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  • Alzheimers
    Alzheimer's disease is a neurological disorder (disorder of the nervous system) in which the death of brain cells causes memory loss and cognitive decline. 
Submitted by PatientsEngage on 11 September 2015

What causes Alzheimer’s disease?

  • Scientists believe that for most people, Alzheimer's disease results from a combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors that affect the brain over time.
     
  • Although the causes of Alzheimer's are not yet fully understood, its effect on the brain is clear. Alzheimer's disease damages and kills brain cells.
     
  • As more and more brain cells die, Alzheimer's leads to significant brain shrinkage. 

What are the risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s disease?

  • Age 
  • Family history
  • Genetic - Having a certain gene (the apolipoprotein E or APOE gene)
  • Risk factors for vascular disease - including diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure
  • Low educational and occupational attainment
  • Prior head injury
  • Sleep disorders
Condition

Stories

  • She is at a loss for words
    Mr. Shankhadeep Mitra, 40 finds it difficult to communicate with his mother but the mother struggling with Alzheimer’s is still happy to see her son. When was your mother diagnosed and what were the early symptoms? 2014 was the year when she was diagnosed. My mother used to be very social and interactive as a person. Then the relatives started pointing out that the level of interactivity was gradually going down. She felt less confident and began to grow more dependent…
  • People with dementia should continue to live with respect and dignity in the community
    Jason Foo, the CEO of ADA (Alzheimer’s Disease Association), Singapore, shares his views on the rising levels of the disease, how personalised treatment can help and also how spreading awareness can remove the existing stigma. What are the possible reasons for increase in Young onset dementia? (Is there a difference between Young onset dementia and early onset dementia?) Young Onset Dementia (YOD) and Early Onset Dementia (EOD) refer to the same condition which is dementia affecting people…
  • Stock pic of person with dementia and caregiver and overlay text what dementia caregivers must understand
    What Caregivers Of Persons With Dementia Must Understand For More Effective Care
    Dementia care is difficult. Caregivers have to be persistent and creative to make the ongoing adjustments required. Swapna Kishore discusses some important aspects that caregivers must understand and accept, and offers some tips to cope better. It is often assumed that family caregivers will be able to support their loved ones after dementia care is explained to them. But hearing about dementia symptoms or communication methods in a classroom is not enough to make family caregivers give better…
  • He was so angry and refused to accept his Alzheimer's
    Sudha, 68 has a full time job being a caregiver to her husband who has Alzheimer’s. Not only does she have to be fully alert all the time, she has also learnt to be patient and understanding over time. When was your husband diagnosed with Alzheimer's? He was diagnosed 6 years back. Is there a history of Alzheimer’s in the family? None What is the present condition? His condition is gradually deterirorating. His memory is fading.  Please describe your experience of managing the patient…
  • Why do we need Dementia Friendly Communities
    Dr. Sridhar Vaitheswaran explains how supporting a person with dementia effectively in a dementia friendly community can improve not only their wellbeing but also improve caregiver satisfaction, decrease burden and contribute to the society’s progress.  The story of Mr Arun Mr Arun is a seventy-year old retired government employee. He lives with his wife, son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren in Chennai. He helps with the chores such as shopping and paying bills. He also visits a…
  • Empathy will bring out Best Care for Person with Dementia
    Amrita Patil Pimpale, a qualified Dementia Care Trainer and Founder of Echoing Healthy Ageing, a social enterprise working in Dementia care sector, provides consultation and training for families and healthcare professionals in order to sensitize them to care for elderly with dementia. Here she advocates methods on how to improve quality of life for dementia patients and their caregivers. As a dementia caregiver consultant, what are the tips and advice that you give caregivers to facilitate…
  • Remember Me - The Unheard Cry for Help
    Every three seconds one person in the world develops dementia. Dr Amit Dias, an epidemiologist and geriatrician who is one of the leaders of  the dementia awareness movement in India, throws light on ADI’s ‘Remember Me’ campaign as the World observes the Alzheimer’s Awareness month in September. What does the ‘Remember Me’ campaign mean to you? ‘Remember Me’ is a global campaign initiated by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), UK that reminds me that I need to step up my efforts…
  • Dental Care for the Elderly
    Dental needs become increasingly specialized with age, making regular visits to the dentist even more important. Dr Shail Jaggi highlights some common gum and teeth problems that could become burdensome, if ignored. When we think of an elderly patient the first vision that generally tends to flash by is someone with greying hair, stooping and bent over with age, thick glasses and a denture to eat! But let’s take a quick look at my office! I am dentist and deal with geriatric patients all the…
  • Fall Proofing the Home for Older Adults
    Falls are probably the number one cause of injuries in seniors resulting in high medical and rehabilitative costs. Porrselvi A.P. a cognitive and psychosocial interventions specialist, offers valuable tips and suggestions for preventing falls at home, from installing handrails and anti-skid mats to decluttering the house and wearing sturdy footwear. Falls can lead to avoidable hospital admissions and the associated complications for elderly with a good health status as well as those older…
  • Ma you are the rock, the support, the best,
    Happy Mother's Day 2016 This Mother's Day we asked a few of our contributors, to share a Mother's Day wish. They shared poems, beautiful thoughts for their mothers who have been their caregivers and their stength in their journey. We look forward to hearing from each of you what you wish for your Mother or if you have a message for her, express yourself today. Read Smitha's entire poem here: To the World's Best Mother - My Mom Know more about Siddharth Jayakumar, Melissa Chan, Vedika and Smitha…