ALZHEIMER-THE INCURABLE DISEASE

Hi Friends!

Through this blog I would like to say something about the incurable disease named "ALZHEIMER".I first came to know about Alzheimer disease from a Malayalam movie "Tanmatra" in which actor Mohanlal played the role of a Alzheimer patient.The movie was a really touching and it had truely reflected that how miserable the life of an alzheimer patient is.Very recently I came across a news that our former Union Defence Minister Mr.George Fernandis , aged 78yrs is suffering from the so called Alzheimer Disease and is undergoing treatment at Patanjali Yog Peeth in Haridwar under the consultation of famous yoga guru Baba Ramdev.So, I instantly decided to know more about the disease and here are some facts about Alzheimer disease which I like to share with you all.

Alzheimer's, is the most common form of memory loss. This incurable, degenerative, and terminal disease was first described by German psychiatrist and neuropathologist Alois Alzheimer in 1906 and was named after him. Generally, it is diagnosed in people over 65 years of age, although the less-prevalent early-onset Alzheimer's can occur much earlier. In 2006, there were 26.6 million sufferers worldwide. Alzheimers is predicted to affect 1 in 85 people globally by 2050. Alzheimer's disease is unique for every individual.

Common Symptoms:

The earliest observable symptoms are often mistakenly thought to be 'age-related' concerns, or manifestations of stress. In the early stages, the most commonly recognised symptom is memory loss, such as difficulty in remembering recently learned facts. As the disease advances, symptoms include confusion, irritability and aggression, mood swings, language breakdown, long-term memory loss, and the general withdrawal of the sufferer as their senses decline. Gradually, bodily functions are lost, ultimately leading to death. The mean life expectancy following diagnosis is approximately seven years. Fewer than three percent of individuals live more than fourteen years after diagnosis.

Prevention:

At present, there is no definite evidence to support that any particular measure is effective in preventing Alzheimer Disease. Mental stimulation, exercise, and a balanced diet are suggested, as both a possible prevention and a sensible way of managing the disease. People who engage in intellectual activities such as reading, playing board games, completing crossword puzzles, playing musical instruments, or regular social interaction show a reduced risk for Alzheimer disease.

Alzheimer's disease is known for placing a great burden on caretakers which includes social, psychological, physical or economic aspects. The role of the main caretaker is often taken by the wife or a close relative. Home care is usually preferred by patients and families.

Notable Cases:
Some of the famous personalities of the world who were affected with Alzheimer Disease are:
Former US Ronald Reagan. Former UK Prime Minister Harold ,Actor Charlton Heston and the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physics recipient Charles K. Kao.