Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common types of dementia affecting individuals living here in Anguilla. The disease can be challenging for those affected by it and for those caring for individuals with this chronic brain disorder.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is associated with a loss of mental ability associated with the gradual death of brain cells. The exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is unknown, although a number of things are thought to increase your risk of developing the condition. These include increasing age, a family history of the condition, previous severe head injuries and lifestyle factors and conditions associated with cardiovascular disease.
Alzheimer’s causes nerve cell death and tissue loss throughout the brain. As the disease gets worse, brain tissue shrinks and areas that contain cerebrospinal fluid become larger. The damage harms memory, speech and comprehension.
It is normal for people to become a bit forgetful as they age so it might be difficult to determine if one is developing Alzheimer’s disease in the early stages of the disease. There are some early warning signs to watch for and one must look out for them.
Warning signs for Alzheimer’s
Memory and Speech – In early Alzheimer’s, long-term memories usually remain intact while short-term memories become sketchy. Your loved one may forget conversations you had. She/he may repeat questions that were already answered. The disease also disrupts speech, so she/he might struggle to remember common words.
Behaviour – Alzheimer’s can cause confusion and behaviour changes. Your loved one may get lost in familiar places. Mood swings and lapses in judgment are also common, as is poor hygiene.
What to do if you notice these changes?
It is important to take your love one to see a doctor so that these signs and symptoms can be evaluated. It might not be Alzheimer’s but might be a treatable condition like thyroid disorder. The earlier the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is confirmed the better, as many treatments work best in the early stages of this condition.
How is Alzheimer’s diagnosed?
There is no simple test to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. A detailed clinical history is important. A mental status test, sometimes called a “mini-cog,” or other screening tests can measure the individual’s mental skills and short-term memory. Neurological exams and brain scans may be used to rule out other problems, like a stroke or tumour, and they can provide other information about the brain.
If you are worried about your memory, or think you may have dementia, it is a good idea to see your doctor. If you are worried about someone else, you should encourage him/her to make an appointment and perhaps suggest that you go along with him/her.
Prognosis
It is difficult to predict the progression of this debilitating disease. Alzheimer’s takes a different path in every person. Sometimes the symptoms get worse quickly and lead to severe memory loss and confusion within a few years. For other people the changes are gradual. It could take 20 years for the disease to run its course. Most people live 4 to 9 years after diagnosis.
Alzheimer’s disease is not usually the actual cause of death, but it is often a contributing factor. For example, a leading cause of death in people with Alzheimer’s disease is pneumonia (lung infection) which may go untreated because people with the condition often are not able to recognise that they are ill, or may not be able to tell someone they are feeling unwell.
Treatment
Unfortunately, at this time there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease and no way to slow the nerve damage it causes in the brain. There are medications that appear to help maintain mental skills and slow the disease’s effects. If your loved one gets treatment early on, he/she may be able to stay independent and do his/her daily tasks for a longer period of time.
Exercise and Alzheimer’s
Physical activity can help your loved one keep some muscle strength and coordination. It might also boost his/her mood and help him/her feel less anxious. It is important to discuss with the doctor about exercise, and learn which types of exercise are appropriate. Repetitive activities, like walking, gardening, or even folding laundry, may be the best at giving him/her a sense of calm.
Prevention
As the exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not clear, there is no known way to prevent the condition.
There is much research looking to see if this brain disorder can be prevented. We now know that there is a close association between uncontrolled diabetes and Alzheimer’s. Research in this area is ongoing, but diet and exercise appear to be important. Studies show that people who eat a Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables, fish and nuts and get plenty of physical activity, are the least likely to get Alzheimer’s disease.
Caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s
Caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s can be very challenging and often these individuals might need special training and help.
Many people with Alzheimer’s have trouble remembering names, even of people closest to them and this can be difficult to deal with. Eventually, your loved one may no longer recognize faces and may react as if family members are strangers. This can be distressing, especially for the main caregiver.
Conclusion
Alzheimer’s disease is a common type of dementia usually affecting individuals after the age of 65. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions. In Alzheimer’s disease, the brain cells degenerate and die causing a steady decline in memory and mental function. Current Alzheimer’s disease medications, and management strategies, may temporarily improve symptoms. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but supportive care can do a lot for individuals with the disease.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge MB BS DGO MRCOG, is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty-two years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
