Understanding Alzheimers disease
Sep 21, 2017, 12:00:00 AM
Alzheimer’s Disease is a degenerative disease of the brain that’s characterised by loss of memory, difficulties in thinking, communication, intellectual activities and behavioural changes. This a progressive condition wherein the brain cells and cell connections die, destroying one’s memory and other crucial mental functions. Usually seen in people above 65 years of age, estimates say that there are about 2 Lakh people in Kerala who suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease (AD).
Early symptoms of AD include short –term memory loss or difficulty in remembering recent events (for example: the person he/she met last or what one had for breakfast etc.). This is called short-term memory loss as memories of older events are intact. This condition is often overlooked and dismissed saying “it’s an inevitable part of old age”.
This progresses across time and manifests as other symptoms like difficulty in finding words while talking, getting lost in familiar places, losing track of time, difficulty in decision making, managing finances (like calculating) and performing multistep tasks. Gradual mood and behavioural changes like irritability, sadness, anxiety, mood swings, withdrawal, aggression, change in sleep habits, disinhibited behaviours and lack of control over bladder/ bowel control also set in. These symptoms are usually the reason for psychiatric consultation. The patient can show symptoms like aimless wandering, shouting and find it difficult to perform daily chores, as the disease progresses.
Up to 70% of risk of AD is genetic. Past history of head injuries, psychiatric illnesses like depression and lifestyle diseases like hypertension can also increase the risk of AD. A good lifestyle and awareness can help in early detection, prevention and effective management of the condition.
If you happen to notice any of the above symptoms in a family member, friend or colleague, make sure you seek immediate help. There is no single or specific test for diagnosing Alzheimer’s dementia. The tests that are usually performed (like blood tests, brain scans, assessment of memory and other psychological functions) are to rule our other causes of dementia.
There’s no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease. However, certain medications can manage symptoms, slow down the disease progression and alleviate suffering, for both of the patient and the caregivers. Behavioural problems associated with this condition can be controlled efficiently with psychiatric medications. Since patients with AD have less amount of acetylcholine in their brains, medicines that increase this chemical help in controlling the associated symptoms. A progressive disease with multiple symptoms, patients with AD require to be monitored regularly by a Neurologist.
Alzheimer’s Disease not only affects the patient, but also his/ her family, as taking care of someone with a degenerative brain disease isn’t an easy task. Symptoms of AD including behavioural disorders can worsen with time, causing severe distress to the caregivers. This can even affect their health and lead to issues like anxiety and depression. Hence it is extremely important to ensure that the caregivers are taken care of too, by providing all support required to cope up the difficulties and stay healthy.
Related Articles
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
Sep 23, 2019, 5:58:00 AM
Scoliosis In Children: How Corrective Surgery Can Transform Lives
Jun 25, 2018, 6:00:00 AM
Epilepsy: The Reality
Feb 9, 2018, 5:30:00 AM
9 Ways To Prevent Neck Pain
Oct 17, 2017, 12:30:00 PM
Key Hole Spine Surgery: Making Spine Surgery Easier
Jul 28, 2017, 12:00:00 PM
Understanding Carotid Endarterectomy
Jun 13, 2017, 12:00:00 PM
Are You Sleeping Well?
Feb 21, 2017, 10:00:00 AM
How does ‘bad’ cholesterol affect brain function?
Sep 6, 2016, 10:30:00 AM
Neck Pain: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Feb 25, 2015, 9:21:00 AM
All You Need To Know About Cervical Spondylosis
Feb 18, 2015, 9:30:00 PM
Lower back pain: Causes and Symptoms
Dec 19, 2014, 6:43:00 AM
Other Articles
Know All About Endometriosis
Mar 10, 2021, 6:30:00 AM
The way we think of cancer: what needs to change?
