What is Alzheimer’s disease and who does it affect? Alzheimer’s is the most common form of Dementia. As we get older, we have a tendency to forget things every now and then. When this begins to happen all the time we or our loved ones need to get checked up. But with Alzheimer’s the forgetting feeling is a very devastating condition. This leads to a decline in cognition and memory. So early symptoms of this disease usually include changes in memory like forgetting things and names at first and then it will progress.
At age 93 my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s before he passed away. I was very fortunate that my father’s symptoms were mild and were diagnosed early. Early detection is a key factor in all situations.
What Causes Alzheimer’s Disease?
The accumulation of abnormal proteins in the brain disrupts the normal functioning of the brain cells. The brain cells will die off, leading to the decline of cognitive functions. In the beginning, the disease is very mild; like being forgetful, mispronouncing words or names, and repeating sentences over and over again. Sometimes a person may know that they are coming down with Alzheimer’s and will try to hide the facts; especially if they live alone.
It is very important to constantly stay in communication with your elderly loved ones because this can be a very embarrassing situation. At some point in time, the person with this disease will lose the ability to communicate or recognize their loved ones. They may even forget how to care for themselves.
The Cure for Alzheimer’s Disease
At this time with all of the advancements in medicine, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. But researchers are making progress in treating the disease, there are many ongoing studies looking for new treatments and interventions. Treatment options aim to relieve symptoms, slow down the progression of the disease, and improve the individual’s overall well-being. Medications may be prescribed to manage memory and cognitive symptoms, while supportive care, including therapy and counseling, can provide emotional and practical support to patients and their families. Also, remember that early diagnosis and treatment can always help slow down the progression of this disease.
How can you Support Alzheimer’s Disease?
The best way to support Alzheimer’s is to donate to the various organizations that fund research into Alzheimer’s Disease, The Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, American Brain Foundation, and Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation just to name a few. These organizations and others also provide resources and support for people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Finally, the hope is that continued efforts will lead to breakthroughs in treatment and prevention, ultimately bringing relief to millions of people affected by Alzheimer’s disease worldwide.
Very important to remember that Alzheimer’s disease is a very complex condition and it affects each person differently.
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