Dementia, Alzheimer’s disease is a condition that is almost impossible to prevent or control from occurring. Currently, it is increasingly found in younger individuals, although it typically occurs in people aged 65 and older. The risk doubles every 5 years as age increases, making those aged 80 and above at a significantly higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
Causes of Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease
This type of dementia is caused by a decrease in the substance “acetylcholine” or substances related to memory and learning. This leads to patients losing their memory, forgetting things they once knew, and having difficulty learning or remembering new information.
Alzheimer’s… Although incurable, the disease can be slowed if detected early
Fortunately, although there is no cure for dementia “Alzheimer’s,” the progression of the disease can be slowed to prevent rapid deterioration through various methods, including the use of medication that helps balance neurotransmitters in the brain. The drugs work by inhibiting “acetylcholinesterase” (AChE), which reduces the breakdown of “acetylcholine,” an organic chemical neurotransmitter produced by brain cells. Maintaining acetylcholine levels within a normal range allows patients to live more independently in daily activities, thereby improving their quality of life.
Besides medication, engaging patients in activities that stimulate the brain, such as playing brain-training games, helps the brain learn new things. The more the brain is used, the stronger it becomes. This also improves the patient’s mood and relieves stress by doing enjoyable activities.
Equally important is early symptom observation. Early detection allows patients or those at risk to receive advice and guidance on self-care, as well as appropriate medical treatment. Family members will also better understand and be ready to assist the patient, which helps extend or slow down brain degeneration effectively.
Who should undergo screening?
Those who should undergo dementia and Alzheimer’s screening are “those at risk” and “those who are beginning to show symptoms.”
Who are considered at risk?
- Elderly people, especially those aged 65 and above
- Individuals with direct family members diagnosed with this disease
- People with Down’s syndrome, as they often have abnormalities in the accumulation of certain proteins involved in Alzheimer’s disease
- Those with a history of head injuries
- People with heart or cerebrovascular diseases
- Individuals who are overweight or obese
- Those who rarely exercise
- People who regularly smoke or consume alcohol
- Those with high blood pressure or high blood cholesterol
Who are those beginning to show symptoms?
Most people who begin to show symptoms are often unaware because the symptoms gradually worsen slowly over time. Those close to elderly individuals should carefully observe if there are any changes in behavior or personality. If 5 or more of the following symptoms are present, they should be taken to see a doctor for screening immediately.
- Frequently asking the same questions repeatedly because they forget they have already discussed those topics
- Increasing forgetfulness, poor short-term memory, forgetting recent events, misplacing items or putting them in inappropriate places, and blaming others for hiding them
- Forgetting to perform necessary tasks until reminded
- Forgetting appointments or important dates they used to remember every year, such as birthdays, wedding anniversaries, or special holidays
- Depression, lack of cheerfulness, crying more often than before
- Confusion with calculations or money management, increasing difficulty handling finances
- Lack of interest in activities or hobbies they once enjoyed, reduced social interaction
- Needing assistance with daily activities, such as requiring help with eating
- Irritability, apathy, indifference, frequent mood swings, anxiety, suspicion, experiencing hallucinations such as seeing or hearing things, believing in things they never believed before, or believing in impossible things
- Problems with direction or navigation, frequently getting lost while driving, forgetting routes, driving dangerously, or stopping driving altogether
- Difficulty choosing words to speak, forgetting names of people or objects, incomplete sentences
Memory problems caused by dementia or Alzheimer’s disease make daily life difficult. Therefore, do not ignore these signs. If you are at risk or begin to notice abnormalities in yourself or elderly family members, early medical consultation will facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment, which is a crucial factor in improving patient symptoms.