The dementia It is a syndrome that involves the deterioration of memory, intellect, behavior and the ability to carry out activities of daily living. Some 50 million people in the world suffer from it, approximately 5% of the world’s elderly population, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO). And the disease of Alzheimer’s the most common type.
It is estimated that, in 2030, it will affect 75 million people, 9 million new cases diagnosed each year in the world and 131 million in 2050. In Spain, its prevalence is also high, increasing with age from 3.4 % between 70 and 74 years old to 39% in those over 90 years of age, points out the Spanish Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology (SEGG).
In this context, each September 21st is celebrated on World Alzheimer’s Day, a date to reflect on the disease, its treatments and consequences for affected individuals and families.
Injuries at an early age
Alzheimer’s disease begins to produce microscopic brain lesions many years before the first signs of the disease appear (10-20 years), according to the Spanish Alzheimer’s Confederation.
Symptoms often begin insidiously, making early diagnosis difficult. However, the cognitive problems and depressive symptoms they can appear several years before the clinical diagnosis of the disease.
The confederation distinguishes between two great groups of warning symptoms:
1. Initial memory problems. The patient suffers from a slight memory disorder, which is difficult to distinguish from fatigue, lack of motivation or anxiety symptoms. For example, frequent distractions, repetition of the same phrase, leaving things in places that you do not remember …
2. Psychological problems. We are talking about depressive symptoms in a person over 60 years of age who had never manifested psychiatric or depressive problems before.
Ten Alerts to Detect Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s Assotiation has created this list of warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, although it points out that each individual can experience one or more of these warnings, without the need for them to be coincidental.
1. Memory changes that make everyday life difficult
One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s, especially in the early stages, is forgetting recent information.
2. Difficulty planning or solving problems
Changes are experienced in your ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble concentrating and it may take longer to do things now than before.
3. Difficulty performing usual tasks
These people find it difficult to complete everyday tasks.
4. Disorientation of time or place
They forget the dates, seasons and the passage of time. Sometimes they may forget where they are and how they got there.
5. Difficulty understanding visual images
In some cases, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer’s. They may have difficulty reading, judging distances, and determining color or contrast.
6. New problems with the use of words in speech or writing
Those affected have trouble following or participating in a conversation.
7. Location of objects
A person with Alzheimer’s often misplaces things. They can lose things without being able to remember where they were. This can degenerate as the disease progresses.
8. Decreased or poor judgment
Changes in judgment or decision making may be experienced.
9. Loss of initiative
Those affected may begin to lose the initiative to do hobbies, social activities or other vital projects.
10. Changes in mood or personality
Humor and personality can change, ceasing to recognize certain characteristic features of that person.
This information does not replace in any case the diagnosis or prescription by a doctor. It is important to go to a specialist when symptoms occur in case of illness and never self-medicate.
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