The brain is one of the most important organs of the body. serves to control the functions of various organs almost all of the body But with age, along with other factors, the brain gradually deteriorates over time. and usage patterns and can manifest themselves in different ways
One of them is forgetfulness. Memory is not as good as before which is considered one of the outstanding characteristics of “Alzheimer’s disease“ (Alzheimer’s Disease) is considered the most common cause of dementia in the elderly.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
It is a disease with a decline in function. or the structure of the brain over age caused by a type of protein called beta-amyloid (beta-amyloid), which is the result of waste. caused by the metabolism of cells that precipitate and bind to brain cells connective fibers of the brain including the nanny cells of the brain result in damage and lead to the death of brain cells by causing the brain to deteriorate and atrophy and eventually loss of brain tissue
This disease is one of a group ofdementia (Dementia) is the most common, accounting for 60%-80% of all people with dementia. Nowadays, more and more people with Alzheimer’s disease are found due to their longevity. and other factors
In Thailand, there is no definite number of cases reported. But according to the Alzheimer’s Association, an American data collection, the number of people with Alzheimer’s disease is increasing every year and reaching 14 million by 2020. It accounts for regarding 5% of the total population.
Other causes of dementia include vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, frontotemporal lobar dementia, Parkinson’s disease dementia, and multiple dementia. common cause
Irreplaceable factors
- age in general Over the age of 65, every five years the risk of Alzheimer’s disease doubles.
- Genetics, especially those with a family history of dementia
- The mutated genes Apolipoprotein E (Apo E), Amyloid-beta Precursor Protein (APP), Presenilin 1 (PSEN1) and Presenilin 2 (PSEN2) and Down’s syndrome can cause symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease earlier than normal.
- Gender: Females were found to be slightly more at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease than males.
followingmath factors
It is a contributor to Alzheimer’s disease. by risk factors or the disease affects the blood vessels that supply the brain causing more damage to the brain tissue as follows:
- Diabetes was found to be at a 39% higher risk than those without diabetes.
- high blood pressure found to have a 61% higher risk
- Obesity was found to be a 60% higher risk.
- Smokers were found to be at a 59% higher risk.
- no exercise found that the risk was 82% higher.
environmental factors and other physical
- Education level, it was found that the risk was 59% higher if the level of education was low.
- Depression was found to be at a greater than 90% risk.
- relationship with people around Lack of interaction with those around you This causes a lack of brain function in many ways and is also a risk of depression as well.
- Sleep, inadequate or poor quality sleep, such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Restless Leg Syndrome, these disorders affect the repair of brain cells in the brain. during deep sleep and consolidation of memory during shallow sleep
- have a history of brain injury that damage brain cells
Alzheimer’s disease symptoms
Alzheimer’s disease symptoms besides memory problems that is a prominent symptom and easily observable There are also a variety of other symptoms that vary from patient to patient. in general These symptoms often affect normal daily living. and socializing as well
- short-term memory or information loss have forgetfulness that interferes with daily life Leaving things in places they shouldn’t be, such as leaving things behind and forgetting them. Put the car key in the refrigerator. Can’t remember the name of someone I know If the disease is more It can cause loss of memories of the past.
- There is confusion on the date, time and place.
- There is confusion in directions, such as forgetting the usual route.
- Problems in communication, such as unable to think of words Unable to understand or communicate long messages
- make worse decisions, slow down
- have analytical thinking Solving more difficult problems or make it worse
- Lack of concentration to focus on what you do
- have trouble working Completing tasks is harder than usual.
- Mood changes such as irritability, irritability, emotional instability, depression
- is isolated from society, work, or activities that have been done or enjoyed
forgetful person Is it classified as Alzheimer’s disease?
If you say that people with forgetfulness and forgetfulness considered Alzheimer’s disease may not be quite right People with frequent forgetfulness can be caused by two situations:
- There are symptoms of forgetfulness from not remembering. Does not store information into memory, such as being very busy, having many things to do. This feature is not considered an amnesia.
- have symptoms of forgetfulness caused by memory deterioration decreased memory ability considered to be an amnesiac which often have other symptoms in relation to memory
Diagnosis of dementia
Diagnostic tests to determine the cause of dementia It is the key to treating and detecting the cause. in order to achieve the targeted treatment specific disease and successful The diagnosis of dementia is as follows:
- Take a history from the patient himself, the people around him, or those close to him. to observe behavior and emotions
- Physical examination to look for neurological symptoms such as weakness, abnormal movements
- Memory tests such as Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Cognitive Ability Test
- laboratory examination brain diagnostic imaging with computed tomography or electromagnetic waves To assess the condition of the brain, blood tests to look for risk factors, such as sugar testing, sugar accumulation, blood lipid levels thyroid function Vitamin B12 levels, a test for syphilis or HIV, an immunosuppressive test that affects the brain.
- assess emotional state
- Gene tests such as Apolipoprotein E4 (Apo E4), Amyloid-beta Precursor Protein (APP), Presenilin 1 (PSEN1) and Presenilin 2 (PSEN2).
In addition, it is necessary to check for conditions or other physical diseases that affect memory and always providing treatment, including:
- Low levels of minerals in the body such as sodium, calcium, magnesium
- Vitamin deficiencies in the body include vitamin B1, B12, folic acid.
- hypothyroidism or thyroid poisoning
- Some infections in the body, such as syphilis, HIV, an autoimmune disorder that affects the brain.
- taking certain medications that affect memory Especially drugs that cause sleepiness, sleeping pills, certain drugs such as amphetamine, cocaine, cannabis, especially those who have a history of using large amounts or continuously for a long time.
Currently, there is a health check in the group at the beginning of Alzheimer’s disease. in order to diagnose and treat accurately and quickly help relieve symptoms or have a slower disease progression
prevention of dementia
- Reduce the risk factors of diabetes. high blood pressure hyperlipidemia If these conditions should be maintained within the normal range and controllable
- Exercising and moving regularly Control your weight to be within the normal range.
- Eat nutritious food, quit smoking, avoid drinking alcohol.
- Exercise your brain by doing favorite activities in your spare time such as reading, drawing, cooking, planting trees.
- Socialize, interact with people around you
- Manage your emotions Reduce anxiety. Reduce sadness. If you can’t do it yourself. Recommend seeing a psychiatrist or psychotherapist. to take better care of the symptoms
Treating Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease At present, it cannot be cured. There are only treatments that can help the patient’s condition to improve or to support it so that it doesn’t get worse. including a better quality of life and can help themselves
- Focus on the cause/common disease causing the disease. and provide health care in all dimensions both physical health care doing daily routine
- Find activities to boost your brain. thought provoking activities
- Find a caregiver who understands the nature of the patient with the disease. to deal with the changing behavior of the patient correctly
- long-term treatment plan Make the patient environment safe.
- use brain stimulants
One research report stated that People with inherited Alzheimer’s disease will be at high risk But if you take good care of your health They were able to reduce their risk of Alzheimer’s by 32% compared to those who lead unhealthy lifestyles.
Another report confirmed that living in highly polluted areas It increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease as well. Both older women who are always using their brains high work potential (measured by brain activity score duration of study job duties and physical activity) had only a 21% increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, unlike those who did not exercise their brains. will increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by 113%
Source: Samitivej Hospital
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