In 2017, more than 5.5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease. By the year 2050, it's estimated that number may be as high as 16 million, and anyone with a brain is at potential risk.
Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, and is a disease that is often misunderstood. The month of June has been designated as Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, encouraging Americans to "Go Purple" for better awareness and an eventual cure for this deadly disease. In July, Siloam Springs Regional Hospital will start an Alzheimer's Support Group on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. The group will meet at 6 p.m. on July 11 and 25 inside the hospital's Classroom 2. There is no charge to be part of the group and anyone is welcome to attend.
Each year, Alzheimer's kills more people than breast and prostate cancer combined. A person can live with the disease anywhere from a few years to a few decades, but the average patient lives with Alzheimer's for about nine years. Approximately 1 in 8 U.S. adults older than 65 has the disease. And women are more likely than men to be affected. There is currently no cure.
While Alzheimer's most often affects adults older than 65, it is not a normal part of aging. It is a progressive brain disease that causes brain tissue to break down over time, and eventually results in symptoms beyond just memory loss. While there is a tremendous amount of research happening around the world, we still don't know why one person at average risk gets the disease, and another doesn't.
Researchers do know symptoms caused by Alzheimer's appear to come from two types of nerve damage. The first type is called neurofibrillary tangles, or a tangling of the brain's nerve cells. The second type is called beta-amyloid plaque or the build-up of protein deposits in the brain. Regardless of the type of nerve damage, it's almost certain genetics play a role. If your parent had Alzheimer's disease, you are at significantly higher risk.
There are some steps that you can take to delay or avoid dementia from any cause, agreed on by virtually all medical experts. And to learn more about the latest research, register for Siloam Springs Regional Hospital's "Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research" presentation by the Alzheimer's Association at noon on Thursday, Aug. 10. The presentation and luncheon is free. Please call 479-215-3125 to register today.
• Hit the books -- Formalized learning at any stage of life helps reduce your risk of cognitive decline and dementia of all types. Take a class at a local college or online. If you can't engage in formal learning, take up crossword puzzles, Sudoku, or participate in a book group.
• Stop smoking -- The evidence is clear. Among other things, smoking increases the risk of cognitive decline.
• Listen to your heart -- Obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes are deemed to be driving the increases in Alzheimer's. Recent research shows an even clearer line between Type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's. Get your blood sugars in line and protect your heart, to protect your brain.
• Helmets on -- Research shows a clear line between the incidence of brain injury and the eventual onset of dementia. Exercise and movement are critical to brain and body health. Roller skating? Great! But wear a helmet, and take general steps daily to protect your head.
• Choose high-grade fuels -- Eat a diet full of quality fruits, vegetables and healthy fats to ensure your brain gets what it needs.
• Get quality ZZZZ's -- Regularly failing to get seven to eight hours of good sleep, or suffering from insomnia or sleep apnea, is a risk factor for developing Alzheimer's.
• Protect your mental health -- There are some indications that a history of depression or anxiety can lead to early cognitive decline. Take steps to manage stress, and work with a qualified physician to address any mental health concerns.
• Be a butterfly -- A social butterfly, that is. Staying socially engaged and happy is an indicator of both longevity and brain health. Volunteer, get a pet or find a group of like-minded friends to learn and laugh with. Siloam Springs Regional Hospital's Senior Circle Chapter is open to all adults age 50 and better. Membership provides access to national and local discounts, benefits, events and services. Senior Circle's mission is to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle for seniors by providing programs that encourage continued learning, wellness, health and volunteering, coupled with a host of social activities. To learn more about Senior Circle, contact Aimee Morrell at 479-215-3125.
The most common early symptom of Alzheimer's is difficulty remembering newly learned information, because the disease's changes typically begin in the part of the brain that affects learning. As the condition progresses, the patient may experience disorientation, mood and behavior changes, difficulty speaking, and even suspicion of family and friends. Early diagnosis and intervention methods are improving regularly and rapidly, so it's important to involve your physician as soon as possible when a loved one displays symptoms.
General News on 06/21/2017