Alzheimer’s is a disorder that has been identified as the leading cause of dementia. It is a progressive degenerative brain disease. That means it starts off slowly but progresses rapidly. Brain cells start dying and this leads to declining cognitive abilities and loss of memory and bodily functions. Forgetfulness, difficulty in completing and focusing on otherwise easy tasks, confusion, inability to make decisions, a decline in problem-solving skills, problem with language, social withdrawal and behavioural changes are some of the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. People often ignore these early signs considering them a normal part of ageing.
Despite extensive research, the exact cause of Alzheimer’s is unknown. However, genetics, old age and certain lifestyle disorders are considered to be risk factors for dementia. While genetics and ageing are beyond your control, there are a few things that you can do that can help with Alzheimer’s disease prevention.
Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
Our lifestyle today is fraught with both psychological and physical problems that can open the doors to more serious illnesses. Even the air we breathe in is responsible for a number of illnesses.
Here are a few ways you could be increasing the chances of the onset of Alzheimer’s:
Staying mentally and socially active is the most important thing to prevent alzheimer. There’s some evidence to suggest that rates of dementia are lower in people who remain mentally and socially active throughout their lives. It may be possible to reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia by: reading. learning foreign languages.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
1. Cardiovascular issues
Studies have found that cardiovascular disorders and factors leading to heart diseases such as high cholesterol levels or hardened arteries or hypertension are closely linked to Alzheimer’s.
Since cardiovascular diseases can become life-threatening, by managing/preventing such diseases, you can not only guarantee better heart health but also reduce the risk of being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
2. Diabetes
Just like heart disorders, elevated blood sugar levels have also been found to be a risk factor for Alzheimer’s. Diabetes causes changes in the brain’s chemistry that can slowly trigger dementia. Diabetes is also associated with Mild Cognitive Impairment or MCI which is characterized by problems of memory, speech and other cognitive issues. MCI can aggravate and progress to dementia if diabetes is not managed effectively.
New Alzheimer’s treatments may slow disease progression and reduce symptoms. They can help people stay independent and keep functional skills for longer than they’d be able to without treatment.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
3. Anxiety and depression
Arguably, the most common mental state for most humans today, anxiety, stress and depression. Some studies have found a connection between anxiety/depression and dementia. There is a lot of research that needs to be done but most doctors believe that clinical anxiety and depression can lead to many other psychological complications.
A Harvard University survey found that the onset of depression in one’s middle increases dementia risk by 80% and the development of depression later in life raises the risk by 70%.
In this context, it is important to state that mid-life or late-life loneliness, feelings of rejection and hopelessness can also be linked to dementia because these feelings trigger depression and anxiety.
4. Drinking too much alcohol
Drinking in excess (2 or more alcoholic drinks a day) can lead to brain damage, which may, in turn, trigger the onset of cognitive problems and Alzheimer’s.
However, moderate drinking is not linked to Alzheimer’s. Neither does it offer any protection against dementia.
5. Sedentary lifestyle
A lifestyle devoid of physical activities makes the onset of Alzheimer’s more likely. Obesity increases the chances of vascular dementia (dementia caused by interrupted blood flow to the brain). Exercise helps to lose weight and it also keeps other risk factors such as stress, hypertension and blood sugar levels in balance.
According to some studies, regular exercise can lower Alzheimer’s risk by as much as 30%.
6. Pollution
Rising levels of air pollution can cause brain atrophy that may eventually lead to Alzheimer’s.
Also Read: Benefits of Turkey Tail Mushroom: A Research-Supported Health Exploration
Following measures may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease:
Alzheimer’s is a very real threat. It impacts the quality of life, confidence and overall health of the patient and is also stressful to handle for the family members. Every one of us should be aware of the dangers that this disorder poses to ourselves and our loved ones. Do not ignore the early signs as early diagnosis and management can be very helpful in slowing the progression of this disease. Some studies show the positive impact of diet and lifestyle changes that can go a long way in Alzheimer’s prevention and you can start implementing them today!
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
To a layman, Alzheimer’s is a disease in which the patient suffering from Alzheimer’s slowly loses his/her memory. But in medical parlance, Alzheimer’s is a progressive mental deterioration, occurring mostly in old age. This happens because of the degeneration of neurons in some parts of the brain. It is a common cause of premature senility.
How does dementia typically present?
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and typically begins with memory loss for recent events and gradual decline in various cognitive abilities, ultimately leading to interference with activities of daily living over the years. In its early stages dementia can present with:
What is the significance of early diagnosis?
The degenerative processes behind Alzheimer’s disease begin 10 or even 20 years before symptoms become evident and the condition gets diagnosed. Hence, early diagnosis is of crucial importance in addressing the symptoms effectively. To know if one suffers or is prone to suffer from Alzheimer’s, it is advantageous to be able to obtain some accurate and early diagnosis when the cognitive symptoms start:
What is the recent research update on signs to predict the onset of Alzheimer’s?
In a recent study published in The American Journal of Psychiatry (Haridy et 2018), it was found that increasing symptoms of anxiety could be an early indicator of Alzheimer’s, thus allowing health professionals better targets for early interventions to treat the condition before it causes too much irreversible neurological damage.
Depression has often been a common denominator in the preclinical phase of those diagnosed later with dementia. When specific symptoms from the same were assessed in correlation with the cellular pathology of dementia, the researchers found a stronger association of the pathology (beta-amyloid levels in the brain) with the person’s preclinical state anxiety. However, this study did not comment upon its association with subsequent onset of Alzheimer’s disease, thus warranting further long-term study to ascertain such connection, if present. This research being in its preliminary stages also awaits application on pragmatic levels.
What is trait and state anxiety?
State anxiety describes the experience of unpleasant feelings when confronted with specific situations, demands or an object or event. Typically anxiety arises when the person makes a mental assessment of some threat. When the perceived threatening object or situation goes away, the person no longer experiences the anxiety, thus making it a temporary condition.
Like state anxiety, trait anxiety arises in response to a perceived threat, but it differs in its intensity, duration and the range of situations in which it occurs. Trait anxiety refers to the variation in people’s tendency to experience state anxiety in response to an anticipated threat. People with a high level of trait anxiety experience relatively more intense degrees of state anxiety and to a broader range of situations. Thus, trait anxiety describes a personality characteristic rather than a temporary feeling.
What is a ‘Catastrophic reaction’?
A catastrophic reaction is an excessive reaction by a person, to something that may seem otherwise inconsequential to others. Quite often, a person with dementia simply may not be feeling well or might be feeling rushed and confused during early-stage symptoms (when they notice/ experience their new-found inefficiency) or could be triggered by some distant memory or some complication in communication. It is important for caregivers and family members to be sensitive to the emotional needs of the ones suffering from this experience and respond to them with empathy, patience and reassurance.
What is the role of the caregivers?
In the early stage of Alzheimer’s, most people function independently. He or she may still drive, take part in social activities, volunteer and even continue to work. As a caregiver/partner, it is important to provide adequate support and companionship to the person and help him/her plan.
It is a new and unfamiliar role to play and might make one unsure of where to go for information or anxious about what to expect as the disease progresses and wonder whether one would be able to support the loved one living with dementia. In such cases, it is recommended to communicate with your nearest mental health facility or professional/s and seek medical guidance and support.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.