Feb 5, 2021, 7:51:00 AM
Pregnancy in COVID times: When you’re expecting during a pandemic
Jan 13, 2021, 9:16:00 AM
Working Women’s mental health in a ‘new normal’ of COVID era
Dec 7, 2020, 4:52:00 AM
WFH And Healthy Snacking – What Healthy Snacking Looks Like
Dec 4, 2020, 10:34:00 AM
Skin Care in Middle Aged Women
Nov 30, 2020, 4:13:00 AM
Skin care in adolescent girls and young ladies
Nov 27, 2020, 4:13:00 AM
Skin Care for Elderly Women
Nov 23, 2020, 4:30:00 AM
Psychological problems faced by men of different ages and ways to deal with them
Nov 20, 2020, 4:15:00 AM
Managing Thyroid Health with Key Nutrients
Nov 16, 2020, 4:15:00 AM
Healthy Summer Treats for Kids: They will actually demand for more of these
Nov 13, 2020, 4:36:00 AM
Covid-19 and Diabetes: Expert tips and diet plan
Nov 9, 2020, 5:00:00 AM
Cancer Care During Covid-19
Nov 7, 2020, 9:30:00 AM
Best stretching exercises to stay fit at home
Nov 4, 2020, 1:01:00 PM
Osteoporosis-Silent thief-BeAware
Oct 15, 2020, 11:21:00 AM
DO YOU HAVE A MIGRAINE HEADACHE & CAN IT CAUSE DIZZINESS:-
Jul 22, 2020, 6:41:00 AM
Lifestyle Choices : Understanding dilemmas of working women
Jun 16, 2020, 4:09:00 AM
What is limb reconstruction ?
May 25, 2020, 8:52:00 AM
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE AN ABNORMAL FOETAL ECHO?
May 25, 2020, 8:51:00 AM
NON-SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF CONGENITAL HEART DISEASES
May 25, 2020, 8:47:00 AM
How to take care of your health amidst COVID 19 pandemic
May 25, 2020, 8:43:00 AM
ABDOMINOPLASTY
Oct 14, 2019, 4:08:00 AM
GYNECOMASTIA
Oct 2, 2019, 4:04:00 AM
Congenital Heart Disease (CHD): What You Should Know
Sep 27, 2019, 6:51:00 AM
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
Sep 23, 2019, 5:58:00 AM
Cosmetic Surgeries After Weight loss
Sep 18, 2019, 4:10:00 AM
High Blood Pressure and Your Health
May 20, 2019, 8:30:00 AM
Glucose Meters are Your Ally
Jul 11, 2018, 6:30:00 PM
Chemical Peel: Discover Radiant, Youthful Skin
Jun 26, 2018, 6:30:00 AM
Scoliosis In Children: How Corrective Surgery Can Transform Lives
Jun 25, 2018, 6:00:00 AM
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): A Growing Epidemic in Kerala
Jun 12, 2018, 6:00:00 AM
NIPAH VIRUS INFECTION: BE INFORMED, BE SAFE
May 25, 2018, 6:00:00 AM
World Health Day 2018
Apr 6, 2018, 6:00:00 AM
Understanding Autism Helps Early Detection
Mar 29, 2018, 5:30:00 AM
Have The Right Amount Of Carbohydrates And Fats To Keep Your Heart Healthy
Mar 20, 2018, 5:30:00 AM
Cancer In The Elderly: Adopting A Holistic Approach
Mar 14, 2018, 5:30:00 AM
Women And Kidney Diseases
Mar 7, 2018, 5:30:00 AM
PCOS IN ADOLESCENTS : AN ENIGMA
Feb 15, 2018, 5:30:00 AM
Epilepsy: The Reality
Feb 9, 2018, 5:30:00 AM
Cancer- no more a crab!
Feb 2, 2018, 5:30:00 AM
Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Helping People With Lung Diseases Live An Active Life
Jan 17, 2018, 3:00:00 PM
Obesity In Indians
Nov 24, 2017, 2:00:00 PM
Diabetes- What We Should Know?
Nov 14, 2017, 2:00:00 PM
Pneumonia: What You Should Know?
