Today is World Alzheimer’s Day
September 21 of every year is generally recognized by
individuals and organizations working on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) as World
Alzheimer’s Day. The idea is to create or raise awareness about this condition
which is the commonest cause of dementia worldwide.
So what is dementia? It is a chronic neurological condition
characterized by a progressive degeneration of certain brain cells leading to
gradual or rapid decline of cognitive, motor and behavioural functions such
that the individual eventually becomes unable to perform activities of daily
living. There is a breakdown of personality but not of personhood.
There is a pre-disease stage in the natural history of
dementia known as mild cognitive impairment when subtle difficulties and loss
of function exist in the individual but are not known to affect performance of
overall daily. This stage is often detected by careful neuropsychological
evaluation. It is only a matter of time before MCI progresses to overt
dementia.
Alzheimer’s disease is bound to become much commoner as
people live to older ages (due to better health care). Every 68 seconds,
someone develops AD. The cost to individuals, families and to nations can be
very tremendous in both material and non material terms.
It is incurable at present but for sufferers help can be
rendered in several forms using pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic strategies
to alleviate symptoms and maintain dignity and quality of life as much as
possible. It is a terminal condition but concentrated and targeted care in a
conducive environment can add many more significant and lovely years to the
patient, allowing time for end of life issues to be honorably accepted and
addressed.
As people get older, there can be the occasional
forgetfulness of age but for individuals with close relations as sufferers of
AD or you have strong concerns about your memory or functional capacities with
tasks, you may have a lot to gain by taking a simple screening test which
reliably can tell the physician that ‘’ something needs to be followed up’’.
There are several screening tests for AD but an experienced neurologist is your
best guide for reviewing such concerns.
Prevention?
There are measures that can starve off or reduce the chances
of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Maintaining a healthy life style is key.
Nutritious food consumption with lots of fruits, nuts and leafy vegetables,
good daily water intake 3L/day, regular physical exercise programme, appropriate
body weight, low alcohol consumption, no smoking, good control of blood
pressure/ blood sugar/ blood lipids, high educational attainment, brain tasking
activities and lots of mental exercises. Daily intake of some medications such
as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and anti-oxidants have been
shown in studies to also retard the risk of coming down with dementia.
Last word
Celebrate an AD patient today. Say a prayer, give support and
make a contribution to life!
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