21 September is World Alzheimer's Day. It is a day when we talk particularly loudly about the need for awareness, prevention and support. It is also a time to pause and understand how we can help those affected by the disease.
What is Alzheimer's disease?
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia in the world. Currently, approximately 55 million people suffer from it, and forecasts predict that by 2050 this number could reach 160 million.
The main symptom is difficulty with memory, especially recalling recent events. Up to a certain point in the course of the disease, people with the condition can remember events from many years ago perfectly well, but they have trouble recalling whether they ate and what they ate for breakfast, whether they took their morning medication, or where they were yesterday.
Over time, problems with spatial orientation (getting lost in familiar places even in one's own home), planning activities, and, in the late stage, with performing basic self-care activities such as eating, drinking, or communicating, also appear.
Who is most affected by the disease?
It most often occurs in people over 65. This is called late-onset Alzheimer's. The early-onset form, which appears before the age of 65 is less common. It tends to have a stronger genetic component.
The disease affects women more often, which is associated with a longer average life expectancy.
Risk factors
The development of dementia is influenced, among other things, by: an unhealthy lifestyle (lack of exercise, stimulants, especially alcohol, highly processed, pro-inflammatory diet), lack of cognitive stimulation (e.g. learning new things, languages, playing instruments), untreated hearing and vision problems, air pollution, irregular or interrupted sleep.
As Professor Katarzyna Nowakowska-Domagała emphasises:
Building the so-called cognitive reserve from an early age – through learning, developing interests, physical activity and a healthy diet – reduces the risk of developing dementia.
Prevention – what can we do?
A regular, moderate physical activity routine (e.g., walking, aerobic exercise).
A healthy diet – preferably Mediterranean, based on unprocessed foods.
Avoiding alcohol and cigarettes (there is no safe dose of alcohol).
Brain stimulation – learning languages, playing instruments, traveling, cognitive activities.
Hearing and vision care – properly fitted glasses, hearing aids.
Sleep hygiene – regular, uninterrupted sleep.
What to do when we notice symptoms in our loved ones?
The most important thing is not to belittle the problem and not to attribute difficulties to normal ageing. We should consult a neurologist, psychiatrist, or a neuropsychologist as soon as possible. Neuropsychological testing is non-invasive and allows for early detection of the so-called mild cognitive impairment, which may be the first sign of a developing the disease.
UniLodz for health and awareness
The University of Lodz, as an open and supportive community, is committed to educational and preventative activities. Our mission is not only to conduct research and educate students, but also to work to improve the quality of life and health of society as a whole.
Source: dr hab. n. med. Katarzyna Nowakowska-Domagała, Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Lodz
Edit: Kacper Szczepaniak, Press Office, University of Lodz
Graphic: gov.pl
