Imagine waking up one day and not being able to recognise your loved ones. Sounds scary right? That’s what Alzheimer’s disease is about. Currently 900,000 people are going through the same nightmare i.e in the United Kingdom alone and this number is expected to rise by 1.6 million by the year 2040. This disease is known to affect the part of the brain responsible for thoughts, memory and language. Let’s know more about this Silent Thief.
Table of Contents
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s Disease is a type of Dementia, a neurological disorder which is progressive in nature, which means it gets worse over time. This disorder robs individuals of their memories, cognitive abilities, and ultimately, their identities. Alzheimer’s disease is characterised by the accumulation of abnormal protein deposits in the brain, known as amyloid plaques affecting neuronal functioning and connectivity, resulting in a progressive loss of brain function.
This mainly occurs as a result of ageing or genetics. The other causes includes clinical depression, hypertension, head injury, use of narcotics. However, it is not a 100% clear as of to what exactly is the science behind this disease.
Alzheimer’s Symptoms: Signs to lookout for
The thing that makes this disease so fatal is the it’s diagnosis. Most of the people present with early onset of Alzheimer’s or Dementia often confuse it with mere symptoms of ageing or stress. As mentioned earlier, memory loss is an early sign of this disease. Patients generally experience Short – Term memory loss. They have difficulty remembering the recent events and face cloudy judgement at times. These symptoms can be noticed by a family member and the near ones, but in most cases these go unnoticed.
The patient’s may face the following symptoms:
- Forget recently occurred events
- Repeat same things again and again
- Misplace items, often forgetting them
- Forgetting day to day tasks
- Eventually forget names of family members and commonly used items
- Trouble finding the right words for objects, expressing thoughts or taking part in conversations
- Changes in personality and behaviour
Diagnosis
There is no single test for Alzheimer’s disease. If a doctor suspects the presence of the condition, they will ask the person — and sometimes their family or caregivers — about their symptoms, experiences, and medical history. The doctor may also carry out the following tests:
- cognitive and memory tests, to assess the person’s ability to think and remember
- neurological function tests, to test their balance, senses, and reflexes
- blood or urine tests
- a CT Scan or MRI Scan of the brain
- genetic testing
Treatment Options Available
Unfortunately, despite decades long research work, scientists and doctors have been unable to reach something substantial. However, there are certain ways in which a patient suffering from Alzheimer’s can be helped to lead a life with dignity, comfort and for a longer period of time. There are certain treatments available which can help to manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.
A patient’s family are the first line of care. They can help them to properly manage their day and carry on their day to day activities. The patient’s can be enrolled in a support group so they feel inclusive. The emotional and behavioral changes linked with Alzheimer’s disease can be challenging to manage. People may increasingly experience irritability, anxiety, depression, restlessness, sleep problems, and other difficulties.
Conclusion
While the journey to finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease is fraught with challenges, there is reason for hope. Advances in early detection methods, personalized medicine, and experimental therapies offer glimmers of optimism for the future. By raising awareness, advocating for research funding, and fostering collaboration, we can inch closer to a world free from the grip of Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s disease casts a long shadow, touching the lives of millions worldwide. By shining a light on the complexities of Alzheimer’s and rallying together as a global community, we can empower those affected by the disease and strive towards a future where memories are preserved, minds are vibrant, and Alzheimer’s is but a distant memory.