By Andrea Hargraves 
Alzheimer’s, according to a survey conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), is largely responsible for 70% of dementia cases in the world. Thus, it is one of the most dangerous degenerative diseases today. Alzheimer’s Disease International states that by 2030, the number of people living with the disease could reach 74.7 million. In 2050, this amount will reach the level of 131.1 million, according to forecasts. Knowing this, it is important for you to understand what Alzheimer’s disease is, what its symptoms are and how it can be treated. In this article you will have access to key information, through an interview with a geriatrician
doctor. Paulo Camez *.
Read on!
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease was discovered by German Alois in 1906, and the disease was described by Dr. Paulo Camez as:
“A disease that begins in the hippocampus region of the brain, where it causes the irreversible death of neurons that are so important for maintaining memory.”
Alzheimer’s disease is just one of the 60 types of dementia known in history. In addition to causing memory loss, it is also responsible for disorders of attention, language, and the ability to plan, among other things. According to the doctor Paulo Camez, Alzheimer’s disease is very common in people who are already in old age – that is, from the age of 60. However, the professional points out that this disease can affect people outside this age group.
What are the most common causes?
There are many causes that can be responsible for the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Although it is more common among the elderly, it is not only related to the age factor:
Increased amyloid
the doctor. Paulo Camez explains that one of the main causes of Alzheimer’s disease is the buildup of amyloid, an abnormal protein that is concentrated in the brain. It ends up causing mental disorders in people with this disease.
tau protein
Another accumulation of the protein that is seen as one of the main causes of Alzheimer’s disease is related to tau, because a large number of it causes cell death. Although it is a protein that is part of microtubules, the structure responsible for transporting nutrients between neurons, excessive accumulation of Tau is a unique feature of Alzheimer’s disease.
Nervous energy failure
Since it is one of the parts of the human body that most needs energy to stay active, the brain, when it does not have that needed energy, ends up developing Alzheimer’s disease. As you age, your brain primes to increase the amount of energy it takes in. However, since you have less energy to give, your brain ends up suffering from certain neurons dying off.
family history
If you have close relatives, be it a grandmother, uncle or cousin, who have a history of Alzheimer’s disease, your chances of developing this disease in the future increase dramatically. Even if this is not the main factor for the development of the disease, it is one of the points that you must be aware of in order to protect yourself.
How can you identify early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease?
the doctor. Paulo Camez says that the first symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are related to short-term memory.
“A person cannot grasp modern realities that affect daily activities in his life, such as forgetting an address he has just learned, as well as answers to questions he asked shortly before.”
explains the doctor. Moreover, Alzheimer’s disease can also be defined in four stages, from initial to terminal.
- Primary stage: the initial period for those with the disease, during which changes in personality, visual and spatial skills are also seen, in addition to changes in short-term memory.
- Mild: In the second stage, people with Alzheimer’s disease show difficulty speaking and coordinating movements, and they show themselves to be very disoriented. In addition, during this same period, the person is very agitated and has difficulty sleeping;
- Severe: at this time the person, in addition to deteriorating motor functions, is resistant to daily tasks, such as bathing. In addition, he still suffers from urinary and fecal incontinence problems.
- Terminal: During this last stage, the person will require bedside care, apart from mutism, painful swallowing, and cross-infections.
How is Alzheimer’s disease diagnosed?
the doctor. Paulo Camez explains that the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is done clinically, that is, by analyzing the possible symptoms that you experience. ”
You see that the person is experiencing a change in memory that affects their life, as in the case of usual activities.”
says the doctor. However, Kamez says it is necessary to ignore the various causes of Alzheimer’s disease, such as stroke or brain tumor, which can cause memory problems, but are not related to Alzheimer’s disease. Tests can still be done to look for the main causes of the disease, as they are looking for the amyloid protein in the brain.
What are the treatment options?
Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s disease still has no cure. Its treatments aim to delay the disease and preserve a person’s mental functions for as long as possible. the doctor. Paulo Camez points out that starting treatment as early as possible is very important in order to delay the disease as much as possible. Here are some examples of treatments:
Music therapy
Music therapy makes the patient participate in musical activities, whether through instruments or even singing. The act of playing or singing songs that were important in a person’s life awakens good memories, leading to reconnection with loved ones and even with their own identity. In addition, music therapy also includes dancing, if the patient is physically fit. It can generate physiological and cognitive benefits, apart from a decrease in stress, anxiety, and depression.
Psychotherapy
It is considered one of the most recommended treatments for Alzheimer’s patients – as it helps the patient deal with depression, agitation, anxiety and the most important symptoms of the disease. Psychotherapy is done through collaborative therapy between the patient and the psychologist. It consists of an environment that allows the person to speak openly.
natural therapy
With a physical therapist who specializes in Alzheimer’s disease, a professional can help the person keep limitations to a minimum. In addition, physical therapists can have the patient undergo a series of exercises that get them moving. This keeps the brain active, thus slowing disease and even improving balance, muscle strength, and flexibility.
How can you help someone with Alzheimer’s disease?
the doctor. The best way to help a person with Alzheimer’s disease, Paulo Camez says, is to educate the people close to the person with the disease. It is important that they know how this happens and what are the main symptoms in order to have a good relationship.
“There are a series of behavioral symptoms, such as aggression, delusions, and eating disorders that do a lot to the detriment of memory problems. You educate those around you that this can happen, is an important step,” she says.
says the doctor.
What activities are contraindicated for this audience?
Since it affects both physical health and cognitive abilities, there are some activities that can be more challenging for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. Driving is an example, as you can get lost or distracted in traffic. However, said dr. Paulo Camez explains that there is no general rule about “taboos”. He concludes, “There is no absolute contraindication to any activity for people with Alzheimer’s disease. A person can do anything as long as it is safe.”
*doctor. Paulo Camez, Geriatrician and general practitioner, professor at the University of the South Pacific and founder and creator of the Mente Turbinada Project, on Geriatrics, Aging, and Health.