Alzheimer’s affects 50 million people worldwide and this number is expected to increase due to an aging population
Today is World Alzheimer’s Day and National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Day (21/09), an opportunity to promote greater information on the disease which, according to Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), affects 50 million people worldwide. According to the organization, this number could reach 74.7 million in 2030 and 131.5 million in 2050, due to the aging population.
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The growing incidence has also increased awareness of the disease, for which there is no cure. Therefore the most common question is: is it possible to prevent Alzheimer’s? “The causes of the disease are not 100% known and there is an important genetic component in the possibility of developing it”, explains endocrinologist Dr. Alessandra Rascovski, creator of the “Cérebro em Ação” initiative.
However, according to her, it is already known that adopting certain habits throughout life and monitoring health indices significantly influence the onset of the disease.
A study from the University of São Paulo (USP), for example, involving 9,412 people from different regions, socioeconomic levels and ethnicities, with an average age of 63 years, revealed the 12 risk factors most associated with development of dementia in Brazil.
Know some risk factors for Alzheimer’s
Hypertension. Keeping blood pressure under control is fundamental and is considered one of the most important factors in preventing the disease, but not only that: various cardiac complications can be avoided, as well as cases of stroke. “The ideal is to always have a size of up to 13 by 9”, explains the specialist. Anyone who already has the disease, which also has genetic causes, must use daily medications to control its rates.
Lifestyle. It is essential to control your weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle, do physical activity, not smoke and drink in moderation. This is because obesity, smoking, alcoholism and a sedentary lifestyle are also important causes of the possibility of developing the disease. “We see that these are factors related to health as a whole and this is logical, since the brain is not unrelated to the health of the rest of the body,” comments Alessandra Rascovski.
Well being. Depression and social isolation are other possible causes of an increased chance of developing the disease. “We know that the pandemic has significantly increased these rates due to health measures. But it is important that people resume their social contacts, even if little by little, and seek psychological support and help if they have difficulties. We are social human beings and we need to be in touch to live well,” says the doctor.
Risk factors vary beyond health
Socioeconomic context. The level of education is considered the main factor of disease. This is because stimulating the brain and learning are fundamental tools for the health of the organ. Another social context factor is air pollution, which has also been identified as a risk for Alzheimer’s. “Developing countries, like Brazil, have a population that is more vulnerable to these factors. The lack of equity in access to services certainly hinders the health of the population and is a factor that requires the attention of governments”, underlines .
Diabetes. Diabetes, one of the most widespread multifactorial diseases in the world, also affects the brain, including the possibility of developing Alzheimer’s. According to the specialist, “this is where the formula for weight control and healthy eating comes into play. For those who have already received the diagnosis, the correct and controlled use of medications contributes to better management of the disease.”
Multifactors. Research has also identified two other factors that influence the development of the disease: hearing loss and head trauma. “In this case, in addition to always contacting the ophthalmologist to keep our hearing health updated, these are causes beyond our control. Traumas usually occur due to accidents”, underlines Dr. Alessandra Rascovski.
Alzheimer’s
The disease occurs when the processing of certain proteins in the central nervous system starts to go wrong. Poorly cleaved toxic protein fragments then appear inside the neurons and in the spaces between them. As a consequence of this toxicity, there is a progressive loss of neurons in some regions of the brain, such as the hippocampus, which controls memory, and the cerebral cortex, essential for language and reasoning, memory, recognition of sensory stimuli and abstract thinking.
The first symptoms can begin even ten years before and appear gradually. Initially it is normal to forget names or simple daily activities. However, as time passes, the individual’s functionality gradually decreases; he is no longer able to do the things he was used to and begins to depend on the help of others, as explained by the neurological coordinator of the Cajuru and São Marcelino Champagnat hospitals, Carlos Twardowschy.
“Memory loss occurs slowly and progressively, accompanied by behavioral changes, such as isolation and apathy. The patient may also experience difficulties in simple daily activities, such as using household utensils and searching for appropriate words. These are signs that the family should always be informed. As soon as they begin to appear, the indication is to contact the doctor for an evaluation”, says the neurologist. “In addition, it is also important that people who have a first-degree relative diagnosed with Alzheimer’s undergo a thorough neurological evaluation,” he cautions.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
