*हिंदी में पढ़ें: अल्ज़ाइमर (Alzheimer’s) रोग: कारण, लक्षण, चरण और इलाज
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurological condition responsible for the maximum cases of dementia across the globe. It is estimated that currently, 24 million individuals in the world suffer from Alzheimer’s. This accounts for 60-70% of the global burden of dementia.
AD gradually damages and destroys brain cells. Those with Alzheimer’s end up losing brain functions like memory, language, and others.
In this blog, we are going to shed light on the causes, symptoms, stages, and treatment options for Alzheimer’s. This knowledge is vital for patients, their family members, and healthcare workers.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
To put it simply, Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia brought about by the degeneration and death of cells in the brain. It leads to a progressive decline in memory and cognitive abilities.
Over time, this leads to disruption in routine tasks and changes in the behaviour and personality of patients. That is why those with AD often need full-time care.
What are the Causes of Alzheimer’s Disease?
While the precise reasons behind AD are still being studied, several factors are perceived to be responsible:
- Genetics and family history
- Advancing age
- Environmental reasons (e.g., long-term exposure to pollutants)
- Lifestyle (diet, exercise)
- Overall health and underlying conditions
- Traumatic brain injury
- Smoking
What are Alzheimer’s Disease Symptoms?
Alzheimer’s symptoms generally develop slowly and aggravate over time. Some of the early signs include:
- Memory loss that interferes with daily life
- Challenges with developing and following plans or working with numbers
- Finding it hard to complete familiar tasks (e.g. organising a grocery list)
- Losing track of the passage of time (seasons, dates, etc.)
- Difficulty maintaining balance and reading
- Difficulty in spatial perception and distinguishing colour or contrast
- Language issues (e.g. trouble getting the right words, or calling objects by the wrong names)
- Placing things in unusual places and the ability to trace them
- Decline in decision-making and hygiene
- Withdrawing from social activities and hobbies
- Altered mood and personality (anxiety, depression, suspicion, etc.)
What are Alzheimer’s Stages?
As AD advances, different regions of the brain and body may be affected in different ways. Here are the prominent stages of Alzheimer’s disease:
1. Preclinical Stage
- No clear symptoms, but changes are occurring in the brain
- May start years before any signs appear
- Typically detected only through advanced medical imaging or testing
2. Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
- Minor memory issues or trouble focusing
- No significant hurdle in daily life
- Patients may still be independent
Note: Though an early indicator, MCI may not necessarily be a predecessor to AD.
3. Mild Dementia
- By this stage, Alzheimer’s disease is usually diagnosed
- Symptoms become clear – noticeable memory loss, misplacing things, difficulty with planning and problem-solving, spatial relationships, confusion about time and place, and problem handling money or carrying on with daily tasks like driving and cooking
4. Moderate Dementia
- More pronounced symptoms
- Patients may forget the names of family members, experience language issues and reasoning challenges, and get lost in places known to them
- May require help with routine activities like eating, dressing, or using the washroom
5. Severe Dementia
- The most advanced stage – most functions are lost
- Inability to communicate effectively or look after themselves
- Patients may get bedridden, find it hard to swallow food
- 24X7 care may be essential
Note: May still have facial expressions and emotional connection
What is Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment?
Although Alzheimer’s disease is not curable, a comprehensive treatment approach can help manage symptoms and slow down progression, and better deal with the challenges posed by AD.
- Alzheimer’s Disease medication
- Regular physical activity
- Balanced diet
- Physical therapy
- Mental stimulation
- Socialising and emotional support
- Counselling by expert brain specialists
- Joining support groups
- Occupational therapy
When to See a Doctor
If you, a family member, or a friend experiences any memory issues or cognitive decline in any other form, it is critical to reach out to a neuro expert. Early diagnosis can help with better management and maintain the quality of life.
At Sohana Hospital, you can consult the best neurologists in Chandigarh. We are a leading neurology hospital in Chandigarh and offer specialised neuro care and support to those struggling with Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders.
Conclusion
Alzheimer’s disease is a complicated neurological ailment that affects millions across the world. Understanding the causes of AD, identifying its signs and symptoms, and accessing the right treatment can help individuals and their caretakers to better deal with the challenges that accompany the disease. While a cure does not exist as of now, ongoing research and a holistic care approach do offer hope for an enhanced quality of life for those affected, as well as their family and caregivers.
FAQs About Alzheimer’s Disease
1. What’s the difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia?
Dementia is a general umbrella term that refers to symptoms like memory loss and cognitive decline that cause disruption in daily life. Dementia encompasses several different types of neurological disorders, of which Alzheimer’s disease is one. It is to be noted that Alzheimer’s alone is responsible for 60-70% cases of dementia, affecting nearly 24 million individuals on a global level.
2. How does Alzheimer’s affect daily life?
Alzheimer’s may have a serious impact on daily activities. The disorder results in confusion, memory loss, inability to communicate effectively, maintain hygiene and perform simple tasks, decline in decision-making, etc. This makes a patient become dependent on others.
3. What is the onset age for Alzheimer’s?
While most individuals clinically diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease are often above 65, in some cases, signs may appear earlier. Early-onset Alzheimer’s, which develops in the age bracket of 30-60, is comparatively less common.
4. Is Alzheimer’s hereditary?
Research indicates that family history does put one at a higher risk of the disorder.
5. What are the risk factors for Alzheimer’s?
Advancing age (particularly after 65), a family history of dementia, specific genes, head injuries in the past, smoking, poor dietary habits, and health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure put one at a higher risk of AD. Environmental factors may also play a role.
6. How long do Alzheimer’s patients live?
It varies from person to person. Typically, most individuals with AD live 3-12 years after diagnosis. However, some may even survive for 15+ years with good support and medical care.
7. Is Alzheimer’s curable?
Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. However, early diagnosis followed by a comprehensive treatment approach can help manage symptoms, slow down the progression, and enhance quality of life.
8. How to avoid Alzheimer’s?
There is no sure-shot way to stay safe from Alzheimer’s disease. But you can lower the risk by staying physically and mentally active, consuming a balanced diet, quitting smoking, managing cholesterol, sugar and blood pressure, and proactively socialising.