On September 21, the World Alzheimer’s Daya date that seeks sensitize To society about The most frequent neurodegenerative disease in the world.
According to the Alzheimer’s Associationthis disease represents between 60 and 70% of all cases of Dementia, and it is estimated that currently more than 55 million people live with some kind of this disease globally. In Argentinathe impact is also growing: it is estimated that some 300,000 people live with dementiamost of Alzheimer’s.
These figures not only imply a huge challenge for health systems, but also for families, which are the ones who support most of the careful daily.
Mariela González Salvia, specialist in Medical Clinic and Geriatrics and Author of Manual for Family members and caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, analyzed What are the main consequences of this disease: “Alzheimer’s is much more than forgetting. It is a progressive deterioration of the intellectual functions that ends up impacting the physical health and quality of life of the patient and all those around him,” explains the specialist.
Beyond memory
Alzheimer’s begins affecting memory, but over time it compromises other aspects of patient’s life such as mobility, nutrition, sleep and mood, generating dependence and fragility. Therefore, too It is a disease of physical, social and emotional impactwith ups and downs and a progressive loss of lucidity.
“We need to talk about Alzheimer
On the other hand, he affirms that the person who takes care of the affected is A deeply affected figure. The caregiver’s overload syndrome, or “burned caregiver”, is a state of exhaustion and overflow that those who take care of a loved one and that are presented in many different ways. The symptoms that usually appear are problems of concentration, insomnia, fatigue, anguish and depression, among others. Therefore, It is essential that both health personnel and caregivers themselves can recognize this syndrome, prevent it and treat it.
Risk and prevention factors
The origin of Alzheimer is associated with multiple factors Such as advanced age, arterial hypertension, diabetes, family history, low educational level, hearing loss, depression and little physical or mental activity increase risk. However, prevention is possible. Early detection, the promotion of healthy habits and support for caregivers are fundamental steps to improve the quality of life of those who live with this disease.
Anyway, in addition to changes in lifestyle, science advances in the development of Innovative pharmacological treatments. Monoclonal antibodies antifamiloidas Lecanemab and DONANEMABshowed for the first time the ability to slow the course of the disease in phase 3 clinical trials. These results, together with the development of Biomarkers In blood that allow an earlier and accessible diagnosis, they configure an encouraging panorama in the fight against Alzheimer’s.
For that reason, the World Alzheimer’s Day It is a reminder that l the prevention and brain care begin long before the appearance of symptomsand daily habits such as moving more, eating better, exercising the mind and controlling cardiovascular health can make a real difference.
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
