The brain is one of the most important organs in the body. it acts to control the functioning of various organs in almost the entire body. But with age, along with other factors, the brain gradually deteriorates over time. and usage patterns and can be physically expressed in various forms
One of them is forgetfulness. the memory is not as good as before which is considered one of the outstanding features of “Alzheimer’s disease“ (Alzheimer’s disease), which is considered the most common cause of dementia in the elderly.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
It is a disease that has a decline in functioning. or brain structure with respect to age caused by a protein called beta-amyloid (beta-amyloid), which is the result of the waste Caused by the burning of cells, there is a sedimentation and binding with the brain cells. connective fibers of the brain including the stem cells of the brain resulting in damage and lead to death of brain cells causing dementia and atrophy and eventually loss of brain tissue
This disease is one of the groups ofdementia (Dementia) is the most common, accounting for 60%-80% of all people with dementia. Nowadays, more and more patients with Alzheimer’s disease are found due to the increased life span. and other factors
In Thailand, the exact number of cases has not been reported. But according to the Alzheimer’s Association, an American data collection, the number of people with Alzheimer’s disease is increasing every year, reaching 14 million by 2020. About 5% of the total population
Other causes of dementia include vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, frontotemporal lobar dementia, Parkinson’s disease dementia, and dementia multiplex.
immutable factors
- age in general After age 65, the risk of Alzheimer’s disease doubles every 5 years.
- Genetic, especially those with a family history of dementia
- Gene mutations of apolipoprotein E (Apo E), amyloid beta precursor protein (APP), presenilin 1 (PSEN1), and presenilin 2 (PSEN2), and Down syndrome cause early onset of Down’s disease Alzheimers.
- Gender: Females have a slightly higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease than males.
factors that occur later
is a contributor to Alzheimer’s disease by risk factor or the disease affects the blood vessels that feed the brain Causing more damage to brain tissue as follows
- Diabetes was found to have a 39% higher risk than non-diabetic people.
- hypertension The risk was found to be 61% higher.
- Obesity was found to be at a 60% higher risk.
- Smoking was found to have a 59% higher risk.
- do not exercise. The risk was found to be 82% higher.
environmental and other physical factors
- The education level found that there will be a 59% higher risk if the education level is low.
- Depression was found to be at a 90% higher risk.
- relationship with peers Lack of interaction with peers Lack of brain function in many areas and is also at risk for depression.
- Sleep Insufficient or poor quality sleep, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), restless legs syndrome, these diseases affect the repair of brain cells in the brain during deep sleep. and memory consolidation during shallow sleep
- have a history of traumatic brain injury causing damage to brain cells
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease In addition to memory problems this is an important and easily observed symptom. There are other symptoms that vary from patient to patient. in general These symptoms often affect normal daily life. and also socialization
- loss of short-term memory or information having forgetfulness that interferes with daily life forgetting things in places that shouldn’t be kept, such as leaving things behind and forgetting. Put your car keys in the fridge. I can’t remember the name of anyone I know. If the disease is more It can cause the loss of memories of the past.
- There was confusion about the date, time and place.
- Confusion in directions, such as forgetting the route you used to take on a regular basis
- Problems with communication, such as being unable to think of words. Inability to understand or communicate long messages
- Make worse decisions, slow down
- have analytical thinking Solving problems more difficult or worsened
- Lack of concentration to concentrate on what is being done.
- have difficulty working It is more difficult to complete tasks than usual.
- Mood changes, such as irritability, irritability, lack of control, depression
- Withdrawal from society, work, or activities you did or enjoyed
forgetful person Classified as having Alzheimer’s disease or not.
If you say that a person with forgetfulness is considered Alzheimer’s disease it may not be accurate enough. People with frequent forgetfulness can be caused by 2 cases:
- Forgetfulness from not remembering Does not store information in memory, such as being very busy with many things to do This trait is not considered amnesia.
- Forgetfulness caused by memory decline decreased ability to remember considered dementia often also have other symptoms in terms of memory
Dementia diagnosis
Diagnosis to determine the cause of dementia It is at the heart of treatment and detection of the cause. to treat the specific target of the disease and have a successful diagnosis of dementia can be made as follows:
- Take a story from the patient himself, those around him, or those close to him. observe behaviors and emotions
- Physical exam to look for neurological symptoms, such as weakness, abnormal movements
- Memory tests such as Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Cognitive Ability Test
- laboratory test brain imaging with computed tomography or electromagnetic waves To evaluate the condition of the brain, blood tests to look for risk factors, including sugar control, sugar accumulation, blood lipid levels thyroid function Vitamin B12 levels, syphilis or HIV tests, immune tests affecting the brain
- Emotional evaluation
- It controls genes such as apolipoprotein E4 (Apo E4), beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP), presenilin 1 (PSEN1), and presenilin 2 (PSEN2).
In addition, it is also necessary to detect or other physical diseases affecting memory and always provide treatment, including
- Low levels of mineral salts in the body such as sodium, calcium, magnesium
- Vitamin deficiencies in the body, including vitamin B1, B12, folate
- hypothyroidism or thyroid poisoning
- some infections in the body, such as syphilis, HIV, an autoimmune disease that affects the brain
- taking certain medications that affect memory Especially drugs that cause drowsiness, sleeping pills, some narcotic drugs such as amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, especially those with a history of using large quantities or continuously for a long time
At present, there is a health check in groups at risk of Alzheimer’s disease. To diagnose and treat quickly and accurately. helps relieve symptoms or slow disease progression
dementia prevention
- Reducing risk factors for diabetes high blood pressure hyperlipidemia If you have these conditions they should be kept at normal levels and controlled
- Get regular exercise and physical activity. Check your weight to be within the normal range.
- Eat nutritious foods, refrain from smoking, and avoid alcohol.
- Exercise your brain by doing your favorite leisure activities, such as reading, drawing, cooking and planting trees.
- Socialize and interact with those around you.
- Manage your emotions to be clear. Reduce anxiety, reduce sadness if you can’t do it yourself. It is advisable to consult a psychiatrist or psychotherapist. to better treat the symptoms
Alzheimer’s disease memory loss treatment
that Alzheimer’s disease At present, it cannot be completely cured. There is only one treatment that can help the patient’s symptoms relieve or prevent the condition from getting worse. Including having a better quality of life and being able to help yourself
- Focuses on the cause/comorbidity causing the disease. and provide health care in all dimensions as well as daily routine physical health care
- Find activities to boost your brain. stimulating activities
- Find a caregiver who understands the nature of the patient well. to properly cope with changing patient behavior
- Make a long-term treatment plan. Adjust the patient environment to be safe.
- Use brain stimulants
According to a research report, People with hereditary Alzheimer’s disease will be at high risk. But if you take care of your health it can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by 32% compared to those who lead an unhealthy lifestyle.
Another report confirmed that living in a highly polluted area will also increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease Both elderly women who always use their brains have high work potential (measured by the study period brain activity score tasks and physical activity) they only had a 21 percent increased risk of Alzheimer’s compared with those who rarely exercised their brains. will have a 113% increased risk of Alzheimer’s
Source: Samitive hospital
Read more
