World Alzheimer’s Day – No time to lose!
by Srijana Nepal, Wellington Branch
September 21, 2008
 Dementia is a brain disorder that seriously affects a person’s ability to carry out daily activities. The most common form of dementia among older people is Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which initially involves the parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language.
The disease usually begins after age 60, and risk goes up with age. While younger people also may get AD, it is much less common. AD is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German doctor. In 1906, Dr. Alzheimer noticed changes in the brain tissue of a woman who had died of an unusual mental illness.
At this time, scientists do not yet know what causes Alzheimer's disease or how to stop its progression. Researchers have discovered that Alzheimer's disease:
- is not a part of normal aging
- affects both men and women
- is more common in people as they age -- most people with the disease are over 65
- is not caused by hardening of the arteries
- is not caused by stress
Alzheimer's disease may be caused by something within the body. It could be a slow virus, an imbalance of chemicals or a problem with the immune system.
Researchers today believe there is no single cause of AD. Instead, they believe it is caused by a combination of factors. Scientists are looking at three areas:
- Family history
- The external environment
- The internal environment
The Alzheimer Society has developed the following list of warning signs to look for:
- Memory loss that affects day-to-day function
- Difficulty performing familiar tasks
- Problems with language
- Disorientation of time and place
- Poor or decreased judgment
- Problems with abstract thinking
- Misplacing things
- Changes in mood and behavior
- Changes in personality
- Loss of initiative
Today the Alzheimer’s has become a global disease. Some facts and figures on where Alzheimer’s stands in the world:
- As many as 5.2 million peoplein the United States are living with Alzheimer’s.
- It is estimated that there are currently about 18 million people worldwide with Alzheimer’s disease. This figure is projected to nearly double by 2025 to 34 million. Much of this increase will be in the developing countries, and will be due to the ageing population.
The lower number of Alzheimer’s in the developing nations is attributed to:
- Limited awareness of dementia
- An assumption that dementia is a natural part of ageing
- Inadequate human and financial resources to meet care needs
The Alzheimer Society lists following myths about Alzheimer’s:
- Myth 1: Because someone in my family has Alzheimer's disease, I'm going to get it.
Reality: Although genetics play a role in the disease, only about seven per cent of cases are associated with genes that cause the early onset inherited familial form of the disease (FAD).
- Myth 2: Alzheimer's disease is only an old person's disease.
Reality: While age is the most significant known risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, most people do not develop the disease as they age. Moreover, even with the late onset form of the disease people have been diagnosed with it in their 40s and 50s. What’s most important to understand is that Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging.
- Myth 3: There is a cure for Alzheimer's disease.
Reality: At present there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are medications and other approaches that can successfully help with some of the symptoms and improve quality of life, for some people.
- Myth 4: Memory loss means Alzheimer's disease.
Reality: Many people have trouble with their memory, but that in itself does not mean they have Alzheimer's disease. When memory loss affects day-to-day function and is coupled with lack of judgment and reasoning, or changes in communication abilities, it's best to visit a doctor to determine the cause of the symptoms.
- Myth 5: Aluminum causes Alzheimer's disease.
Reality: Although there's been much research into the connection between aluminum and Alzheimer's disease, there's no conclusive evidence to show a link. The disease appears to develop when the combined effects of many risk factors, including age, genetics, lifestyle and environmental factors, overwhelm the natural capacity of the brain to deal with them.
- Myth 6: Alzheimer's disease is preventable.
Reality: There is no treatment that can prevent Alzheimer’s disease. There is, however, a growing amount of evidence that lifestyle choices that keep mind and body fit may help reduce the risk. These choices include being physically active; eating healthy foods including fresh fruits, vegetables and fish; keeping your brain challenged; reducing stress, keeping an eye on your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels; avoiding traumatic brain injury; and keeping socially active.
- Myth 7: Vitamins, supplements and memory boosters can prevent Alzheimer's disease.
Reality: Many studies have been done to test the effectiveness of products such as vitamins E, B, and C, gingko biloba, folate, and selenium in preventing Alzheimer’s disease. The findings are mixed and inconclusive. However, research in this area is ongoing.
- Myth 8: If I'm diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, my life is over.
Reality: Many people with the disease live meaningful, active lives. They have a sense of purpose and do not feel their lives are over. Earlier diagnosis and medications are helping. It is also important to provide appropriate surroundings, services, support and activities to people with the disease to help enrich their quality of life throughout the progression of the disease.
- Myth 9: All people who have Alzheimer's disease become violent and aggressive. Reality: Alzheimer's disease affects each person differently, and certainly not all become aggressive. For the person with Alzheimer's disease, the loss of memory and the resulting confusion is often frustrating or even frightening. By learning about the disease, adapting the person's surroundings and changing the way we communicate with the person, aggressive responses may be preventable.
- Myth 10: People with Alzheimer's disease cannot understand what is going on around them.
Reality: The disease does affect a person's ability to communicate and make sense of the world around them, although it affects each person differently. When we assume someone does not understand, feelings can be hurt unintentionally. The fact is a person with Alzheimer's disease is still the same person as before and needs to be treated with dignity and respect.
You can help to put an end to the myths:
- Get the facts
- Learn about the disease
- Generate awareness
- Organize an event or memory walk
- Treat people with the disease with respect
Barbara Bednarek, the Head of Reference Desk at the Wellington Branch Library, whose mother is suffering from Alzheimer’s shared some of her experience with us. She said, “Some Day care centers can be available free of cost if AD is in the beginning or medium stage. If it has reached to an advanced stage then they can be available for $50 per day.”
Another useful piece of information she shared was that the Alzheimer’s Association provided a bracelet for her mother which was really helpful in tracking her.
It is said during years of care-giving, families experience emotional, physical, and financial stresses. Bednarek who has been helping her father in looking after her mother shares a similar view. When asked if she had any suggestions for the people whose loved ones have Alzheimer’s she said, “Get tested because early diagnosis will help. Lookout for the symptoms.” For caregivers she had this to say: “Alzheimer’s takes a toll on care givers, too so ask for extra help from friends, family or support groups to keep you going.”
So, on this year’s World Alzheimer’s Day let’s ‘remember those who cannot remember’.
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