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Are You Doing Enough To Help Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s is a disorder that has been identified as the leading cause of dementia. It is a progressive degenerative brain disease. That means it starts off slowly but progresses rapidly. Brain cells start dying and this leads to declining cognitive abilities and loss of memory and bodily functions. Forgetfulness, difficulty in completing and focusing on otherwise easy tasks, confusion, inability to make decisions, a decline in problem-solving skills, problem with language, social withdrawal and behavioural changes are some of the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. People often ignore these early signs considering them a normal part of ageing.

Despite extensive research, the exact cause of Alzheimer’s is unknown. However, genetics, old age and certain lifestyle disorders are considered to be risk factors for dementia. While genetics and ageing are beyond your control, there are a few things that you can do that can help with Alzheimer’s disease prevention. 

Lifestyle problems that could make you susceptible to Alzheimer’s

Our lifestyle today is fraught with both psychological and physical problems that can open the doors to more serious illnesses. Even the air we breathe in is responsible for a number of illnesses.   

Here are a few ways you could be increasing the chances of the onset of Alzheimer’s:

Staying mentally and socially active is the most important thing to prevent alzheimer. There’s some evidence to suggest that rates of dementia are lower in people who remain mentally and socially active throughout their lives. It may be possible to reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia by: reading. learning foreign languages.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

1. Cardiovascular issues

Studies have found that cardiovascular disorders and factors leading to heart diseases such as high cholesterol levels or hardened arteries or hypertension are closely linked to Alzheimer’s. 

Since cardiovascular diseases can become life-threatening, by managing/preventing such diseases, you can not only guarantee better heart health but also reduce the risk of being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

2. Diabetes

Just like heart disorders, elevated blood sugar levels have also been found to be a risk factor for Alzheimer’s. Diabetes causes changes in the brain’s chemistry that can slowly trigger dementia. Diabetes is also associated with Mild Cognitive Impairment or MCI which is characterized by problems of memory, speech and other cognitive issues. MCI can aggravate and progress to dementia if diabetes is not managed effectively.

3. Anxiety and depression

Arguably, the most common mental state for most humans today, anxiety, stress and depression. Some studies have found a connection between anxiety/depression and dementia. There is a lot of research that needs to be done but most doctors believe that clinical anxiety and depression can lead to many other psychological complications.

A Harvard University survey found that the onset of depression in one’s middle increases dementia risk by 80% and the development of depression later in life raises the risk by 70%. 

In this context, it is important to state that mid-life or late-life loneliness, feelings of rejection and hopelessness can also be linked to dementia because these feelings trigger depression and anxiety.

4. Drinking too much alcohol

Drinking in excess (2 or more alcoholic drinks a day) can lead to brain damage, which may, in turn, trigger the onset of cognitive problems and Alzheimer’s. 

However, moderate drinking is not linked to Alzheimer’s. Neither does it offer any protection against dementia. 

5. Sedentary lifestyle

A lifestyle devoid of physical activities makes the onset of Alzheimer’s more likely. Obesity increases the chances of vascular dementia (dementia caused by interrupted blood flow to the brain). Exercise helps to lose weight and it also keeps other risk factors such as stress, hypertension and blood sugar levels in balance. 

According to some studies, regular exercise can lower Alzheimer’s risk by as much as 30%.

6. Pollution

Rising levels of air pollution can cause brain atrophy that may eventually lead to Alzheimer’s. 

Also Read: Benefits of Turkey Tail Mushroom: A Research-Supported Health Exploration

How to prevent Alzheimer’s disease?

Following measures may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease:

Alzheimer’s is a very real threat. It impacts the quality of life, confidence and overall health of the patient and is also stressful to handle for the family members. Every one of us should be aware of the dangers that this disorder poses to ourselves and our loved ones. Do not ignore the early signs as early diagnosis and management can be very helpful in slowing the progression of this disease. Some studies show the positive impact of diet and lifestyle changes that can go a long way in Alzheimer’s prevention and you can start implementing them today!

