Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disease that leads to gradual destruction of memory and the ability to learn, speak, reason, judge, communicate and carry out activities of daily living, and changes in behavior. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, popularly called 'dementia'. Alzheimer's disease affects all groups of society and is not related to social class, gender, ethnic group or geographical region.

Additionally, although Alzheimer's disease is more common among the elderly, young people can also be affected by this disease. Alzheimer's disease affects millions of people today. It is very important to know that Alzheimer's disease is not a normal consequence of aging. Because although there is no treatment that eliminates the disease, there are treatments that can reduce the symptoms of the disease and improve the patient's quality of life.

What Causes Alzheimer's Disease?

Today, the causes of Alzheimer's disease are unknown. However, there are certain conditions that do not cause Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease; It does not occur due to arteriosclerosis. It does not occur because the brain is used less or more than normal. It does not occur as a result of infection.

It does not occur due to old age, it is not a natural part of the aging process. It is not caused by exposure to aluminum or other metals. The exact causes of Alzheimer's are unknown, but it may be due to nutritional deficiencies. For example, it has been found that Alzheimer's patients have low levels of B12 and zinc in their bodies. B vitamins are important for mental functions, but processed foods are poor.

Alzheimer's patients also have low levels of carotenoids and vitamins A and E. These substances have antioxidant properties and prevent free radicals from causing damage to brain cells. What are the symptoms of Alzheimer's? Memory loss: Forgetting recent information and events is one of the most important findings of Alzheimer's disease, which is the most common cause of dementia (popularly called dementia).

The patient begins to forget more and more often and then cannot remember them. Difficulty performing daily living functions: Patients often have difficulty in planning and completing their daily tasks. They gradually begin to have problems with tasks that require certain steps, such as cooking, talking on the phone, or choosing clothes. Speech difficulties: Alzheimer's patients may have difficulty finding words, they may get stuck while talking, they may use definitions instead of abbreviations, for example, they may not remember the name of the toothbrush and say "it is what I use for my mouth" instead. As a result, it becomes difficult to understand what they say or write.

Confusing time and places: Alzheimer's patients may confuse the day, month, season, get lost in familiar places such as the area around their home, forget where they are, or not remember what they are doing there. Difficulty evaluating and making decisions: Alzheimer's patients may dress inappropriately, for example, wearing layers of clothing in hot weather or wearing thin clothing in cold weather. Difficulty with abstract thinking skills: Alzheimer's patients may have unusual difficulties performing complex mental tasks. Misplacing things: Alzheimer's patients may put things in unusual places: for example, an iron in the refrigerator or a watch in a candy jar. Additionally, they often forget where they put their belongings. Mood or behavioral changes: People with Alzheimer's disease may experience sudden mood swings for no apparent reason, for example they may become suddenly and disproportionately angry, cry easily or become withdrawn, have delusions or misperceptions.

Personality changes: Dramatic changes may occur in patients' personalities; they may become extremely suspicious, fearful, or dependent on a family member. Avoidance of responsibility: Alzheimer's patients may become very passive, sitting in front of the television for hours, sleeping too much, or not wanting to do their usual tasks. When one or more of these 10 symptoms are noticed by the individual or his/her relatives, it is important to consult a neurologist or psychiatrist without delay for early diagnosis of the disease.

In Whom and How Frequently Is Alzheimer's Disease Seen?

Alzheimer's often occurs in people over the age of 65. It has been determined that this disease, which is seen in both men and women, is slightly more common in women. Research has shown that this disease is seen in approximately one in every 15 people over the age of 65. One in every two people over the age of 80-85 has Alzheimer's. There are more than 20 million Alzheimer's patients in the world. Approximately 300 thousand of these patients are in our country. The number of these patients is increasing day by day. Because human lifespan is getting longer and the number of elderly people is increasing in the world.

How is Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosed?

If you have some of the symptoms, you should consult a psychologist or neurologist. Alzheimer's disease is tried to be distinguished from other diseases by taking brain x-rays, blood tests and laboratory tests. Because not every forgetfulness is a symptom of this disease. In this way, a definitive diagnosis of the disease is made.

What is Alzheimer's Disease Treatment?

There is no definitive treatment for the disease. In other words, the disease cannot be completely eliminated with treatment. First of all, this should be known; Early diagnosis is very important in the treatment of this disease. With treatment, the progression of the disease is slowed down and the symptoms of the disease are reduced. The aim is to improve the patient's quality of life. In addition, various medications are used to cope with the psychological problems that arise. However, if these medications are not taken under the supervision of a doctor, they may cause worse problems.