Understanding Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, a disease that affects the brain. Problems with memory, thinking and behaviour are the common symptoms of AD. Most people who develop AD do so after the age of 65, but people under this age can also become a victim.

Physical activity, proper diet, cardiovascular and diabetes treatments, antioxidants, and cognitive training can help to slow the progress of the early-onset of AD. Regular check-ups, professional counselling, sharing the experience of the disease can offer a meaningful and productive life to the patients.

Fast facts:

• About 5 percent of people with Alzheimer’s disease have the early-onset form.
• Around 44 million people worldwide are believed to be living with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or other dementias.

Observe these Alarming Signs

The most common early symptom of AD is difficulty in remembering newly learned information and memory lapses. These symptoms are generally mild to start with, but worsen over time and start to interfere with daily life.

• Personality changes, such as harshness and indifference
• Frequent lapses of memory, especially of recent memories
• Forgetting appointments or the names of colleagues at work
• Getting lost en route to a familiar place
• Struggling to learn new things and adapting to changes at home or at work
• Becoming confused about familiar tasks such as handling money or placing a call
• Difficulty finding words
• Unsettling moments of disorientation in previously familiar places
• Difficulty with voluntary movements, physical coordination
• Losing interest in activities that were enjoyed previously
• Withdrawing from social contact; depression
• Mood swings, paranoia and fearfulness

Help a loved one1. Short-term memory loss – Encourage the person to use a notebook or Smartphone to create a to-do list each morning and carry it with him or her. Keep their daily use items in easy to remember places. Avoid asking questions that challenge their short-term memory. 2. Language problems - Your loved one may have difficulty recalling words. Instead of getting anxious, be patient and supply the word or gently tell them that you can come back to it later. Encourage social interaction even if your loved one has problems in keeping up with a conversation. 3. Inability to comprehend – In case the patient fails to understand you, make sure to speak slowly so that he/she gets more time to process. Also find a different way to say the same thing by trying a simpler statement with fewer words. Remember, the patient responds to your facial expression, the tone of voice, and body language as much as the words you choose. 4. Depression – Symptoms of depression such as withdrawal, turmoil, and changes in sleeping patterns are common among early stage Alzheimer’s patients. Boost the patient’s outlook by making him feel safe and supported. Depression can also be treated by creating a calm environment and providing opportunities for your loved one to open up and talk about his or her fears and other emotions.

Read our infographic on mental health.

Did you know?

According to an observational study, people who are obese in their thirties are three times more likely to get dementia when compared to healthy people. [av_promobox button='yes' label='Consult a Specialist on MediBuddy' link='https://www.medibuddy.in/?utm_source=blog_cta&utm_medium=blog' link_target='' color='blue' custom_bg='#f00' custom_font='#ffffff' size='large' icon_select='no' icon='ue800' font='entypo-fontello'] Alzheimer's can be challenging to deal with.  Consult a doctor right away if you notice any of the symptoms.  [/av_promobox]

Sources:

1. World Health Organization. Accessed Aug 30, 2015.
2. Alzheimer’s Society. Accessed Aug 31, 2015.
3. Alzheimer’s Association. Accessed Aug 31, 2015.