World Alzheimer's Month
https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/photo-gallery/exercise-class-older-adults
Each September, individuals and organizations unite to raise awareness and support for Alzheimer’s disease and all types of dementia. With that in mind (no pun intended!), this blog will focus on what Alzheimer’s disease is, current research on dementia, effective prevention strategies and tips for managing life post-diagnosis.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Fun Fact: The name Alzheimer's actually originated from the medical doctor that first published about this disease - Dr. Alois Alzheimer.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia; it is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterised by a decline in memory, thinking skills and other cognitive functions. There is not yet any long-term treatment to stop or prevent the progression of Alzheimer's disease. But common short-term treatments are available which aim to minimise damage to the brain.
What causes Alzheimer’s disease?
We are not sure yet, but here is what we know so far.
Alzheimer's disease is caused by changes in the brain. It would typically include the development and build-up of abnormal amyloid-beta and neurofibrillary tangles inside the brain as well as brain atrophy beginning from the hippocampus. Researchers have found that the APOE ε4 allele gene increases a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer's later in life. There are currently many genetic tests that can detect this allele in the human body. Nonetheless, not everyone with this gene will develop Alzheimer's disease, and many do not. Therefore, researchers are still looking into the causes of Alzheimer's.
How to prevent it?
Recent research found that up to 40% of dementia risks are preventable and modifiable. These risks include midlife obesity, midlife hypertension, hearing loss, inactivity, and social isolation. Changes in lifestyle, diet, and daily activities may decrease the risks of developing Alzheimer’s disease. At the BC wellness program, we offer free wellness programs such as Exercise for brain wellness, Yoga, Mindfulness, Art from the heart and more, that can help you achieve your goals in risk prevention. If you are interested to learn more about Alzheimer's prevention: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/research_progress/prevention
What can I do after I have been diagnosed?
Be informed. Look for more information from organizations such as the Alzheimer's Society (https://alzheimer.ca/bc/en) or your primary doctor.
Seek support. Social support from family or friends is extremely important. In addition, organizations like Alzheimer's Association (see here) also offer support lines and online communities.
Planning ahead. Make sure you or your loved one has current legal documents, such as a will and Power of Attorney and Representation Agreement, and consider thinking about future plans with Advance Care Planning (https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/seniors/health-safety/advance-care-planning).
Keep on doing what you are doing now! Long-term memory is more likely to be preserved at later stages of the disease. Staying in your daily routine can make it easier for you to remember things as it would become part of your long-term memory.
There is ongoing research that shows disease progression can be slowed. Exercising, eating a healthy diet, and managing stress are all possible ways to slow down disease progression.
References:
Livingston G, Huntley J, Sommerlad A, et al. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission. Lancet. 2020 Aug 8;396(10248):413-446. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30367-6. Epub 2020 Jul 30. PMID: 32738937; PMCID: PMC7392084.
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet
https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/features/after-alzheimers-diagnosis