What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a serious mental health issue that is characterized by gradual loss of memory, deterioration of the thinking process, a decline in organizing skills, and weakening of learning abilities. If it continues to progress, it can eventually lead to dementia. It causes a severe impact on an individual’s ability to carry out the most basic activities of daily life. People around 60 to 65 years are most vulnerable to it. Though this disease has no cure, it can certainly be managed with proper treatment and lifestyle changes.
A lot of times, the onset of this disease is hidden. Mostly, it starts developing at least 10 years before its first symptoms are revealed. In rare cases, some people may develop this disease quite early, when they are in their late 40s—also known as early onset Alzheimer’s, it’s not very common. However, its chances do exist.
What does Alzheimer’s disease mean in Urdu?
الزائمر یعنی بھولنے کی بیماری
How common is Alzheimer’s disease in Pakistan?
Alzheimer’s is quite common in Pakistan, more than what most of the people believe. According to the estimates, at least 180 to 200,000 people in Pakistan are affected by this mental health disorder. In the last few years, the number of cases has increased due to the aging population. The increased number of people within the age bar of 60 to 65 years and the unavailability of a highly nutritious diet are the two major causes of an increasing number of cases related to Alzheimer’s and Dementia in Pakistan.
What are the 7 Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is categorized by some specific signs, which unveil its presence in individuals. Here are the seven most common signs of Alzheimer’s:
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Memory Loss
Memory loss is the most common and distinguishing feature or sign of Alzheimer’s disease. The patient tends to forget recent happenings and occurrences. They can’t remember crucial dates, no matter how personal they may be. Alongside this, the person suffering from Alzheimer’s disease cannot process any information and has trouble retaining anything new.
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Difficulty With Using Language
Another significant sign of Alzheimer’s disease is difficulty with language. This happens even with the language the person has spoken for the entirety of his life. When this disease occurs, he cannot find the right words to complete the sentences. Reading and writing also become problematic. A lot of times, patients with Alzheimer’s disease are not able to work with numbers either.
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Disorientation
Disorientation is also a significant sign of Alzheimer’s disease. The patient suffering from it gets lost even in their most familiar places. He cannot figure out the spatial conditions of their living spaces or public areas. Leaving them outside of the house without help can lead to significant issues.
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Changes In Mood Or Personality:
This disease can modify the entire personality of the individual. As this problem augments, he can end up perplexed from being the most confident individual ever. He may become suspicious of things happening around him. Alongside this, there are great chances of Alzheimer’s suffering, developing anxiety and depression. Not being able to recall the most basic information can be a source of perpetual sadness and confusion for him.
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Unable to solve problems
A significant sign of the disease is the increasing inability of the person to make decisions and solve problems. He cannot concentrate on the facts to come up with a solution to a problem. Neither is it possible for him to make plans and carry them out. Managing finances and following instructions are extremely difficult for him.
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Social Withdrawal
As this mental health condition intensifies, people dealing with Alzheimer’s disease tend to withdraw themselves from all kinds of social activities. They start to avoid others and reduce their involvement in social activities. With time, they only find it comfortable to stay within the premises of their houses as it makes them feel safer and less confused.
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Sleep Disturbance
Sleep disturbance is also a sign of Alzheimer’s disease. Either the patient doesn’t sleep or ends up sleeping the whole day and staying awake the entire night.
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Delusions And Paranoia
As the thinking capacity of the Alzheimer’s patient deteriorates with time, he tends to be confused at all times. He starts suffering from delusions, which can lead to paranoia. Such a person is always suspicious of others and finds everyone against him.
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Impulsive Behaviour
Impulsiveness is a significant sign of Alzheimer’s disease. The sufferers are not able to reason correctly and think about the situations. This may get extreme sometimes when the patient showcases inappropriate behavior in public places.
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Repetition In Speech And Movements
Repetition is also a sign of Alzheimer’s. The patient repeatedly says and asks the same question without realizing it.
What is the leading cause of Alzheimer’s disease?
There are numerous causes of Alzheimer’s disease, and it is a culmination of various factors. First, the abnormal buildup of proteins in the brain that cover the brain cells is the primary reason behind the onset of this disease. Amyloid is a protein that forms plaques around brain cells, disrupting their function.
Many scientists believe that the little changes in the human body, especially those caused by stress, are the reason behind this disease. On top of them, genetic factors, environmental issues, and lifestyle can impact an individual and lead to the onset of this disease.
Stress is a significant contributing factor to Alzheimer’s. Unmanaged stress and anxiety can convert Alzheimer’s and Dementia, along with complimentary factors like the usage of drugs, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and mismanagement of chronic health problems, which include high blood pressure and diabetes.
What is it like for a person with Alzheimer’s?
It is relatively easier to manage when it starts. However, as it progresses, it might lead to confusion and augmented stress for the patient.
Memory lapse and inability to recall common vocabulary words can cause confusion and annoyance. Often, the sufferers find it difficult to respond appropriately in a social setting. They might overreact to something tiny or not react to something big. With time, the initial minimal memory loss turns into extensive memory loss. It also gets connected with varied cognitive difficulties.
The patients often wander lost, unable to decide where to go. They may repeat their questions or statements time and again without realizing it. Eventually, they might find it impossible to finish the day and perform regular tasks. Behaviour changes and personality transformations are typical of this disease.
What is the last stage of Alzheimer’s disease?
The last stage of Alzheimer’s is dementia. This is the stage where the human brain stops performing thoroughly. A lot of times, it translates into the inability of the patient to perform physical activities. Their physical capabilities are affected severely, making it impossible to communicate. It also involves failing to understand what someone is saying and not eating much.
Can Alzheimer’s be cured?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for it. However, there are specific treatments that can help manage its symptoms. There are some prescribed drugs approved by the health authority that are given to the patients to operate and improve the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Mood enhancers, anti-anxiety medicines, antidepressants, and antipsychotics are prescribed to patients to deal with specific symptoms. A healthy diet and an active lifestyle help manage this disease. Avoiding alcohol and other drugs Is also a part of the management of this disease.
What is the 5-word memory test?
The five-word memory test is a simple memory test that helps evaluate a person’s memory. Mainly, it is used on older adults who are vulnerable to Alzheimer’s. This involves giving just five words to the individual that he has to remember. After some time, he has to recall and retell. The inability to answer correctly decides the future course of action.
What is the Possible Treatment method for Alzheimer’s Disease in Pakistan?
The treatment method for Alzheimer’s disease in Pakistan mainly includes a combination of medication, a healthy diet that consists of the required nutrients, rehabilitation, and support systems. Though this disease is not cured, it can be treated, and symptoms can be managed. Talk therapy by psychologists helps patients talk their hearts out and express their emotions unhinged. Cognitive behavioral treatment aids with depression and anxiety. Cognitive rehabilitation therapy helps a lot in relearning lost skills!
How will SehatYab Be Helpful for Alzheimer’s Patients?
Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects old people. Those who have reached the age of 60 are victims of it. Commuting to a psychologist at this age is a challenging task. Sehatyab helps senior citizens deal with their symptoms of Alzheimer’s by bringing the best psychologists in Pakistan to their doorsteps. SehatYab is an online platform that offers virtual consultations with psychologists and psychiatrists. It is an excellent choice for Alzheimer’s patients as they can actively manage their symptoms through this platform.