Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive illness that involves a deterioration of memory and other important mental functions [1]. It is a common form of dementia where a person’s understanding and judgment decline. An estimated 5.3 million people above the age of 60 have dementia in India as per a 2020 report and this number is projected to exceed 14 million by the year 2050 [2]. This equals to about 1 in every 27 people.
There are various disease types of dementia out of which Alzheimer’s is most common. There is no cure for this disease, nor are there any proven ways for its prevention. Alzheimer’s disease treatment focuses on managing and supporting the symptoms to maximize your ability to carry out daily tasks so that you can remain independent for as long as possible. This disease can ultimately prove to be fatal. Read on to understand the important factors related to Alzheimer’s disease.
Additional Read: Dementia: Types, Symptoms and Risk Factors
In this disease, brain cells start to lose connection with each other, deteriorate and eventually die. Such changes are associated with the build-up of abnormal proteins that form tangles and plaques around the brain cells. A combination of genetic risk, lifestyle, and environmental factors triggers the abnormal biological process in the brain, which over decades results in the dementia type known as Alzheimer’s.
There are a lot of changes that occur with this disease that affect the areas of your brain that control language, memory and thought process. This results in a gradual onset of symptoms and signs related to your mental function and behavior. Physical functions like bladder and bowel control are also affected.
These symptoms develop gradually and the time between onset of the disease and death can range from five to twenty years. The types of behavioral changes that take place vary from individual to individual. Symptoms commonly experienced during the early stages of this disease are
The changes brought about by this disease can be challenging for friends and family members to deal with as the condition makes their loved ones unstable and lose their independence. Although your loved ones may lose many abilities as the disease progresses, help them to focus on the abilities that they don’t lose like hearing, sense of touch, and being able to respond to emotions. These abilities can help them through the process.
Steps involved in reaching the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s are
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease; symptoms can be managed by way of treatment. This includes
There are medications available to help control the Alzheimer’s disease signs and symptoms, but they should be taken under guidance of your doctor.
Additional Read: Stroke in Brain
Alzheimer’s is a hard-hitting reality but it is not the end of things. Be aware of the services required by people suffering from Alzheimer’s to help them live a better life. You can book doctor consultation online on Bajaj Finserv Health to get answers about Alzheimer’s and other age-related health conditions from experts. You can also browse the Aarogya Care Plans to look for health insurance schemes that are suitable for you and your family members. In this time and age, it is always better to be prepared and secure with regards to healthcare.
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