What is “Alzheimer’s Disease”?
Many people may have some things they “want to forget”
But believe that.. no one would “want to forget.. everything, everyone.. in life”
“Alzheimer’s” is a symptom of dementia
It is caused by the deterioration of brain function or brain tissue structure, which is common in the elderly. However, it is not a natural condition that every elderly person must have. Observing the behavior and symptoms of elderly family members for warning signs of “Alzheimer’s disease” can help ensure early treatment, which helps slow the progression of the disease.
“Alzheimer’s” is more than you think
People with Alzheimer’s disease will experience memory loss or confusion that gradually develops over many years. Each patient’s disease progression varies in speed, making it difficult to predict when symptoms will worsen.
Many people may mistakenly think that “Alzheimer’s disease” only causes forgetfulness. In reality, the severity of this disease may also cause behavioral or psychiatric symptoms.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease at different stages
Alzheimer’s disease can be divided into 3 stages as follows:
- Early stage
Symptoms in the early stage vary among patients but mostly start with forgetfulness, forgetting recent conversations or events, repetitive behaviors, frequently asking the same questions, inability to make simple decisions, hesitation to try new things, and frequent mood swings such as irritability, restlessness, and increased anxiety. - Middle stage
As the disease progresses, patients experience worsening memory problems, confusion, and loss of awareness of place, time, and people, such as getting lost or forgetting close or familiar people. Sleep problems like insomnia may occur. The severity of this stage may cause mood swings, depression, or hallucinations. - Late stage
This stage is marked by severe symptoms. Patients may require constant care and assistance with eating, moving, or using the bathroom. They may have difficulty swallowing or chewing, slower movements, or inability to walk independently. Incontinence may occur due to loss of bladder and bowel control. Patients lose the ability to perform daily activities and depend on others for simple tasks like feeding and bathing. They may experience hallucinations, seek attention, become aggressive, and gradually lose the ability to speak and communicate.
These signs… called “Alzheimer’s”
Although Alzheimer’s disease has no clear definitive signs, observing the symptoms of elderly loved ones is very important. If unusual signs or symptoms are noticed, they should be taken to see a specialist for proper diagnosis. Early treatment can help reduce the severity of the disease.
- Memory decline
Forgetfulness of recent events, forgetting names of acquaintances, or important appointments, which affects daily life. - Difficulty performing familiar tasks
Such as bathing, dressing, eating, or using the phone because of forgetting the steps involved. - Misplacing things
Putting things in inappropriate places or forgetting where items were placed, such as putting a phone in the refrigerator. - Confusion about time and place
Not knowing the date, season, or time; forgetting where they are or how to get to a place; often getting lost in familiar areas or wandering away from home without a destination, unable to find their way back; also forgetting the day or date of the week. - Communication problems
Due to reduced brain function, forming sentences and expressing thoughts becomes difficult. People with Alzheimer’s often forget words they want to say, stop mid-conversation, use incorrect words, repeat words or sentences, and misname objects. - Reduced or lost decision-making ability
For example, unable to decide what to do with themselves, neglecting grooming or bathing before important events, or wearing multiple thick layers of clothing on hot days. - Problems understanding visual images
Unable to read books or numbers, placing objects on tables but dropping them before reaching the table, difficulty judging distances, recognizing color differences, or seeing color changes, which affects driving ability and following traffic rules correctly. - Clear mood swings
Exhibiting unusual and more aggressive behavior, easily irritated, mood swings from happiness to crying without reason, feeling angry, confused, depressed, anxious, paranoid about people around them and family members. - Withdrawal and reluctance to meet people
Often isolating themselves from social surroundings, becoming introverted, avoiding friends, losing interest in hobbies they once enjoyed such as sports or social events, and spending excessive time watching TV or sleeping abnormally.
“Alzheimer’s”… can be delayed
Taking good care of yourself and choosing good things for your body will definitely benefit your brain. Importantly, it also reduces the risk of “Alzheimer’s disease”.
- Quit smoking
- Avoid alcoholic beverages
- Eat a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits
- Exercise regularly, at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week
- Monitor and control blood pressure
- If diabetic, control diet and medication regularly
- Engage in activities that stimulate thinking regularly
Research has found that people who regularly keep physically active, mentally engaged, and socially skilled, or who have diverse hobbies, reduce their chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Treatment… “Alzheimer’s”
Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but some medications can help relieve certain symptoms and slow disease progression to improve patients’ quality of life and help them maintain independence. These include acetylcholinesterase inhibitors to reduce the destruction of memory-related chemicals in the brain.
Additionally, patients need to change behaviors, pay more attention to health, and control other chronic conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
If a family member shows signs of “Alzheimer’s disease,” take them to see a doctor as soon as possible… We must closely care for our family members. “Don’t let the good memories disappear from the minds of your loved ones.”
Dr. Lalitpan Sudprasert
Neurology Specialist
Internal Medicine Center Phyathai Nawamin Hospital
