Update on Alzheimer’s
We all are either old enough that we worry about our own and our friends’ memories or young enough that we worry about our parents or grandparents! Recently there was an international conference in Paris on the subject and the local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association presented an update which I attended. I’d like to try to distill the key take-away points.
Cause: Genetics are definitely involved, but not determinative. In other words everyone with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) has certain genetic indicators, but not everyone with the indicators gets AD. (It is important to note here that there are other causes of dementia such as blood supply changes to the brain caused by atherosclerosis or strokes, and certain other conditions.)
Head Injury: Incidence of AD is higher in boxers, ice hockey and football players
Diagnosis: It is no longer true that AD is only diagnosed on autopsy. MRI and PET scans can identify AD changes before symptoms are evident. Tests on blood and spinal fluid are also being used now in some centers when AD is suspected by clinical exam. Clinical exam refers to the assessment made by the patient’s report of symptoms and the results of written and oral memory and neurological testing.
Some Early signals to look out for that aren’t obvious:
- Sensory changes manifested in such things as falls or reaching for something and missing it
- Not bothering to balance your checkbook
- Depression can sometimes mimic Alzheimer’s, but it can also be a symptom.
- Increased irritability
The symptoms most folks recognize easily are severe short term memory problems, getting lost in familiar places, increased confusion, inability to plan, poor judgment. The Alzheimer’s Association has a wonderful list of these and how to tell the difference from normal aging. We have these at the Caring Table and they are online at http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_10_signs_of_alzheimers.asp
Why is early diagnosis so important? The new medications that have been developed really do slow the progress of the disease. Starting them early can really maximize quality of life! Also it is never too late to make lifestyle changes to improve brain function.
Prevention that Works:
Use it or lose it, the more the better: Learn new skills constantly – dance, sing, learn a foreign language, play all kinds of games.
Avoid head trauma!
All juices (eating whole fruits is better overall for your health)
Lower stress and increase sleep time
Brain Health is Heart Health – Mediterranean Diet including Omega-3s (oily fish three times a week), walnuts; exercise (whatever feels good to you), stress reduction)
Social Engagement (keep on coming to church!)
Your Nurse is Traveling Again! Even though you may not see me at church, I am still on duty throughout the fall. Contact me via email or cell phone. And save the dates for CPR on Oct. 29 and Flu Clinic Nov. 13!
Adair Small, Congregation Nurse
nurse
ocuuc
org
Stay in touch with the conversation, subscribe to the RSS feed for comments on this post.
