World Alzheimer’s Day: Know Dementia, Know Alzheimer’s

New Delhi: Every year, September 21 is observed as World Alzheimer’s Day around the world as part of World Alzheimer’s Month. This initiative by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), takes place to raise awareness about the disease. The theme for 2022, ‘Know Dementia, Know Alzheimer’s’ continues on from the 2021 campaign that focused on diagnosis, warning signs of dementia, continued effect of COVID-19 on the global dementia community and more. This year there is special focus on post-diagnosis support.

Named after Alois Alzheimer, a German psychiatrist, Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory, thinking and behavior. According to World Health Organization (WHO), Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and may contribute to 60-70 per cent of cases. The condition worsens in three stages from mild to moderate to severe, with memory loss as a key symptom. In case of Alzheimer’s, the memory loss persists and worsens, affecting the everyday functioning. It is generally the family members or friends who are more likely to notice how the symptoms worsen.

Anyone can get Alzheimer’s disease, but people of certain age group such as those above 65 years and those with a family history of the condition, are more prone to the disease. It is not a typical sign of ageing. However, Alzheimer’s symptoms are sometimes confused with signs of aging and can lead to late diagnosis of the disease. The progression of the disease also varies for person to person. Some might have mild Alzheimer’s for a long time, while others might rapidly progress into severe Alzheimer’s condition.

The SARS-COV-2 virus of COVID-19 pandemic has also had an impact on the count of Alzheimer’s patients. In a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, researchers report that people aged 65 and older who contracted coronavirus were more prone to developing Alzheimer's disease in the year following their COVID diagnosis. It was also reported that the risk for developing Alzheimer's disease in older people nearly doubled from 0.35 per cent to 0.68 per cent over a one-year period following infection with COVID. The highest risk was observed in women at least 85 years old. But the researchers are unclear whether COVID -19 triggers new development of Alzheimer's disease or accelerates its emergence.

With risk factors such as elderly age and family history of the condition, doesn’t mean that one will develop Alzheimer’s disease. It simply raises the risk level. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding smoking and drinking, and maintaining health parameters such as blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol etc within normal limits can be really helpful. As of now, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s however with medications and treatment the progression can be reduced. It is important for people to be aware and educated about the condition, its stages and symptoms, to support those in need.