Nov 11, 2017, 1:30:00 PM
9 Ways To Prevent Neck Pain
Oct 17, 2017, 12:30:00 PM
The Simple Step To Good Health
Oct 12, 2017, 12:30:00 PM
Angioplasty for Chronic Total Occlusions (CTOs)
Sep 29, 2017, 12:10:00 PM
TAKE A MINUTE, CHANGE A LIFE – SUICIDE PREVENTION AND YOU
Sep 9, 2017, 12:00:00 PM
Polycystic Ovarian Disease
Aug 30, 2017, 12:00:00 PM
Cancer Of The Cervix And How To Prevent It
Aug 19, 2017, 12:00:00 PM
Key Hole Spine Surgery: Making Spine Surgery Easier
Jul 28, 2017, 12:00:00 PM
Vitiligo: What You Should Know
Jun 29, 2017, 12:00:00 PM
Kidney Transplantation - A Second Chance At Life
Jun 27, 2017, 12:00:00 PM
Dialysis: A Life Sustaining Treatment For End Stage Kidney Failure Patients
Jun 19, 2017, 12:00:00 AM
Understanding Carotid Endarterectomy
Jun 13, 2017, 12:00:00 PM
Laparoscopic Surgery: What To Expect
Jun 2, 2017, 12:00:00 PM
Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery
Jun 1, 2017, 12:00:00 PM
Back Pain In Children: Never Ignore The Problem
May 31, 2017, 12:00:00 PM
The Diabetic Foot: A Surgical Perspective
May 30, 2017, 12:00:00 PM
Chronic Kidney Disease: The Silent Killer
Apr 20, 2017, 12:00:00 PM
Laser Surgery: The Effective Way To Treat Prostate Enlargement
Apr 19, 2017, 12:00:00 PM
Male Infertility: What You Should Know
Apr 5, 2017, 11:30:00 AM
Prostate Cancer: Ten Facts You Should Know
Apr 4, 2017, 11:30:00 AM
Walking on metal knees
Feb 22, 2017, 10:30:00 AM
Are You Sleeping Well?
Feb 21, 2017, 10:00:00 AM
Complex Coronary Angioplasty
Feb 20, 2017, 10:30:00 AM
Good Mental Health: An Overview
Feb 15, 2017, 10:30:00 AM
How does ‘bad’ cholesterol affect brain function?
Sep 6, 2016, 10:30:00 AM
Some Types of Blood Pressure Medications
Sep 6, 2016, 10:00:00 AM
IBD: Do you know the signs and symptoms?
May 31, 2016, 10:00:00 AM
Colorectal Cancer: What You Should Know
May 26, 2016, 10:00:00 AM
Healthy tips for your heart’s sake
Mar 17, 2016, 10:12:00 AM
Adding years to life after a coronary artery bypass surgery
Mar 10, 2016, 10:09:00 AM
What you need to know about osteoarthritis
Mar 4, 2016, 10:00:00 AM
Tetanus : what you should know
Mar 25, 2015, 10:00:00 AM
Stomach Cancer : Be Informed
Mar 19, 2015, 10:00:00 AM
Depression : Overcome it!
Mar 17, 2015, 10:00:00 AM
Smile healthy
Mar 11, 2015, 10:00:00 AM
Chicken Pox : How to manage the infection
Mar 9, 2015, 9:30:00 AM
Gastric Ulceration - Causes, Risk Factors and Symptoms
Mar 2, 2015, 9:30:00 AM
Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments
Feb 26, 2015, 9:30:00 PM
Neck Pain: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Feb 25, 2015, 9:21:00 AM
PET/CT Scan: A New World of Diagnosing and Treating Patients
Feb 23, 2015, 9:30:00 PM
All You Need To Know About Cervical Spondylosis
Feb 18, 2015, 9:30:00 PM
Why do Panic Attacks Happen?
