Every September, World Alzheimer’s Month is observed as part of a global campaign to raise awareness of the disease and challenge the stigma surrounding it and other forms of dementia.
Alzheimer’s is a neurological condition marked by memory loss and personality changes often severe enough to impact the daily life of the person with the disease. It is a severe form of dementia and about 70% of patients who have dementia will develop it.
While memory loss is one of the main and first signs of the disease, other signs include a person becoming lost in a familiar place or repeating themselves. It can then graduate into not being able to do common tasks, things like even using a remote control.
While there is currently no cure for the disease, there have been several recent developments in treatment in the last five years.
Alzheimer’s in particular, the condition is due to abnormal protein in the brain, according to Dr. Eme Igbokwe, a neurologist for Med Center Health and Graves Gilbert Clinic. There are principally two proteins. One is called amyloid, the second one is called a Tau protein. So these proteins are found to accumulate in the brain, and this protein leads to the brain cells dying.
Instead, many of the newer drugs focus on a different way to fight the disease.
Dr. Igbokwe said the newer drugs, which are mostly antibodies that target amyloid and tau proteins, are actually what we call disease-modifying drugs. They can hurt the progression of the disease, and that’s the exciting development we have in Alzheimer’s dementia at the moment.
One of the other things often associated with brain diseases such as dementia or Alzheimer’s is sundowners, a condition that can worsen a person’s symptoms towards the end of the day.
They get more confused, they get more disoriented. So it’s a feature of actually moderate to severe dementia. When they start having those they are actually in a later stage of dementia. They get confused and sometimes may even get aggressive.
One of the ways a family member of those who are diagnosed with the disease can help is by ensuring that the person with it stays active.
Dr. Igbokwe said physical activity can enhance a person’s cognition and exercise increases blood flow to the brain. Certain diets may be helpful. Diets that are rich in antioxidants may also help with the disease process. This will include things like vegetables, nuts, berries, fruits.
He added that apart from helping and taking care of their loved ones, family members and friends should also take the time to care for themselves.
“Sometimes they get overburdened and they get burnt out by just caring for these people. They should also find some support groups and not be shy in letting people know that they are overwhelmed,” Dr. Igbokwe said.
For more information about Alzheimer’s or to find a support group near you, click here.
World Alzheimer’s Month began in 2012 as an extension of World Alzheimer’s Day, which takes place on September 21.
Source: WBKO
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