"Where was the key placed earlier?"

"Who is the person in front of me?"

"What is my wife's birthday?"

Being forgetful, as shown in the examples above, is an early symptom of a condition known as Alzheimer's Disease, commonly referred to as dementia. Unfortunately, these initial signs are often overlooked, leading to the progression of Alzheimer's and delayed intervention. The theme for World Alzheimer's Day 2022 is "Know Dementia, Know Alzheimer's." This campaign emphasizes recognizing warning signs of dementia, encouraging people to seek information, advice, and support, as well as stressing the importance of timely diagnosis.

"They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing" (Psalm).

Old age should ideally be enjoyed with health, happiness, prosperity, and quality of life. However, there's a 'thief' of happy old age, a disease known as Alzheimer's, commonly referred to as senility.

September 21 is commemorated as World Alzheimer's Day to raise awareness about the need to be vigilant, prevent, and address this disease.

Understanding Dementia

Dementia is an organic mental disorder that causes changes in thoughts, attitudes, behaviors, and feelings. Dementia is divided into several types, including:

1. Alzheimer's Disease
2. Vascular Dementia
3. Lewy Body Dementia
4. Frontotemporal Dementia

The most common type is Alzheimer's, accounting for 50-75% of cases.

Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's

1. Memory loss, especially regarding recent events.
2. Difficulty concentrating or staying focused.
3. Struggling with previously easy tasks.
4. Disorientation regarding place, time, and people.
5. Difficulty understanding spatial relationships, such as recognizing shapes or measuring distances.
6. Communication difficulties, finding the right words to speak.
7. Frequently misplacing items and becoming suspicious that someone has taken them.
8. Poor decision-making.
9. Withdrawal from social interactions.
10. Changes in behavior and personality.

Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms in Alzheimer's

In advanced stages, individuals with Alzheimer's may exhibit behavioral and psychological symptoms such as:

1. Hallucinations.
2. Delusions.
3. Mood swings.
4. Wandering.
5. Disrupted eating and sleeping patterns.
6. And more.

Causes

Alzheimer's is caused by damage to brain neurons due to plaques and tangles, disrupting their structure and function. Depending on which part of the brain is affected, daily life can be significantly impacted.

Management

If symptoms like those mentioned above are noticed, it is crucial to consult a doctor promptly for examination and necessary therapy, which may include:

• Anti-dementia drugs.
• Medications to control disturbed behavior and emotions.
• Healthy lifestyle adjustments.
• Cognitive exercises to improve focus, concentration, and memory.

For families, having a member with Alzheimer's is undoubtedly challenging. Various changes, efforts, and energy need to be tailored to cope with this situation, including:

• How we speak and behave.
• Meal and sleep schedules.
• Regular medical consultations.
• Living arrangements.
• And more.

By making these changes, optimal conditions can be achieved for individuals with Alzheimer's and their families, ensuring that quality time and happiness in old age can still be maintained.

"Don't Accept Senility!" "End the Stigma Surrounding Alzheimer's!"

Author: Dr. Lahargo Kembaren, Sp.KJ

References :

Types of dementia. Alzheimer's Association. https://www.alz.org/dementia/types-of-dementia.asp.

What is dementia? Alzheimer's Association. https://www.alz.org/what-is-dementia.asp.

Larson EB. Evaluation of cognitive impairment and dementia. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search.

Dementia vs. Alzheimer's disease: What's the difference? Alzheimer's Association. https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/difference-between-dementia-and-alzheimer-s.