World Alzheimer's Day is a day dedicated to raising awareness about Alzheimer's disease, which is a major concern. Alzheimer's is a dangerous neurological condition that is mostly observed in people over the age of 50, but sometimes it can also develop in individuals aged 30 or 40.
Dr. Manish Kulshrestha, Consultant Neurology at Paras Health, Udaipur, explains that Alzheimer's gradually destroys a person's brain cells, leading to a decline in memory. In the early stages, it may not be very severe, manifesting as minor memory issues, such as forgetting names of people and events. However, as Alzheimer's progresses, the patient's confusion worsens, and they start to forget their friends and family members. Daily tasks become challenging, causing restlessness, difficulties in eating, bathing, and dependence on others.
The exact cause of this disease is largely unknown, but several factors may contribute to it, such as advancing age (70 to 80 years), lack of education, genetic factors, coexisting conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, and an irregular lifestyle. While there is no definitive cure for this disease, proper care and attention can make a significant difference. Maintaining a routine, a balanced diet, regular exercise, waking up early in the morning, and having a good sleep routine are essential.
If you take care of these aspects, you can to some extent control the disease. However, it cannot be completely eradicated. For this reason, it is advisable to seek advice from a doctor and provide appropriate care tailored to the patient's condition.