Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the loss of memory. Accompanied by the loss of memory is the effect on cognitive abilities. It has serious ramifications on the learning and thinking capabilities and, in numerous instances, can even lead to dementia. Its cure doesn’t exist at the moment but there are various ways to treat it.
Let’s discuss Alzheimer’s disease in detail, the major symptoms associated with it, and the treatment options available for Pakistani students.
Decoding Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease is often associated with the regular memory loss that occurs with age. However, this is not the case, as Alzheimer’s is drastic and worsens within a short span. It primarily affects people who have reached age 65 (and this is why it is confused with the natural memory loss of old age).
As it progresses, it leads to dementia. Dementia is connected with the loss of cognitive functioning. The person suffering from it can’t think clearly, remember things, or even find reason in their daily activities. Eventually, his behavioral abilities get severely affected, leading to making it impossible for him to live an everyday life. It may start mildly and then may get worse with time, so much so that there comes a time when the sufferer is solely dependent on the caretaker for even the most basic and necessary activities of the day.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
Here are the most significant alzheimers disease symptoms:
-
Loss of Memory
This is the first and primary symptom of Alzheimer’s. The patient starts to lose memory and cannot remember the essential information. Initially, it’s mild. However, with time, it progresses and becomes aggressive. At times, it gets so severe that the patient may forget to respond to the people talking to him. As it is very minor in the initial stages, it usually stays undiagnosed and is only noticed when things go out of control.
-
Delay In Decision Making
As this disease progresses, it gets tricky for the sufferer to make decisions. Here, we are not talking about important decisions. Instead, even the most essential choices of daily life appear like a tough job for patients dealing with Alzheimer’s.
-
Behaviour Change
Now, this is a prominent symptom. The inability to remember the most basic information of daily life and not being able to find any clue regarding it despite trying hard can irritate anyone! With time, this irritation leads to behavior change. The patients tend to get anxious and annoyed when their memory gets lost. Hence, the behavior change is significant.
-
Affecting The Motor Skills
Alzheimer’s affects the most basic motor skills that help a person perform daily activities. For instance, people cannot walk, sit, or lie down correctly when the disease progresses. Sometimes, maintaining balance while walking and using some physical items gets tough.
Stages of Alzheimer’s
There are six stages of Alzheimer and the symptoms get severe with every next stage of this disease. The first one is the Preclinical Stage which is unrecognizable and doesn’t even showcase any kind of symptom as such. The next two stages are Mild Cognitive Impairment and Mild Alzheimer’s which include minor memory issues and noticeable loss of memory respectively. Stage four is moderate Alzheimers which is categorized by sleeplessness, change in behavior, and extensive memory loss. The last two stages are severe.
At its severe stage, a complete loss of memory characterizes Alzheimer’s, inability to register the environment in the brain, inability to communicate with people (even spouse and children), and a total dependency on the caregiver for even the most basic tasks of the day.
Cause of Alzheimer’s
One of the leading causes of Alzheimer’s disease is the excessive buildup of specific proteins in the brain that prevent it from performing its essential functions. These two proteins are called amyloid and tau proteins, and they suffocate the brain cells. Eventually, the brain cells start to die, making it almost impossible for the brain to be active and working as usual.
Treatment in Pakistan
As discussed earlier, Alzheimer’s doesn’t have any cure. However, various treatments can help a patient manage this disease efficiently. In Pakistan, owing to the limited awareness and resources, not a lot of people are aware of this mental health issue. It is time to spread awareness and encourage people to seek treatment.
-
Through Medication
Alzheimer’s can be treated through medication in the initial stages. Medication has been proven beneficial for patients with the early stages of Alzheimer’s.
-
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Psychologists offer extensive cognitive behavioral therapy to patients as a potent Alzheimer’s disease treatment. When the patients are consistent, they can defeat the symptoms of this disease victoriously.
Final Thoughts
Alzheimer’s disease is a tricky mental health issue and should be diagnosed as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help a patient manage the symptoms efficiently. When the treatment starts at the initial stage, the chances of it turning into dementia are reduced.
SehatYab has brought together the best online psychologists and psychiatrists in Pakistan on its platform and provides easy and cost-effective consultancy services to people who don’t have access to psychologists. People residing in far-flung areas of Pakistan who have no opportunity to meet a psychologist and get a treatment plan for their patients can efficiently get therapies from online psychologists at SehatYab.