Study suggests that too much sleep can be a warning sign for Alzheimer’s disease. DR RAJNISH KUMAR tells you how one can fight this disease
The vagaries of the brain is something that mankind strives to figure, especially when it come to figuring out how to stop the gradual deterioration of the mind. Alzheimer’s, one of the cruelest results of this decline, holds a special space of worry in the medical fraternity, owing to the devastating effect it has on the patients and their loved ones. Now, studies have provided a sliver of hope in proper detection and diagnosis — the initial symptoms of Alzheimer’s may be depression and irritability. These are considered to be non-cognitive signs, which appear at an early stage of life. These symptoms are noted to occur in three stages, with inter-related characteristics that meld into each other. Irritability, depression, and nighttime behavior changes are said to develop first. Anxiety, appetite changes, agitation, and apathy follow, at a successive pace.
The third stage has a variety of mixed symptoms — elation, mobility disorders, hallucinations, delusions, and impulsive, inappropriate behavior. Yet, prudence is the key to dealing with these signs, as not all of these are sure-shot indicators of Alzheimer. While one should not jump into extreme conclusions, these recent findings throw a constructive light on the early occurrences of thus life-crippling disorder.
Follow 4 pillar approach
Alzheimer’s certainly a disease that requires the world’s attention owing to the devastating effect that it has on the sufferer and immediate families.
It’s occurrence has evolved into a public health problem, as the elderly population in developing countries is increasing rapidly.
While cure might be the end-line mode of combat, best is to extol the key steps to prevent it in the first hand, itself. A four pillar approach is needed, in order to provide a decisive arsenal against the disease. The four pillars are as follows:
Keep your mind occupied via activities, in order to defeat Alzheimer effectively. Studies prove that those who continue learning new things end up keeping mental degradation at bay.
Dental hygiene is key
Alzheimer’s can arise from the unlikeliest situations as studies state that even poor dental hygiene lead to this crippling disease. Mental deterioration has evolved greatly as its origins become even more complicated. Now, dental hygiene is being portrayed as the crux towards good health, being linked to a flurry of benefits. Studies show that children that have gum-related diseases from an early age are more prone to have Alzheimer’s as they grow up. Although a direct link hasn't been established, the nerve endings of the dental bridge is said to be main cause of this decline as inflammation of neurons injure nerves and inhibit communication between brain cells. Here too, precaution is a better route taken than cure. Firstly, regular dentist visits are important for prevention of gum diseases and helps maintain the dental hygiene. Your dentist can remove tartar, which is plaque buildup that can irritate the gums and lead to tooth loss. However, prevention begins at home, where brushing and flossing twice daily, eating right and avoiding tobacco will help prevent gum disease. Most importantly, smoking needs to be curbed in order to maintain optimal dental hygiene. With such small, proactive steps one can kill two birds with one stone.
Treatment
Alzheimer’s is a burgeoning issue that has taken the healthcare in a worrying path. With the increasing curve of number of people rising, it is not something that one can turn a blind eye. While prevention is better than cure, one needs to talk about the apt diagnosis and cure for the same. While tests should be involved to diagnose the stage at which the deterioration has reached, in terms of treatment, doctor prescribed medicines are a good way to control the scenario. Also creating a safe space for the patient to thrive and flourish is effective, here.
The writer is Neurologist, Paras Hospital, Gurugram