Munira Fidai looks into the severe threats attached to Alzheimer’s disease
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. For those who are not aware of the details, Alzheimer’s is a chronic disease, that involves loss, damage or death of neurons in the brain, that starts very gradually but gets worse over time. While the fatal disease is partial to women, a significant percentage of men are also at risk. Out of all cases of dementia, between 60-70% of the cases are thanks (or no thanks) to Alzheimer’s. Unfortunately, the disease will, without a doubt, kill you.
Although it is unpleasant to go into the details of such a morose ailment, it is, for the same reason, extremely important to know about Alzheimer’s and do everything in our power to help those who are suffering. It is imperative even more so, because once Alzheimer’s hits you, it cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed.
One of the earliest symptoms of Alzheimer’s is short term memory loss. Over time, one may get lost or directionally challenged, lose linguistic ease, get easily demotivated and undergo erratic mood swings and behavioural issues. All this is, of course, before they gradually start withdrawing from society and even family. In the final stages of Alzheimer’s, the brain starts to forget how to conduct simple bodily functions such as losing control of the bladder and eventually resulting in death. Since the symptoms so closely resemble natural old age, it is usually too late before patients and their families realise that what they are dealing with is far more complicated and deadly. Life expectancy of an Alzheimer’s patient after diagnosis of the disease is 9 years (if they are lucky) and 3 years if the condition aggravates further
Unfortunately, causes of Alzheimer’s are yet to be properly identified. Here’s what we do know: About 70% of the disease can be blamed on genetics. Unfortunately, this includes a lot of different genes. If your family has a history of depression or hypertension, you could be at risk. If you have dealt with a head injury at some point, you could be at risk.
Mental and physical fitness and a strict avoidance of obesity may somewhat decrease the risk of AD. There is low evidence to support this claim but it wouldn’t hurt to try!
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. Victims of the Alzheimer’s disease tend to lean on their caregivers for support. This month is to stand with all those who suffer and all those who care for the victims. This fresh hell might still be waiting for a medical breakthrough but those blessed with strong mental health need not wait. Raise awareness. Support. Empathise.