ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

It is a chronic Neurodegenerative disease, starting slowly but gets worse over time. It is the leading cause of dementia. 

Onset – It usually effects people of age group 60 to 65, but incidence of early onset has been reported in around 5 to 10 percent people younger than 60, even people of age group 30-40 has been reported with Alzheimer’s.

Here’s what primarily happens in Alzheimer’s Disease- 

• Memory loss- Forgetting dates, events, recent discussions, activities, latest information and sometimes recalling them later,

• Patient may even forget their own family members and friends,

• Changes in mood, mood swings are frequent, difficulty in concentrating,

• Difficulty in solving trivial daily issues or problems, decision making or any regular task which they usually did with ease,

• Difficulty when it comes to handling numbers,

• Patient may at times are confused or forget where they are and what time has passed,

• Difficulty in recognizing the colors,

• Difficulty with language, proper usage of words, speech problems.

Management – 

Medications are available but their benefits are minimal. Progress of this disease cannot be halted or stopped.

The patient has to ultimately depend completely on caregiver.

Prevention – 

“There are certain diseases which are like calamities and can affect our life at any time. Some situations are extremely helpless but at least we can do some efforts which can help in preventing them”

There is no definitive proof to it but certain studies link following factors to delayed onset of symptoms 

• Leading a healthy lifestyle,

• Healthy diet (inclusive of fresh fruits and vegetables),

• Leading a mentally active life, indulging in good reading, hobbies, mind games, solving puzzles, crosswords etc,

• Giving up sedentary life, undertaking some form of physical activity like aerobics, yoga etc,

• Staying away from solitude or depressive environment,

• Having an active social interaction.

“Life is beautiful music, it is a wonderful harmony let us all live our lives well with happiness, sharing and caring before the rhythm gets lost or notes go haywire”

(Image – Here)