Pay attention to these symptoms in Alzheimer's: "They may be a sign of changes in daily life."

Head of the Neurology Department at the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Dr. Özgür Bilgin Topçuoğlu, stated in his statement on September 21st, World Alzheimer's Day, that the disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease.

"IT'S HAPPENING VERY FAST AND EARLY"

Professor Özgür Bilgin Topçuoğlu, noting that Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia worldwide, said, "Alzheimer's disease is caused by brain cells dying earlier than scheduled, for reasons not yet fully understood. Everyone experiences brain cell death with age, but in Alzheimer's disease, this process occurs much faster and earlier. With cell death, the brain begins to slowly shrink and shrink. Alzheimer's disease is not a natural consequence of aging; it is a progressive neurodegenerative disease."

THESE SYMPTOMS SHOULD NOT BE IGNORED

Discussing Alzheimer's symptoms, Prof. Dr. Topçuoğlu said, " Forgetfulness , impaired planning and problem-solving abilities, difficulty completing familiar tasks, confusion about time or place, and difficulty finding words in speech and writing are among the significant symptoms. Other symptoms include misplacing items and then being unable to find them, impaired judgment, avoiding work and social activities, and mood and personality changes."

Professor Dr. Topçuoğlu stated that difficulty visually understanding objects and their spatial relationships is another symptom. Explaining this with an example, Professor Dr. Topçuoğlu said, "For example, comparing an object seen through a window to one's own belongings and believing that one could reach it by reaching out with one's hand or stepping out the window are also symptoms."

FORGETTENESS MAY HAVE DIFFERENT REASONS

Prof. Dr. Topçuoğlu emphasized that not every forgetfulness is a sign of Alzheimer's, but it should be taken seriously. He warned, "Forgetfulness is a symptom. It can be seen in many diseases or medical conditions other than Alzheimer's. These conditions can range in severity from certain vitamin or mineral deficiencies to brain tumors. Therefore, just like all other symptoms, forgetfulness should be taken seriously and a doctor should be consulted."

FAMILY HISTORY, HEAD TRAUMA, AND DEPRESSION ARE AMONG THE RISK FACTORS

Drawing attention to the risk factors for Alzheimer's, Prof. Dr. Topçuoğlu listed these factors as age, family history, head trauma, history of depression, cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases, low education level and ApoE4 carriership.

THE WORKING BRAIN SHINES

Professor Özgür Bilgin Topçuoğlu stated that Alzheimer's disease cannot be prevented, but that it can be postponed until later in life, depending on life circumstances. He concluded: "Although treatment studies are ongoing to prevent the disease's mechanism, the onset of Alzheimer's disease cannot be prevented under current conditions. However, as we always say, a functioning brain shines. While symptoms may appear much later in educated individuals who engage in social activities and strive to produce, factors such as low education levels, social isolation, and isolation from everyday life cause the disease symptoms to appear much earlier. This is crucial for a person's quality of life."

(DHA) This content was published by Sedef Karatay