Do you know there are over 44 million people worldwide living with Alzheimer’s disease? According to Alzheimer’s disease Foundation Malaysia, there were about 123,000 individuals living with Azheimer’s in 2015, and the figure is expected to increase by double in 2030. Alzheimer’s disease is rising over time mostly due to the lack of awareness and misconceptions surrounding it. It is important to know that Alzheimer’s disease is not part of the normal aging process. In fact, it can be well taken care of if it is detected and treated early. 

What is the difference between Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia ?

Dementia is an umbrella term that is used to describe symptoms like memory loss, decline in reasoning and thinking skills due to deterioration of brain function. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, which accounts for up to 70% of all people with dementia. Some other types of dementia include vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy body, HIV associated dementia, alcohol related dementia. 

Understanding Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder which causes memory loss and cognitive decline. It typically affects the elderly who are above 65 years old. 

The loss of connections between nerve cells (neurons) due to formation of abnormal clumps called plaques and tangles in the brain is known to be a major cause of this disease. Lifestyle and environmental factors are thought to play a role in Alzheimer’s too. 

The brain contains millions of neurons that aid in passing messages from the brain to other body parts, building our memories, habits, rationality and personality. When the brain is damaged, it will eventually result in memory loss, decline in ability to think, speak, make decisions, judgements, and some behavioural changes. Hence, Alzheimer’s patients will find it difficult to carry simple tasks in their daily lives such as getting dressed. 

To date, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Drug treatment can only slow down the disease progression rate and prevent worsening of symptoms. Alzheimer’s can often be a heavy burden for the families and the patient. Hence, having sufficient supportive care plays a huge part in the management to maximize function and maintain independence of life. Visit Alzheimers Disease Foundation Malaysia to know more about the support services and programs available for Alzheimer’s patients and the carers. 

Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer’s disease may be hard to notice at first. It is usually characterized as initial forgetfulness that progress over time to profound memory loss with other cognitive and behavioural changes, which include: 

• Inability to carry out regular tasks such as cooking a meal, driving 

• Difficulty in processing information and thoughts 

• Poor judgement leading to bad decisions

• Loss of ability to speak such as finding the right words to speak 

• Difficulty in recognizing familiar people and places

• Shortened attention span

• Mood and personality changes 

• Increased anxiety and aggression 

Make sure to consult a doctor early if you notice these changes in your partner or your loved ones. 

Reducing the risk of getting Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer’s disease is not preventable but there are things that you could do to reduce the risk of getting it. 

1. Protect your heart

As our brain requires oxygen to function, problems with blood circulation such as hypertension, stroke have shown to be associated with Alzheimers or other types of dementia. Hence, make sure to check and monitor your blood pressure and blood cholesterol regularly. Quit smoking as tobacco smoke can increase the risk of heart problems. 

2. Do regular physical exercise 

Regular activity helps to increase blood flow to the brain, which makes your brain healthier. Try to exercise at least 30 minutes daily, even a simple walk can help. 

3. Healthy diet 

Eat a healthy diet with more fruits and vegetables, proteins such as the Mediterranean diet. Limit intake of food high in fats, sugars, salts and alcohol. 

4. Let your mind be active 

Build an active brain and mind by doing activities such as crosswords, puzzles, Sudoku, reading to improve brain activity and retention. You can also join some social activities such as meeting up with friends to exercise, play games, and chitchat to avoid isolating yourself. 

A word from DOC2US

If you have any questions related to Alzheimer’s disease, you can consult our professional doctors and healthcare professionals on DOC2US. DOCUS is a mobile application that allows you to talk to a doctor or any healthcare professionals via text chat at any time and from anywhere.  For better communication, you can even send our online doctor images or voice messages related to your medical inquiry.

Download DOC2US app on Apple App Store, Google Play Store and Huawei App Gallery; or use our web chat at https://web.doc2us.com/

Note: DOC2US is not for medical emergencies. In the event of urgent medical conditions, please call 999.

Disclaimer: As a service to our users and general public, DOC2US provides health education contents. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

References

1. Alzheimer's in Malaysia 

2. Dementia Australia - Alzheimer's disease

3. Health direct - Alzheimer's disease

4. National Institute of Aging -  What is Alzheimer's disease 

5. Mayo Clinic - Alzheimer's disease

6. WebMd - Can you prevent Alzheimer's disease? 

Written by

Ms Li Vern Tan