June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, and the piece below is one of several this month to educate the public about these critical topics. ALZHEIMER’S disease is a complex condition that affects millions of people worldwide, yet many misconceptions still surround it. To combat some of these misconceptions, here are five key facts about Alzheimer’s disease: Progressive brain disorder: Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys memory and thinking skills, eventually interfering with daily tasks and activities.
It is the most common cause of dementia and accounting for 62 per cent of Jamaican dementia cases. Dementia is a term used to describe a group of symptoms associated with a decline in thinking skills. Risk factors and age: While age is the greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer’s, it is not a normal part of ageing.
Most people with Alzheimer’s are 65 and older, but the disease can also affect younger individuals, known as early-onset Alzheimer’s. Other risk factors include genetics, family history, history of traumatic brain injuries, and certain lifestyle factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, unhealthy diet, smoking, and sedentary life. Symptoms and warning signs: The early stages of Alzheimer’s often involve subtle changes in memory and thinking, such as forgetting recent conversations or events, difficulty with problem-solving, and confusion about time or place.
As the disease progresses, symptoms may worsen, .
