HEALTH FILE
STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO REDUCE THE RISK OF THE DREADED A
The world population of patients with Alzheimer’s is expected to double every 20 years. Image credit: IITOON DEV on Unsplash.
By AAMINAH NAJMUS SAHAR
The number of Canadians with Alzheimer’s disease is expected to grow from 1 million in 2030 to 1.7 million in 2050. The world population of patients with Alzheimer’s is expected to double every 20 years, reaching 78 million in 2030 and 139 million in 2050. This increase in cases is due to the ageing population of the world and the increase in comorbid diseases such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, depression, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, etc.
Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that causes the brain to shrink and brain cells to die. It slowly destroys memory, thinking, behaviour, and social skills, so much so that the person does not remember basic tasks like showering, dressing, etc.
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include memory loss, forgetting events, personal history, recent conversations and appointments, inability to learn new things, confusion, getting lost and misplacing things, mood and behavioral changes, etc.
It is the most common form of dementia.
Alzheimer’s is caused by abnormal build-up of protein in and around brain cells. This may be due to a combination of age-related changes in the brain along with genetic, health, and lifestyle factors.
The number of patients with Alzheimer’s disease has exponentially increased in recent times.
Older adults aged 65 years and above are at increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
The risk of Alzheimer’s disease is higher in women – about 65% of Alzheimer’s patients are women. In the US and Canada the risk of Alzheimer’s disease is higher in the African American and Hispanic populations when compared to the White population.
The risk of Alzheimer’s increases if a parent/sibling has or had the disease in the past.
About 60% of Alzheimer’s cases in patients over 65 years of age remain undiagnosed, this increases the complications of the disease leading to severity.
The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is based on the patient/close family members’ ability to notice the symptoms in the patient and report to the health care provider at the earliest. In addition, memory and thinking skills tests, physical and neurological examinations, blood tests, and imaging tests are used to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment for Alzheimer’s disease includes symptomatic treatment and newer medicines that prevent the decline of brain activity. Several new drugs are in trials for Alzheimer’s disease.
In addition to this, making adjustments for easy living of Alzheimer’s patients is crucial. This includes auto payment of bills, having a primary caregiver to support the patient in everyday tasks like dressing, showering, timely administration of medications, nutrition, etc., installing sturdy handrails for support, alarms for doors, and medical ID/tracking devices for the patient.
Prevention of Alzheimer’s disease in older adults aged 60 and above is a high priority. This is done by proper management of comorbid conditions. Reducing alcohol consumption and avoiding smoking in all of its forms (e-cigarettes, hookah, vapes, etc.) is important. Maintaining an active lifestyle with time spent outdoors doing physical activity, and a healthy and balanced diet has numerous benefits.
Brain exercises improve the brain’s cognitive ability and neuroplasticity, preventing the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. These include jigsaw puzzles, sudoku, crossword puzzles, card games, colouring, using the non-dominant hand for daily tasks, learning new skills and languages, exercise and meditation, reading books, and travelling to new places.
Though there may not be a definitive cure for Alzheimer’s disease, many lifestyle changes, diet changes and exercises can improve the neuroplasticity of the brain and thus improve the quality and length of life.
Please consult your family physician before following any of the suggested remedies above.
Aaminah Najmus Sahar is a medical writer and reviewer with a Pharm.D. In her blog Medscetera, she posts about healthcare topics. She is passionate about helping people make informed health choices.