Feb 17, 2015, 6:30:00 PM
Malnutrition : facts you should know
Feb 12, 2015, 6:30:00 PM
Advanced medical linear accelerators help fight cancer faster, smarter and with precision
Feb 4, 2015, 6:30:00 PM
February 4: World Cancer Day
Feb 3, 2015, 9:00:00 PM
Breast Cancer: Symptoms, Causes and Risk Factors
Feb 2, 2015, 8:51:00 AM
Bells Palsy: Symptoms, Causes and Risk Factors
Jan 26, 2015, 6:30:00 PM
Changing The Experience Of Surgery
Jan 23, 2015, 8:34:00 AM
Tuberculosis: Causes, Symptoms and Prevention
Jan 21, 2015, 8:31:00 AM
Health Tips for Pregnant Women
Jan 16, 2015, 7:34:00 AM
Tips to tackle burns instantly and minimize scarring
Jan 12, 2015, 7:27:00 AM
Dengue : Stay Protected
Jan 7, 2015, 6:47:00 AM
Rabies: Causes, Symptoms and Protection
Jan 5, 2015, 6:46:00 AM
Dyslexia Guide for Parents and Teachers
Dec 30, 2014, 6:45:00 AM
Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Signs, Triggers and Remedies
Dec 22, 2014, 6:44:00 AM
Lower back pain: Causes and Symptoms
Dec 19, 2014, 6:43:00 AM
Bronchitis: Symptoms, Causes and Precautions
Dec 16, 2014, 6:41:00 AM
How To Deal With Allergies
Dec 11, 2014, 6:40:00 AM
Does Prolonged Cold Indicate A Sinus Infection?
Dec 5, 2014, 6:30:00 AM
What to expect from a Knee Replacement Treatment?
Dec 3, 2014, 6:29:00 AM
World AIDS Day - December 1
Dec 1, 2014, 6:28:00 AM
Malaria – Symptoms, Causes and Facts
Nov 27, 2014, 6:27:00 AM
Keep your home germ-free
Nov 25, 2014, 6:26:00 AM
Tackling Dandruff
Nov 19, 2014, 6:24:00 AM
Tips to stay healthy during winters
Nov 17, 2014, 6:22:00 AM
Healthy living and Diabetes
Nov 14, 2014, 6:20:00 AM
Breast-feeding reduces the risk of diabetes in children
Nov 12, 2014, 6:19:00 AM
Schizophrenia : Symptoms, Causes and Myths
Nov 10, 2014, 6:18:00 AM
Asthma : Causes, Symptoms & Self-Help Tips
Nov 4, 2014, 6:17:00 AM
Vaccination : keep your child healthy
Oct 31, 2014, 5:58:00 AM
Take care - children tend to swallow dangerous objects!
Oct 28, 2014, 5:39:00 AM
5 signs of ear infection in children
Oct 25, 2014, 5:38:00 AM
Celebrate a healthy and safe Diwali!
Oct 22, 2014, 5:36:00 AM
October 20 : World Osteoporosis Day
Oct 20, 2014, 5:35:00 AM
How to avoid feeling sleepy in the afternoon.
Oct 17, 2014, 5:05:00 AM
A great day begins with a healthy breakfast
Oct 15, 2014, 5:04:00 AM
World Arthritis Day: Get a free check-up* at Aster Medcity
Oct 11, 2014, 6:30:00 PM
Understanding ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
Oct 10, 2014, 11:11:00 AM
Protect your hair against sun damage
Oct 7, 2014, 11:03:00 AM
Migraine – Symptoms, Triggers and Treatment
Oct 1, 2014, 11:02:00 AM
Call Aster Heartline: Start caring for your heart
Sep 29, 2014, 11:01:00 AM
Only you can take care of yourself.
Sep 24, 2014, 11:00:00 AM
Are demands of modern life making women unhealthier?
Sep 22, 2014, 10:59:00 AM
Kidney Stones Causes and Remedies
Sep 19, 2014, 10:51:00 AM
Hepatitis A and B – Symptoms, Transmission and Prevention
Sep 17, 2014, 10:50:00 AM
Sweet fact: Chocolates are good for you.
Sep 15, 2014, 10:49:00 AM
Too strict on your kids? They can become obese!
Sep 10, 2014, 10:48:00 AM
Are you a diabetic? Make sure you don't fall prey to these 7 problems.
Sep 8, 2014, 6:41:00 AM
7 Fertility Myths Couples Need to Stop Believing
Sep 5, 2014, 6:40:00 AM
May your eyes live on.
Aug 27, 2014, 6:39:00 AM
10 myths on eye donation: let’s see the reality!
Aug 8, 2014, 6:38:00 AM