Caring for Alzheimer's patients

Alzheimer's disease is a form of dementia that is quite common in the community. Alzheimer's usually appears in people over 65 years old, but it can occur at a younger age.

Causes of Alzheimer's disease

The disease was first discovered in 1906 by the German psychiatrist Alois.Alzheimer's.He pointed out that this disease is neurodegenerative, incurable, and potentially fatal.

Therefore, the disease was named after him as Alzheimer's. Shortly afterwards, it was suggested that Alzheimer's disease arises from a decrease in the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (known as the Acetylcholic theory).

However, this hypothesis has recently lost much support, because drugs used to treat acetylcholine deficiency are not actually effective for patients. Instead, other effects related to the acetylcholine neurotransmitter system have been proposed, such as the accumulation of large amounts of amyloid, leading to progressive neuroinflammation. This is the amyloid hypothesis.

This hypothesis suggests that Alzheimer's disease is caused by the accumulation of amyloid beta (Abeta), the underlying cause of the disease. Simultaneously, mutations in the APOE4 gene (a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease) cause excessive amyloid buildup in the brain before Alzheimer's symptoms appear. However, to date, science still does not know precisely the cause and progression of Alzheimer's disease. Research suggests that the disease is associated with plaques and tangles in the brain.

Current treatments only alleviate a small portion of the symptoms; there is no therapy that can prevent or slow the progression of the disease. Scientists have determined that Alzheimer's is a highly complex disease influenced by many different factors, including genetics, with approximately 0.1% being due to dominant gene inheritance, and it typically begins before the age of 65.

Alternatively, several conditions may be associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease, such as high blood cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, smoking addiction, or chronic stress. Environmental factors may also influence the onset of Alzheimer's, as aluminum deposits have been found in the brains of some Alzheimer's patients.

However, statistics show that most cases of Alzheimer's disease are random. Today, neurologists believe that the onset of Alzheimer's disease is due to the gradual loss of neurons and synapses in the cerebral cortex and some subcortical regions. This loss of central nervous system tissues leads to degeneration of the temporal lobe, parietal lobe, part of the frontal lobe, and cingulate gyrus, resulting in irreversible memory loss.

The conclusions drawn are based on the results of computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thus, Alzheimer's disease is a primary degenerative brain disease of unknown etiology, clinically manifested by progressive, irreversible dementia, usually starting primarily in the elderly (over 65 years of age).

Symptoms of Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's disease typically appears in people over 65, but it is sometimes (rarely) seen in patients under 40. Despite the different age groups, the clinical symptoms are similar: irreversible memory loss. However, statistics show that the incidence of Alzheimer's increases with age, with about 1-2% of those aged 65 and over, and about 5% of those aged 80 and over. At age 90, up to 50% of those with Alzheimer's symptoms may experience some degree of the condition. Women are more affected than men, partly because women generally have a longer life expectancy.

The initial symptoms of this condition are often forgetfulness, most noticeably forgetting the names of family members seen daily, sometimes remembering, sometimes forgetting, gradually forgetting completely (spouse, children, grandchildren, etc.), and eventually even forgetting one's own name. Forgetfulness also manifests in many everyday situations, such as leaving behind belongings, wallets, glasses, or making a phone call to a friend or relative and then calling back.

Gradually, over the years, memory loss becomes very typical and progressively worsens, even to the point of "saying you haven't eaten," forgetting dates, and not knowing your way home. Language disorders also begin to appear, with difficulty pronouncing words or not understanding what you just said. Normal motor skills are disrupted, such as difficulty dressing, trembling hands, and difficulty walking, greatly affecting daily personal tasks (personal hygiene, eating) and causing frequent muscle cramps. Cognitive disorders gradually appear, with a loss of the ability to perform simple calculations.

Some patients may exhibit these symptoms.depression(approximately 25%) but symptoms are unstable (sometimes present, sometimes absent), and about 10% of patients experience psychotic symptoms (delusions). If possible, a CT scan or MRI of the brain will show diffuse brain atrophy and degeneration of the temporal lobe, parietal lobe, and part of the frontal lobe. The consequences of Alzheimer's disease include muscle degeneration, especially motor muscles, leading to bedridden patients losing all ability to care for themselves, even eating and drinking. Alzheimer's patients often develop complications from external factors such as infections of bedsores or pneumonia...

Caring for Alzheimer's patients

To date, there is no specific cure for Alzheimer's disease, nor any effective measures to prevent its onset or progression. Therefore, supportive medication and home care are extremely important. To prevent Alzheimer's, it's crucial to establish a healthy lifestyle and diet for the elderly. They should actively participate in physical activities such as walking, swimming, playing sports (badminton, chess, etc.), and joining clubs for senior citizens. Daily reading, watching TV, or listening to the radio are also recommended to exercise the brain.

Because Alzheimer's patients have limited food intake, families need to support them in eating sufficient quantities and maintaining a nutritious diet. For example, foods should be mashed or finely chopped to make them easier to chew, swallow, and digest. Oral hygiene and personal hygiene are essential to prevent the development of other diseases that can worsen Alzheimer's. Co-existing conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes should be treated. Alcohol and smoking should be avoided.

According to Health & Life - NT