Every year September 21st is recognizing as World Alzheimer’s day around the world. This is an international campaign aimed at raising awareness and challenge the stigma that surrounds Alzheimer’s related dementia.
Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, that impairs memory and other cognitive functions. It is the most common form of dementia, that generalizes memory loss and loss of other essential cognitive abilities that are serious enough to interfere with an individual’s day to day life.
In 1907 Alois Alzheimer reported a “peculiar disease of the cerebral cortex” in a 51-year-old woman. So the name is Alzheimer’s.
Dementia of the Alzheimer’s type(DAT) is affecting those who are in the age between 65 and more. Due to the improved health care system, after 1961, the geriatric population has increased extensively. The prevalence rate of DAT is increasing year by year. In the United States and Europe, the DAT prevalence rate above age 65 was 3.6%. In India, this estimation is double every 5 years. Scientific studies are going on in India. Some studies revealed that, more common in the illiterate population. Exogenous risk factors for developing DAT are head injury with loss of consciousness, history of depression, late maternal age, exposure to aluminum, electroconvulsive therapy, alcohol abuse, analgesic overuse, sedentary lifestyle, etc.
Cognitive and neuropsychological tests by Psychologists to evaluate cognitive function. A number of tests measure thinking skills, such as memory, orientation, reasoning and judgment, language skills, and attention.
Brain scans like CT or MRI, These scans can check for evidence of stroke or bleeding or tumor, or hydrocephalus. PET scans, these can show patterns of brain activity and whether the amyloid protein, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease, has been deposited in the brain.
Laboratory tests, blood tests for vitamin B-12 deficiency, or an underactive thyroid gland, which affect brain function.
Clinical features as mentioned earlier begin after the age of ’50s and are associated with an insidious and gradually progressive decline in mental abilities. They may be unaware of these memory difficulties, like forgetting tasks, appointments, names, relationships, road, address, important dates, words while talking, repeating questions, losing the thread of conversation, etc. They will lose insight, it is the main diagnostic factor. Gradually they will unable to live organized day to day life. Independently working tasks like purchasing, cooking, selection of items, Bank activities, cash management, calculation, bill payments, etc. becomes difficult. Then they start to forget to do their personal hygiene activities like trimming nails, hairs, shave, taking a bath, proper use of the toilet, etc. Next stage they will go to delusional believes, fear of harm, suspicion. Hallucinations also may occur. The later stage they may suffer from seizures.
DAT symptoms and behavior problems might be treated initially using non-drug approaches, such as,
Occupational therapy, how to make your home safer, and teach coping behaviors. The purpose is to prevent accidents, such as falls, manage behavior, and prepare you for Alzheimer’s progression.
Modifying the environment. Reducing clutter and noise can make it easier for someone with Alzheimer’s to focus and function. You might need to hide objects that can threaten safety, such as knives and car keys. Monitoring systems can alert you if the person with danger. Simplifying tasks. Break tasks into easier steps and focus on success, not a failure. Structure and routine also help reduce confusion in people with Alzheimer’s. Lifestyle changes, like enhance communication. When talking with your loved one, maintain eye contact. Speak slowly in simple sentences, and don’t rush the response. Present one idea or instruction at a time. Use gestures and cues, such as pointing to objects. Encourage exercise, yoga, and meditation. The main benefits of these are managing symptoms such as restlessness and protect the brain from DAT. Some research also shows that physical activity might slow the progression of impaired thinking in people with Alzheimer’s disease, and it can lessen symptoms of depression. Engage in activities. Plan activities the person with dementia enjoys and can do. Brain games, Dancing, painting, gardening, cooking, singing, and other activities can be fun, can help you connect with your loved one, and can help your loved one focus on what he or she can still do. Avoid day-napping. Try to establish going-to-bed rituals that are calming and away from the noise of television, mobile, etc. Leave night lights on in the bedroom, hall, and bathroom to prevent disorientation.
A calendar activity is helpful to remember upcoming events, daily activities, and medication schedules.
Plan for the future.
So early diagnosis and early intervention are much needed. From our young age, it is necessary to focus on physical and mental wellbeing. A good diet, sleep, and exercise can help to live healthily and happily.