembi) and Donanemab (Kinsula) attempt to control the progression of the disease by removing harmful proteins that build up in the brain. These are most effective in the early stages.
- Medications to control symptoms: Medications like Cholinesterase inhibitors and Memantine can improve memory and thinking skills and control behavioral problems.
All of this is decided by your doctor , so it is essential to follow his advice.
What can we do to reduce the risk?
Although there is no way to 100% prevent Alzheimer's, there are several lifestyle changes we can adopt to reduce our risk.
- Control high blood pressure: High blood pressure is not good for brain health.
- Exercise regularly: Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain.
- Eat a healthy diet: Reduce foods high in sugar and fat, and eat more vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains.
- Stay social: Talking to others and engaging in various social activities helps keep the brain active.
- Take care of your head: Severe head injuries can increase the risk of Alzheimer's in the future.
- Do things that challenge your brain: Learn something new, read books, solve puzzles. These are good exercises for your brain.
Advice for a Caregiver of an Alzheimer's Patient
Caring for someone with Alzheimer's is not easy. It's a big commitment. If you're one of those people, these tips will help you.
- Maintain a consistent routine: Feed, bathe, and put them to bed at the same time as possible. This will reduce their confusion.
- Be patient: Don't get angry even if they ask you the same question ten times. Speak with love and respect.
- Provide clothes that are easy to wear: Choose clothes with elastic and Velcro instead of buttons and laces.
- Make your home environment safer: Remove slippery rugs. Install grab bars in the bathroom.
- Take care of yourself: While caring for a sick person, consider your own mental and physical health. Ask for help from others when needed.
Take-Home Message
- Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging. It is a disease that affects the brain.
- If you experience symptoms such as memory loss, behavioral changes, or difficulty performing daily tasks, seek medical advice immediately.
- Although the disease cannot be completely cured, there are treatments that can control its progression and manage symptoms.
- A healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of disease.
- Love, support, and understanding are very important for both the person with Alzheimer's and their caregiver.
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