Health Tips

Forgetting your keys? Cannot remember the names of your loved ones?

Let’s take a step back together to revise what Alzheimer’s disease is. 

What is the difference between Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia ?

These symptoms of memory loss, decline in reasoning and thinking skills due to deterioration of brain function is known as an umbrella term known as dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, which accounts for up to 70% of all people with dementia.

Understanding Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder which causes memory loss and cognitive decline. It typically affects the elderly who are above 65 years old. 

The loss of connections between nerve cells (neurons) due to formation of abnormal clumps called plaques and tangles in the brain is known to be a major cause of this disease. Some of the factors that are associated with Alzheimer’s include  age, genetics, environment, lifestyle and coexisting medical conditions. 

To date, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Drug treatment can only slow down the disease progression rate and prevent worsening of symptoms. Some examples include cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine (an NMDA antagonist).

Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer’s disease may be hard to notice at first. It is usually characterized as initial forgetfulness that progresses over time to profound memory loss with other cognitive and behavioural changes. 10 early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s include:

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life

• Challenges in planning or solving problems

• Difficulty completing familiar tasks

• Confusion with time or place

• Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships

• New problems with words in speaking or writing

• Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps

• Decreased or poor judgement

• Withdrawal from work or social activities

• Changes in mood and personality

Make sure to consult a doctor early if you notice these changes in your partner or your loved ones.

How to Assist Alzheimer’s Disease with Lifestyle?

1. Physical exercise 

• Regular physical exercise reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease

• Exercise helps the brain cells by increasing blood and oxygen flow in the brain

2. Diet

• Eating habits that are healthy for heart

• Limiting intake of sugar and saturated fats

• Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. 

• Beneficial diets include Mediterranean diet and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet

3. Social connections and intellectual activity

• Strong social connections and being mentally active may help with Alzheimer’s

• It may help due to strengthening connections between nerve cells in brain via social and mental stimulation

4. Be careful of head trauma

• Head injury may cause cognitive decline in the future

• Protect your head by wearing a seatbelt and using a helmet during sports

Although research is not conclusive, these lifestyle changes can help to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease as well as leading a more healthy lifestyle. Happy World Alzheimer's Day 2021 and let us play our role by sharing these simple lifestyle changes to help Alzheimer’s!

References

1. Alzheimer’s Association. (2021). Can Alzheimer's Disease Be Prevented? Retrieved from https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/research_progress/prevention

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Written by

Ms. Neo Wan Bin