Awareness on Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's is a brain disorder that gradually impairs one's capacity for

memory, thought, and reasoning. Researchers are still working to determine the

exact cause of Alzheimer's. Most likely, several variables can have varying

effects on different individuals rather than a single cause.

The most well-established risk factor for Alzheimer's disease is age.

Genes may be involved in the development of Alzheimer's disease, according to

research on family history. Genes, however, do not determine fate. Leading a

healthy lifestyle can potentially lower your chance of Alzheimer's disease.

sufficient physical activity, a well-rounded diet, moderation in alcohol

consumption, and quitting smoking may all be beneficial, according to two

sizable, long-term studies.

Years may pass before the onset of symptoms before the brain changes. If

education, nutrition, and environment are factors in the development of

Alzheimer's disease, researchers are looking into this. Healthy habits, which

have been demonstrated to prevent heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, may also

lower the risk of subjective cognitive decline, according to mounting scientific

evidence.

Alzheimer's is not a typical aspect of growing older. Typically, memory issues

are among the initial indicators of Alzheimer's disease and its related dementias.

Alzheimer's disease symptoms can include memory issues, but they can also

include one or more of these symptoms:

1. Memory loss that causes problems in day-to-day living, like asking the

same questions over and over or getting lost in a familiar place.

2. difficulty managing finances and making payments.

3. Having trouble finishing routine tasks at work, home, or leisure.

4. reduced or subpar judgement.

5. losing things and not being able to find them by following the same path

twice.

6. alterations in behaviour, personality, or mood.

Errors in newly learned information are among the most prevalent indicators of

Alzheimer's disease, particularly in its early stages. Other symptoms include

repeatedly asking similar questions, forgetting significant dates or occasions,

and becoming increasingly dependent on family members or memory aids (such

as electronic devices or reminder notes) for tasks they used to complete

independently.

Certain individuals experiencing memory impairments from Alzheimer's

disease or other dementias may also have altered capacities for creating and

adhering to plans or manipulating numerical data. They might struggle to

remember monthly bills or to follow a recipe they are familiar with. They might

find it difficult to focus and find that tasks take far longer than they used to.

It can be challenging to know what to do or say when you observe changes in

friends, family, or other close people and feel concerned for their health,

especially if those changes involve changes in memory, thinking, or behaviour.

While it's normal to feel unsure of yourself or uneasy about how to help, these

changes may indicate a serious health issue.

Every year on September 21, the world observes World Alzheimer's Day as a

way to combat the stigma associated with dementia in general and

Alzheimer's disease in particular.

Up to 5.8 million Americans suffered from Alzheimer's disease in 2020.

Alzheimer's disease is less common in younger people, though it is still

possible. Beyond the age of 65, the number of individuals with the illness

doubles every five years.

By 2060, this population is expected to almost triple to 14 million. The disease's symptoms may not show up until after age 60, and the risk rises with age.

Author: Swarnava Dutta, Volunteer, Zoology Undergrad, Delhi University

Editor: Robinson Mohanraj, Founder, Biomedical Undergrad, Nitte University.