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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How To Care For Someone With Alzheimer’s?

Importance Of Having An Alzheimer’s Caregiver

Having a family member with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) necessitates that you know more about the condition.

Knowing About Alzheimer’s Care And Disease

The disease initially and primarily affects the memory of the affected person. As the disease progresses other mental abilities like reasoning, decision-making, language, judgment is also affected.

Initially, the disease starts with mild symptoms of defects in the thought process. However, not all who suffer from cognitive difficulties develop AD. Based on the severity of the symptoms, the disease may be graded as mild, moderate or severe. Also, the disease may progress at a different pace in each affected individual.

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Guide

Ways That May Help You To Support Your Family Member With AD

After confirmation of diagnosis, the patient is prescribed certain medicines. These medicines do help the patient by improving cognitive function. The doctor may also prescribe some medication to manage other symptoms like anxiety or aggressiveness. Compliance with the medication is essential to control the signs of the condition. The patient should be taken for periodic re-assessment of the disease.

In the initial or milder stage the patients generally repeatedly ask the same question or describe the same event again and again. They may forget the occasion they recently attended or the discussion they had. They also may tend to lose track of time or the day or week or month. They have difficulty remembering small things like spelling their name correctly. They tend to isolate themselves and demonstrate a lack of interest in anything. Due to the tendency of forgetting activities like banking, cooking, shopping, teaching become routine life becomes challenging. They may forget the usual way home from the office or nearby locations, so driving becomes difficult.

Since the patient may never accept that they have been diagnosed with AD, it is futile to convince them about it. Instead, the family members should focus on ways to tackle the newer problems that they anticipate due to the patient’s condition.

One may have to make alternative arrangement for the responsibilities the patient used to handle otherwise. Support may also be required to take the patient around to the doctor or for a walk or help with daily activities. Monitoring and ensuring the safety of the patient is necessary because they may unintentionally harm themselves, for example, they may use a knife as a comb or boil oil instead of milk for drinking. They may lose their way and be unable to reach back home.

In moderate cases, the patient may ask the same thing more repetitively, become restless or may suffer from unusual fears like fear of reading or bathing. Co-ordinated activities start getting affected like eating or simple activities like combing hair or clothing themselves or brushing teeth or walking. Their learned behaviour may be affected further like they may forget their driving skill or swimming. They may not be able to comprehend what is being told or may not be able to frame sentences or usually speak or read and write. They even may not be able to recognize family members or friends and neighbours. Some patients may become more aggressive

At this stage, they may need continuous monitoring and help. You may need to arrange support to manage them or become an Alzheimer’s caregiver yourself.

In severe cases, as the disease progresses, they become entirely dependent, since they almost completely forget the learned behaviour. Basic skills of swallowing or walking are wholly forgotten. They stop recognizing anyone.

In such severe cases, the patient needs complete medical care and may need to be sent to a specialized care centre.

At whatever stage the patient is, the Alzheimer’s caregiver has to gather a lot of patience and understand that it is the disease that is manifesting its symptoms. A dear one not recognizing you may be very distressing. Nevertheless, since there is no cure for AD, it is essential to accept that managing symptom and supporting the patient in his or her daily routine are a few ways one can help the patient.

Talk to them slowly framing simple sentences. Don’t be too assertive, listen to them. Be reassuring in case they feel unsafe and helpless. Tell them simple jokes. Use their favourite music or book to distract them if they are too agitated. Try to perform small tasks with them helping you like arranging books on the shelf or wiping dishes or stacking folded clothes.

Also Read: Benefits of Turkey Tail Mushroom: A Research-Supported Health Exploration

Planning An Alzheimer’s Caregiver Guide

You may also want to talk to family members of other patients with AD or join a group so that you can get some practical tips on managing the patient. This may also help you to discuss particular problems which normally other people may not understand.

Closely tracking the patient’s condition, ensuring safety and caring for their general hygiene with periodic follow-ups with the doctor are some critical way in which you can care for your family member with AD.

Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.

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