Admin 
Alzheimer’s disease, an insidious and slowly progressive disease that is irreversible, is commonly known as dementia. Alzheimer’s disease causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. These problems progress over time and can worsen to the point where they interfere with daily activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 50-80% of all dementia cases. While the vast majority of patients are over 65, Alzheimer’s disease is not considered a condition that results from aging. Only 5% of those affected are between the ages of 40 and 50.
Although the causes of Alzheimer’s disease are not known for certain, hereditary factors, protein accumulation in the brain, death of brain cells, disruption of neural transmission, advancing age, past depression, heart attack, vascular diseases such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, and serious head trauma are among the risk factors.
In order to protect yourself from Alzheimer’s disease, which can reduce the quality of life and have serious health consequences, it is necessary to pay attention to some brain-related warnings in daily life.
Forgetfulness that begins to affect daily life,
Having problems in planning and problem solving,
Difficulty in doing tasks that are known and done before,
Confusion about time and place,
Difficulties in understanding and relating images to each other,
Word-finding difficulties in speaking and writing
Misplacing items,
Having difficulty making decisions,
Moving away from social activities and obligations,
Personality changes are among the symptoms of the disease.
Patients with Alzheimer’s symptoms should consult a neurologist as soon as possible. Other causes of dementia should be investigated and treatment should be planned.
There is no known definitive cure for the disease. While treatment may not completely eliminate the disease, it can slow its progression and reduce the problems experienced. Various medications are used to improve the patient’s quality of life and cope with the resulting psychological problems. Proper nutrition and the use of certain supplements can support treatment.
Following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, there are rules that the patient and their family must follow. The diagnosis must be accepted, and the patient must be supported and encouraged in all activities. Daily activities, such as bathing, toileting, urinary and fecal control, eating, dressing, shopping, financial affairs, housework, meal preparation, and regular medication use, should be closely monitored. To-do items should be noted on a piece of paper. The same applies to locating belongings. Driving is dangerous for Alzheimer’s patients. Therefore, a driver should accompany the patient. The patient should not restrict their hobbies. They should continue doing what they did before. The more independent the patient can be in these areas, the better their quality of life will be.
