Alzheimer: An aging-related illness

Let’s start with the story of Anowara Begum. Anowara Begum, a 75 years old lady living with his son, daughter-in-law and grandson in Dhaka. In the days of Ramadan, she faced difficulties to remember if she was fasting or not? Also she often couldn't memorize how many Rakats she finished in the prayer. One day, she went for a jog in the park nearby and when she began to return home, she forgot the path to return home. Luckily, one of her neighbor saw her roaming in the streets and brought her back to home. So, basically Anowara Begum got Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain ailment that gradually impairs memory and thinking abilities. It is brought on by a breakdown of connections between brain neurons or nerve cells. It also destroys the capacity to do even the most basic neurological functions. The majority of people suffer from Alzheimer in their later life. It is an illness that leads to dementia.

Dementia, a term for memory loss and cognitive impairments severe enough to interfere with daily life, is most frequently caused by Alzheimer’s disease which is 70-80% of instances of dementia. Dementia sufferers have a steady loss in their mental, behavioral, and social skills, which impairs their capacity to carry out routine chores and activities on their own.  

As a progressive illness, over the course of many years, the symptoms of dementia gradually get worse. If Alzheimer’s disease develops in a person younger than 65, it is referred to as younger-onset Alzheimer’s and these patients might be in the early, medium, or late stages. Initially, Alzheimer’s disease causes modest memory loss, but by its latter stages, people are often unable to converse or react to their surroundings.

Alzheimer’s disease has an unknown specific cause. Damage to brain cells results from malfunctioning brain proteins. Breakdown of connections between brain cells causes the cells to progressively start dying. According to some views, a combination of environmental, lifestyle, and genetic factors are to blame. Fewer than 1% of people have specific genetic reasons. It has been discovered that memory storage is where brain degeneration begins. The following are some of the risk factors that can result in Alzheimer’s disease:

• Alzheimer’s disease is more prevalent in people over 65.
• Alzheimer’s illness affects more women than males.
• Dementia risk is increased in people with mild cognitive impairment, a condition that affects memory and other thinking abilities.
• Head injuries have been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease with age and with multiple head traumas. The first six months to two years following a brain injury are believed to carry the greatest risk.
• High air pollution can increase the process of nerve damage, which raises the rate of dementia.
• Insomnia increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Drinking too much alcohol may make you more likely to develop dementia at a young age.
• A comparable genetic condition or family history may potentially contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.
• Inactivity, obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type-2 diabetes are also major factors for dementia.

Symptoms:

 Early symptoms:

• Forgetting the date or time; picking the wrong thing
• Having trouble deciding what to do
• Fail to finish daily tasks on schedule
• Skipping social gatherings
• Speech difficulties

Moderate Symptoms:

• Angry without any cause
• Finding it difficult to identify friends and family
• Unable to learn and understand
• Having trouble to read and write

Serious symptoms:

• Weight loss
• Going through convulsions
• Skin ailments
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Diminished urination

In addition to memory loss, language impairment, poor judgment, and other cognitive abnormalities, Alzheimer's disease can result in other health issues like inability to communicate, discomfort, lack of ability to recognize signs of various illnesses. Also it has an impact on physical processes like balance, bowel and bladder control which leads to health problems such as inhaling liquid and food into lungs, repeated flu, infection, and lung disease episodes. As a result, head injuries and traumas, fractures, constipation, diarrhea, dehydration, malnutrition, mouth sores, tooth decay etc. occur frequently.

Well, there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease. But following these steps mentioned below can reduce the risk of developing the disease and slow its progression if someone already has it. These steps are:

·      Exercise regularly

·      Eat a healthy diet

·      Stay mentally active

·      Manage stress

·      Stay socially engaged

·      Get enough sleep

Although caring for someone who has Alzheimer's disease can be difficult and demanding. So, it is possible to give them the support and care they require with time, empathy, and careful planning. Here are some general pointers that may be useful:   

• Understand the illness: Learn more about Alzheimer's disease to gain a better understanding of its signs, course, and available treatments. This will assist in preparing for and overcoming the difficulties that come with providing care for a person with Alzheimer's.
•  Make sure the person with Alzheimer's is living in a secure and encouraging setting that reduces the danger of falls and accidents. To stop wandering, this may entail putting grab bars in place, taking out tripping hazards, and locking windows and doors.
• Create a routine: To make the person with Alzheimer's feel more at ease and secure, create a predictable daily routine. Regular mealtimes, exercise, and social activities might all fall under this category.
• Speak effectively: When speaking to someone who has Alzheimer's, use plain language and avoid utilizing abstract or complicated notions. Let children to express themselves in their own unique way, and exercise patience.
• Daily assistance: Assist the person with Alzheimer's with activities of daily living like bathing, clothing, and grooming. To make jobs more achievable, divide them into smaller steps, and as needed, gently urge them to complete them.
• Maintain contact: Encourage family and friends to stay in regular contact with the Alzheimer's patient by doing the same. Feelings of isolation and loneliness may be lessened as a result.

Keeping in mind that each person with Alzheimer's disease is unique. So, it is important to remember that what works for one person may not work for another. Be adaptable and flexible in approaching, and if one has any worries or inquiries regarding caring for someone with Alzheimer's, see a specialist.