HEALTH
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
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lzheimer’s disease is the most common type of irreversible dementia (gradual loss of memory, intellect, rational thought and social skills). Nearly 7 out of 10 people with dementia have the Alzheimer’s type. While Alzheimer’s disease affects up to 1 in 10 Australians over 65 years of age, and up to 3 in 10 Australians over 85, it is not a normal part of ageing. The brain contains millions of brain cells (neurons) that organise how the brain stores memories, learns habits and shapes our personality. Signals pass along the connections between brain cells in the form of chemicals called neurotransmitters. Alzheimer’s disease affects these cells and chemicals, disturbing memory, impairing thinking and causing behaviour changes over time. People with Alzheimer’s disease eventually need long-term care and support. There are 2 main types of Alzheimer’s disease:
• Sporadic Alzheimer’s is the most common form and usually occurs after age 65. Its cause is not fully understood. • Familial Alzheimer’s (sometimes referred to as ‘hereditary’) is caused by a very rare genetic condition and results in dementia, usually in people in their 40s and 50s. This is known as younger onset dementia. What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease? Early on, Alzheimer’s disease may be hard to notice. The first signs are usually memory loss and difficulty finding the right words for everyday things. However, many people have trouble with memory but don’t have Alzheimer’s — so it’s important to visit a doctor to work out the exact cause of memory problems.
activities you once enjoyed • taking longer to do regular tasks • forgetting well-known people or places • difficulty processing questions and instructions • a decline in social skills • unpredictable emotions
Other common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include: • vagueness in daily conversation • lack of enthusiasm for
Alzheimer’s disease is sometimes classified into three stages, based on the severity of symptoms: 1. Mild Alzheimer’s disease:
early signs of dementia, no additional support is usually needed. 2. Moderate Alzheimer’s disease: symptoms are difficult to cope with and support is likely to be required. 3. Advanced Alzheimer’s disease: continuous care in all daily activities may be needed. Symptoms will progress differently between people, depending on what areas of the brain are affected. As the disease progresses
deeper into the brain, other functions are affected and symptoms get worse. For people with familial Alzheimer’s disease, mutations in three genes have been found to increase the production of amyloid plaques that damage the brain. There are other ‘risk-factor genes’ that may increase a person’s chance of getting Alzheimer’s disease earlier in life. How is Alzheimer’s disease treated? Although there is no cure, certain treatments may improve symptoms for a time. Many people with Alzheimer’s disease also learn ways to cope with their symptoms, and improve their quality of life. Other interventions If you care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, it may be helpful to make changes to their. Check out Dementia Australia’s help sheets. Source; and more info. At: healthdirect.gov.au/alzheimersdisease
Tess Keightley
Our dietitians are here to help you with heart healthy nutrition.
At EONLife Wellness you can work one-on-one with our dietitians so they can provide you with individualised nutrition support to improve your health via nutrition coaching, tailored meal plans and nutrition education.
To find out more, call our friendly team at EONLife Wellness on 07 5414 1100. EONLife Wellness is a sister company of Heart HQ. Visit www.hearthq.com.au for more details. 30 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / March 2022
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Tess believes there is space for all foods in our diets and has a very balanced approach to nutrition. She can work with you to create realistic and sustainable goals that are best suited to your needs and lifestyle.
Megan Rowley Megan can support you to create balanced and realistic nutrition goals. She can create individualised nutrition interventions that support and manage your health concerns, while fitting in with your lifestyle.
Sunshine Coast
2/03/2022 4:13:46 PM
