Alzheimer's is a degenerative disease, a type of dementia that affects the neurological system, especially in older people. It is estimated that between 3 and 4 percent of people between the ages of 75 and 79 are diagnosed with this disease. But could it be detected earlier? These are the signs that can alert us to this disease.
The symptoms of Alzheimer's appear at different times and with varying intensity depending on how the disease progresses. However , there are signs that may raise suspicion as soon as you begin to detect them repeatedly: changes in behavior and mood, communication or motor difficulties, problems with orientation or maintaining attention, etc. If these issues begin to affect a person's daily life or are detected more frequently, it is time to seek medical attention. Prevention is essential to treat the problem in time and slow its progression as much as possible.
In the first stage, problems arise in performing work or domestic tasks correctly. The affected person is still independent and can perform basic activities, although they may require help with more complex ones.
The main symptoms are:
– Anomia ( difficulty naming objects or people)
– Principle of apraxia ( coordination failures)
– Problems with attention, concentration, and memory
– Peaks of sadness and anxiety, sudden mood swings
Intermediate or moderate stage
The process continues in the intermediate stage, where incapacitation is not yet complete, but you will begin to notice an incipient loss of autonomy. For activities such as using a cell phone, eating, or grooming, you will need help from a third party.
The symptoms worsen and become more pronounced:
– Greater short-term memory lapses. Distant memories are clearer than recent ones. They may even have difficulty recognizing familiar faces.
– Difficulty maintaining fluid conversations
– Psychomotor impairments
– Spatial-temporal and personal disorientation
– Delusions and hallucinations appear (feelings of theft, persecution, or false recognition).
- Insomnia
– Behavioral changes
At this point, the patient is completely dependent, with symptoms that include:
– Apraxia and aphasia (inability to communicate, whether orally, in writing, or through gestures)
– Total memory loss
– Immobility
–Difficulty controlling bladder and bowel movements
Alzheimer's is a disease for which there is no cure. Patients must learn strategies to cope with increasing difficulties, and complementary measures can be found to ensure that their quality of life is not radically impaired. There are integrative treatments focused on reducing symptoms.
Non-pharmacological therapies based on cognitive stimulation serve to reinforce existing abilities and protect those that are already being affected as much as possible. These programs allow for better management of behavioral changes in patients and can be done individually or in groups.
Among the most common activities are those known as "reality orientation, "music therapy, and reminiscence therapy. Through sensory stimulation (such as music), memory is stimulated, irritability is reduced, mood is improved, and the patient's connection to their environment is strengthened.
At Biosalud, we also develop other types of complementary therapies for the treatment of degenerative diseasesbased on the principles of biological medicine.
In this blog, we have already reported on studieslinking Alzheimer's disease to pollution and stress.
Although much research remains to be done, tobacco and cardiovascular risk factors may influence Alzheimer's disease. A balanced diet free of sugar and processed foods is always recommended, as well as mental health care and the development of cognitive skills.
This is a general information article that in no way replaces a medical consultation or opinion.
