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World Alzheimer's Day

By Dr. Shamsher Dwivedee in Neurosciences , Neurology

Oct 01 , 2024 | 5 min read

September 21st marks World Alzheimer's Day, an event that people across the globe take part in every year. This day helps people understand Alzheimer's disease and urges them to find out more about this condition, lend a hand to those dealing with it, and call for steps up in care and research.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behaviour. It is the most common cause of dementia, especially in older adults, but it is not a normal part of ageing. Over time, it worsens, making it difficult for those affected to carry out daily tasks.

Theme for 2024

World Alzheimer’s Day was established by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) to promote global action on dementia. The theme for 2024 is “Time to Act on Dementia, Time to Act on Alzheimer’s.” It urges governments, healthcare providers, and communities to prioritise early diagnosis, better treatment, and care for those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Importance of World Alzheimer’s Day

World Alzheimer's Day has a major impact on boosting awareness and cutting down on stigma linked to the disease. Making people aware of Alzheimer's symptoms and supporting caregivers helps us become a society that shows more understanding towards those dealing with it. It also calls for creating awareness of more research into the causes of Alzheimer's disease to find ways to prevent the same.

Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease progresses through several stages, including:

Early Stage: Memory loss is mild but noticeable. People may forget recently occurred events or familiar names.
Moderate Stage: In this stage, cognitive decline becomes more apparent. The patient may have problems with problem-solving, speaking, or carrying on with routine activities.
Advanced Stage: At this stage, patients can become unable to talk and may require full-time care since they are challenged in the basic functions of eating and walking.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease

Recognising the warning signs of Alzheimer's disease is helpful in its early detection. The common warning signs include:

Memory loss that disrupts daily life
Difficulty planning or solving problems
Confusion about time or place
Misplacing things and inability to trace back the steps
Mood and personality changes

Causes of Alzheimer's Disease

The causes of Alzheimer's disease are not known with complete certainty; however, it is generally believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. It involves abnormal protein buildup in the brain, in which the accumulation of these proteins causes damage to nerve cells, thereby affecting cognitive functions. While age is the highest risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, it is not solely age that contributes to the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

Risk Factors for Alzheimer's Disease

Several factors for developing Alzheimer's, as listed below:

Age: The risk increases sharply after the age of 65.
Family history: A higher chance if a parent or sibling had the disease.
Genetics: Specific genes can raise the risk.
Health issues: Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease may contribute to Alzheimer’s.
Lifestyle: A sedentary lifestyle, smoking, poor diet, Poor quality of sleep, lack of exercise and lack of socialising can also play a role.

Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease

Diagnosing Alzheimer's disease involves a process to evaluate cognitive function and eliminate other potential causes. Detecting the disease early on enables better care and management. The key steps in diagnosing Alzheimer's are as follows:

Reviewing Medical History: Doctors examine both personal and family medical histories, along with noting changes in behaviour, memory, and daily activities.
Physical and Neurological Exams: These assessments help identify signs of damage or other possible reasons for cognitive decline.
Mental Status and Cognitive Tests: Tests like the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) or Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) evaluate memory, attention, language, and problem-solving abilities.
Laboratory Tests: Blood tests may be done to exclude conditions such as vitamin deficiencies or thyroid issues that could contribute to memory problems.
Brain Imaging Techniques: MRI or CT scans provide insights into brain changes, like atrophy or abnormalities that might suggest Alzheimer's disease or other conditions.PET Scan of brain also plays an important role.

Complications of Alzheimer’s Disease

As Alzheimer’s progresses, it can lead to several complications, including:

Infections: The problem of difficulty swallowing will pave the way for lung infections.
Injuries: People fall more often as their balance and coordination get worse.
Malnutrition and dehydration: In the later stages, people might lose their appetite or find it hard to eat.

Treatment for Alzheimer's Disease

There's no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but treatments aim to manage symptoms and slow down how fast the disease gets worse. Medications may help manage problems with memory and behaviour, while therapies like cognitive training try to maintain daily functions. Support from caregivers also plays a vital role in improving the quality of life.

Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease

Although we cannot completely prevent Alzheimer’s, certain lifestyle changes can lower the risk. These include:

Staying active: Regular exercise improves brain health.
Diet: Healthy dietary patterns are those that are rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These food patterns reduce the risk.
Staying mentally active: Engaging oneself in activities that challenge the brain, such as puzzles, reading, and skill development.
Social networks: Make it a point to catch up with your loved ones and participate in group activities like attending religious services, hitting the gym, joining book clubs, or getting involved in community service.

When to Seek Medical Care?

If you or a family member are experiencing memory lapses, misunderstandings, or difficulties in performing routine tasks, it is crucial to consult a doctor. An early diagnosis can assist individuals in coping with symptoms and making future preparations.

Conclusion

Every year, World Alzheimer's Day serves as a reminder for both individuals and society to take action against dementia and Alzheimer's. By raising awareness and recognising symptoms, we can make a difference. While there is no cure for Alzheimer's, research and care are progressing towards helping those affected with the promise of better management and an improved quality of life.