The devastating thing about Alzheimer’s Disease is the amount of suffering in not just those afflicted, but also in those that care for them. That is not to say that there is anything easy about Alzheimer’s when it affects you, but that it also is a very trying mental and emotional toil for the caregivers and loved ones as well. What is worse is when the disease hits and people don’t know enough about Alzheimer’s. So here is some basic information about Alzheimer’s to help you prepare if this unfortunate disease ever appears with you or your loved ones.
The first thing to understand about Alzheimer’s is that it is a lethal brain disease without a cure. Everyone, currently, that has Alzheimer’s does pass away; in the United States, it is the seventh leading cause of death in adults. It is also a progressive disease. This means that, unlike an illness such as cancer, which has improvements and declines in health, Alzheimer’s is a relatively steady descent towards death; as time progresses, the disease invariably worsens.
The most prominent fact about Alzheimer’s is, of course, the dementia that follows. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. This severe form of memory loss is usually the most tragic thing about Alzheimer’s; patients forget who they are, and who they people are around them. This is painful, as many patients are elderly and have been involved with their loved ones or family members for decades.
While scientists are not clear what exactly causes Alzheimer’s, there are a few risk factors that you can control. While the exact cause of Alzheimer’s isn’t known, medical experts agree that brain health is of paramount importance. Taking precautions against head injuries, such as wearing a helmet during any appropriate activity and always wearing a safety belt in moving vehicles are a couple of steps that will prevent serious head injuries, which have been linked to cases of Alzheimer’s. Scientists have also found a strong link between heart health and brain health. Taking appropriate dietary and exercise measures to promote healthy heart function can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. Finally, Alzheimer’s is a disease that is found most often in the elderly, so healthy aging strategies such as minimizing alcohol and eliminating tobacco and drug use as well as a healthy diet and weight should go a long way to preventing Alzheimer’s.
Knowing more about Alzheimer’s is crucial for those either diagnosed or close to someone that has succumb to this life-altering and life-ending disease. While there is no cure, there is a lot of treatment available and with the medical attention about Alzheimer’s at its highest levels ever, the cure for the disease may be right around the corner.