One day still has 24 hours as usual, but why nowadays everything has to be rushed? When rushing, forgetfulness occurs even though not that old yet. When forgetful, friends say “You must have Alzheimer’s for sure”, which is not true!… Because actually Alzheimer’s disease has many other symptoms, and there are many other diseases with similar symptoms.
1. What exactly is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a condition caused by the slow degeneration of the brain, affecting memory, language use, thinking, and behavior. As it progresses, it impacts daily living to the point where one cannot perform routine activities such as bathing, brushing teeth, and toileting. In severe cases, constant care is required.
2. Is Alzheimer’s dementia a normal condition in the elderly?
No… Alzheimer’s disease results from abnormalities in brain cells, not just the forgetfulness common in older adults. Not all elderly people have Alzheimer’s. The accumulation of certain substances in the brain impairs neurotransmission between brain cells. Initially, abnormalities occur in the memory area of the brain, then spread to other parts, causing the death of those nerve cells. When any brain part degenerates or dies, it affects the body’s control systems governed by that brain area.
3. At what age does Alzheimer’s usually begin?
Most patients start showing symptoms at age 65 or older. However, before symptoms appear, brain abnormalities often exist for some time but develop gradually. In some cases, brain abnormalities may have been present for over 10 years before symptoms manifest.
4. What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease?
In the early stage, patients can still perform daily activities independently but begin to show memory problems, such as frequently forgetting recent conversations or actions. They often repeat themselves and ask the same questions repeatedly. They may start calling objects by the wrong name but still know their purpose, for example, not calling a “car” correctly but knowing it is used for transportation. They become confused about directions and make wrong decisions about where to go. Later, patients have impaired self-care, neglect themselves, cannot perform daily routines, and increasingly forget recent events, such as whether they have eaten. Language errors increase, calling people by wrong names, experiencing hallucinations. In the final stage, patients move less or become bedridden, intelligence and memory severely decline, often indifferent and unresponsive, unable to recognize close people, and may not remember their own name. They may exhibit severe emotional behaviors, throw objects, have mood swings, requiring 24-hour care.
5. What should I do if I suspect a relative has Alzheimer’s?
If an elderly relative shows forgetfulness, they should be taken to see a doctor to check for Alzheimer’s disease. The doctor will ask about symptoms, test memory, problem-solving skills, calculation, and language use. If necessary, a brain MRI scan will be ordered.
6. Are forgetfulness, boredom, and slowness symptoms of Alzheimer’s?
Not necessarily. These could be symptoms of other diseases. A specialist doctor can determine whether it is Alzheimer’s or other similar conditions such as thyroid disease, chronic stroke, brain tumors, depression, or side effects of certain medications. In some cases, additional blood tests may be needed for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
7. If a parent has Alzheimer’s, will their child have a chance of getting it?
Medical evidence shows that if a parent has Alzheimer’s, their child has up to a 50 percent chance of developing the disease. One factor is the APOE gene, which is inherited genetically. However, patients in this group usually develop symptoms at a younger age, between 30-60 years old.
8. Can Alzheimer’s disease be cured?
Currently, there is no cure or medication that completely heals Alzheimer’s. Medications can help maintain cognitive abilities and control some behaviors for 2-3 months up to 2-3 years. Doctors may also prescribe other drugs to manage symptoms such as sleep problems, depression, aggression, and paranoia. Care from family members is an important factor in maintaining the patient’s quality of life and slowing disease progression.
9. Should treatment start early?
Alzheimer’s patients should receive care from the early stage because, besides medication helping to maintain or prolong cognitive abilities for some time, cooperation among doctors, nurses, and family members benefits life planning, overall health care, and may help with financial or legal planning related to the patient. In the early stage, patients are still mentally alert, can prepare and understand their condition, and cooperate well with treatment.
For more information
Phyathai Call Center 1772