6 key facts everyone should know Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive form of dementia, which is described by a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and behaviour. Read on to know more about this progressive disorder-

Key facts you need to know about Alzheimer’s disease

1. Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic ongoing condition that causes brain cells to waste away and die.
2. Memory loss and confusions are the main symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Other signs of the disease include trouble with speech or writing, decreased personal hygiene, mood and personality changes, withdrawal from friends and family, etc. Since Alzheimer’s is a progressive disorder, symptoms gradually worsen over time.
3. Anyone can get Alzheimer’s, however, adults over 65 years of age and those with a family history of the condition are at higher risk of developing the condition.
4. It many be noted that Alzheimer’s and dementia are similar but not the same thing. Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia.
5. While there’s no one identifiable cause of Alzheimer’s, scientists believe that the disorder is caused by a combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors that affect the brain over time.
6. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease but proper medication and management strategies can help slow the progression of the disorder and temporarily improve the symptoms.

Similarly, there’s no definitive way to prevent Alzheimer's disease, but evidence suggests that changes in lifestyle, diet, and exercise and habits – all of which are essential for good health and well-being - may reduce the risk of the condition.

The neuro-psychiatric signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease may range from mild to severe and include the following:

• Agitation, aggression  
• Apathy
• Screaming, hostility, verbal/physical abuse
• Mood disturbances (e.g. depression, euphoria)
• Social inappropriateness
• Sexual dis-inhibition
• Wandering
• Sleep disturbance
• Repetitive behaviour
• Psychosis, paranoia - delusions & hallucinations
• Shadowing (following the carer closely)

What can you do as a caregiver for your loved one who is suffering from Alzheimer’s

These problems can cause a big challenge for the caregivers and those living with the sufferers, making even more difficulties than the memory problems. Dr Era also suggests some tips to help you out on your care-giving journey. 
Understand them: They may be losing out on their memory slowly but they have a lot of unmet needs which require fulfillment. Remember them how they were before the disease, their interests, needs.
Spend time with them: Understand that you can try to engage them in small activities. Play a game like ludo, carom or just watch a movie with them.
Don’t be hurt by their actions: If they are aggressive towards you, don’t get hurt. They are not doing it deliberately.
Make their environment safe: Include handrails wherever you can in the house to ensure that they don’t fall. A simple rail support while getting up from the bed and restroom goes a long way.
Maintain sleep hygiene: Knowing the fact that sleep is important at all stages, make sure that they nap less during the day and are taken outdoors. This will enable them to get a sound sleep at night.
Consult a Neuro-psychiatrist for short-term medication if the issues persist despite your care. This could be due to a chemical imbalance in the brain.

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