Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. It is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly damages memory, thinking skills, and, eventually, the ability to carry out everyday tasks. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases.

Anyone can get Alzheimer’s, but certain people are at higher risk, like those 65 and older and with people with a family history of the disease. In most cases, people with Alzheimer’s get diagnosed after age 65, but if diagnosed before age 65, that is referred to as early-onset Alzheimer’s. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but treatments can slow the disease’s progression.

We want to help raise awareness of the warning signs, educate on how to reduce risk, and share helpful tips for caregivers.

Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s symptoms come on gradually, and the effects on the brain are progressive, causing a slow decline. We know memory often changes as people grow older. But memory loss that disrupts daily life is not typical for aging. Friends and family are usually the first to see changes in a loved one’s memory, behavior, or ability. At the same time, others notice changes in themselves before anyone else. If you notice one or more warning signs, it’s time to see a neurologist. Early diagnosis can allow you and your loved ones to seek treatment and plan for the future.

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work, or at leisure
4. Confusion with time or place
5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relations
6. New problems with words in speaking or writing
7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
8. Decreased or poor judgment
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities
10. Changes in mood and personality

Alzheimer’s can be found in the early stages, which is why awareness is so important. If you or someone you know is experiencing memory or thinking problems, sharing these concerns with a neurologist is best. Effective communication with a specialist is essential when seeking a memory loss diagnosis. Be sure to ask questions, be prepared to answer questions, and be as honest as possible.

How to Love Your Brain

The general rule is what’s good for the heart is good for the brain, so both should be well looked after. A balanced diet and regular physical and mental exercise will do the trick! Much of what’s needed are simple activities you can include in your daily life. Remember, there is always time to make any changes. Below are five ways you can help reduce your risk of developing dementia:

1. Look after your heart. Smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of a stroke or a heart attack, contributing to dementia development later. These problems can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices and should be treated effectively in the event they occur.
2. Be physically active. Physical activity and exercise are powerful preventive medicines that help control your blood pressure and weight and reduce the risk of type II diabetes and some forms of cancer. There is also some evidence to suggest that some kinds of physical activity can reduce the risk of developing dementia. The good news is that getting active is proven to make us feel good and is a great activity to do with friends and family.
3. Follow a healthy diet. Food is fuel for both the brain and the body. We can help both function properly by eating a balanced diet. Some evidence suggests that a Mediterranean-type diet, rich in whole grains, fruits, fish, legumes, and vegetables, can help reduce the risk of dementia. While on the other hand, eating foods high in saturated fat, sugar, and salt is associated with a higher risk of heart disease and is best avoided.
4. Challenge your brain. Challenging the brain with new activities can help build new brain neurons and strengthen their connections. This may counter the harmful effects of Alzheimer’s and other dementia pathologies. By challenging your brain, you can learn some great new things. How about learning a new language or taking up a new hobby?
5. Enjoy social activities. Social activities may benefit brain health by stimulating our brain reserves and reducing our risk of dementia and depression. Try and make time for friends and family. You can even combine your activities with physical and mental exercise through sports or other hobbies.

Tips for Dementia Caregivers

Millions of people living in the U.S. take care of a friend or family member with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Sometimes caregivers live with the person or nearby; others live far away. But for many families, caring for a person with dementia isn’t just one person’s job but the role of many people who share tasks and responsibilities. People with these diseases need more help with simple, everyday tasks, including bathing, grooming, and dressing. Here are a few tips to consider early on and as the disease progresses:

• Try to keep a routine, such as bathing, dressing, and eating at the same time each day.
• Help the person write to-do lists, appointments, and events in a notebook or calendar.
• Plan activities that the person enjoys and try to do them at the same time each day.
• Consider a system or reminders for helping those who must take medications regularly.
• When dressing or bathing, allow the person to do as much as possible.
• Buy loose-fitting, comfortable, easy-to-use clothing, such as clothes with elastic waistbands, fabric fasteners, or large zipper pulls instead of shoelaces, buttons, or buckles.
• Use a sturdy shower chair to support someone who is unsteady and to prevent falls. Shower chairs can be purchased at drug stores and medical supply stores.
• Be gentle and respectful. Tell the person what you are going to do, step by step, while you help them bathe or get dressed.
• Serve meals in a consistent, familiar place and give the person enough time to eat.

CapitalCare Neurology, located at the 2125 River Road Health Park in Niskayuna, specializes in nerves and the nervous system and treats Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Dr. Naseer Chowdhrey and his team of advanced practitioners care for patients five years and older. They have a state-of-the-art, on-site neurology laboratory facility and offer in-office tests such as EMG/nerve conduction studies, EEG and ambulatory EEGs, and more. Visit CapitalCare Neurology’s website to learn more about the practice and providers. If you want to schedule an appointment, call (518) 381-1800.

Source
www.alz.org
www.cdc.gov
www.alzheimers.gov